The Heritage Council Annual Report 2002

developing policy advice on pan-European environmental issues. The conference held
as part of this year’s annual meeting examined the links between nature and
agricultural policy, and examined ways in which the Common Agricultural Policy
could be further reformed to expand the rural development aspects of agricultural
policy to incorporate heritage protection.
Water management/Water Framework Directive
In its strategic plan 2001-05, the Council identified water quality as one of its main
areas for policy development. As part of the process of drafting this policy, the
Heritage Council will canvass opinion on current water quality and current and future
water management proposals and is bringing out a consultation document for
widespread distribution. To assist in this work a working group was set up in January
2002 with representatives of the scientific, agricultural, NGO and user communities.
The consultation covers the following areas:
- The water cycle and main causes of pollution
- Current status of waters
- The Water Framework Directive (WFD) - its aims and implications
- The role of public participation in the WFD
- Where to get more information.
While intended to stimulate response, the document seeks to pass on information on
water quality and management issues, and on the WFD.
(L to R) Michael Starrett, Chief Executive Heritage Council; Mike Hamell, Head of
Agriculture and Forestry Unit, DG Environment, Brussels; and Franc Lobnic,
Chairman of the EEAC and President of the Council for Environmental Protection of