Conservation of wetlands: European strategy

A call for the establishment of "Euro wetlands" meeting strict environmental standards was made by the environment committee today when it adopted a non-legislative report by Mrs Angela KOKKOLA advocating the wise use and conservation of wetlands. The report represents the committee's reaction to a communication from the Commission to the Council and Parliament on the same subject. Other measures recommended by the committee include drawing up an inventory of Europe's wetlands, giving wetlands special status involving integrated sustainable management and banning the use of EU funds for projects such as afforestation or drainage which damage wetlands. Since the basic problem is conflict over the allocation of water resources, the report is also calling on the Commission to draw up a water-saving programme. Observing that the efforts made so far by the Union had been insufficient to check the continuing loss and degradation of wetlands, the report blamed poor information, the malfunction of market forces and misguided administrative action by Member States and the Union. �