On dynamic naturalness, static regulation and human influence in the Ems-Dollard estuary

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Many river systems in Europe have altered morphology and deteriorated ecosystems due to human interference. We demonstrate how conflicting interests of nature, society and economics in the Dutch–German Ems-Dollard system complicate achieving the nature restoration targeted by the EU Water Framework Directive. This article provides a multidisciplinary perspective on the natural characteristics of a water system and the practical implementation of regulation and policy in a transboundary setting. Important shortcomings of EU and national laws and directives are the static constraints for protection of demarcated habitats under EU directives, which do not do justice to natural hydro-morphodynamic processes.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)596-615
Number of pages20
JournalInternational Journal of Water Resources Development
Volume38
Issue number4
Early online date2020
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This article is adapted from the report ‘A Multidisciplinary Perspective on the Natural Quality and Rights of River Systems’, which the first author wrote for her research project of in the master’s programme in earth sciences at Utrecht University, advised by the other authors. Petra Dankers (Royal Haskoning DHV) and Wouter Iedema (Rijkswaterstaat) are thanked for sharing their expert views on restoration measures, policy and cooperation in the Ems-Dollard region. Citation in the main text is the responsibility of the authors. Constructive comments from two anonymous reviewers helped improve the manuscript. UU Pathways to Sustainability is thanked for hosting the special workshop at the EELF 2019 conference.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2020 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Keywords

  • Ems-Dollard estuary
  • hydro-morphodynamics
  • Water Framework Directive
  • ecological state
  • naturalness
  • policy implementation
  • water law
  • water governance

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