Conservation of wetlands: European strategy

OBJECTIVE: to outline the strategy needed to establish a decisive policy to promote the rational use of wetlands (coastal zones, estuaries and deltas, alluvial plains, lakes, peat bogs). CONTENT: the Commission communication explains that wetlands fulfil several functions (regulating water levels, stabilizing coasts, filtering water etc.) and that they represent a natural and cultural heritage. It points out that the conservation requirements of these areas should be integrated into all the Union's internal and external policies and gives an overview of the measures which need to be taken to arrest the deterioration of these ecosystems in Europe and the world as a whole. The Commission recommends a six-point strategy: - integrated management of water and wetlands; - management of major international rivers; - management of coastal zones; - improved legal instruments for defending wetlands; - improved economic evaluation instruments; - support for research and monitoring and education and training activities. The four main areas identified with a view to a Community policy are: - total coherence of the Natura 2000 network and compliance with the obligations inherent in it; - integrated quantitative and qualitative water management; - a regional planning strategy based on Community principles and incentives; - significant financial support for integrated programmes and the implementation of coordinated multisectoral policies.�