Restoring the Water Cycle through Basin Governance: Nature Based Solutions, Crisis Management, Pollution Prevention (WFD) and Biodiversity

This workshop will explore the implementation of Objective 1 of the European Water Resilience Strategy (EWRS), with a strong focus on preparedness and adaptive capacity at river basin scale. Central to the discussion will be the implementation of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) as the cornerstone of EU water policy, including progress, gaps, and enforcement challenges across Member States.
Particular attention will be given to the role of River Basin Authorities in integrating WFD objectives with the Floods Directive, ensuring coherent and risk-based water management. The session will also address the transition towards sponge landscapes and sponge cities, promoting nature-based solutions to enhance retention capacity and climate resilience.
Key issues related to nutrient reduction under the Nitrates Directive will be discussed, alongside emerging priorities on PFAS and persistent pollutants, including remediation strategies and the application of the polluter pays principle. The workshop will further explore synergies with the Nature Restoration Regulation, linking ecosystem recovery with WFD targets.
Finally, a source-to-sea approach will be emphasized to ensure integrated implementation of the WFD across the entire water cycle, from inland waters to coastal and marine environments.

Session Chairs

Alessandro Delpiano, Po River Basin District Authority and International Network of Basin Organizations (INBO)
Giuseppe Travia, General Director, Ministry of Environment and Energy Security

Program 

Introduction by the Chairs

Implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between ARERA and the River Basin District Authorities
Alessandro Bratti, ARERA

Integrated River Basin Governance: Balancing European Directives, Territorial Needs, and Climate Change
Giuseppe Travia, General Director, Ministry of Environment and Energy Security

Learning from the past to govern the future: Drought and water resource availability in a changing climate
Stefano Mariani, ISPRA (Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research)

Water utilities' contribution to basin resilience and monitoring (M0 indicator)
Gaia Rodriquez, UTILITALIA

Panel: District Basin Authorities representatives
Panel moderator: Andrea Gavazzoli, Journalist

Alessandro Delpiano, Secretary General, Po River Basin District Authority
Gaia Checcucci, Secretary General, Northern Apennines River Basin District Authority
Marco Casini, Secretary General, Central Apennines River Basin District Authority
Vera Corbelli, Secretary General, Southern Apennines River Basin District Authority
Marina Colaizzi, Secretary General, Eastern Alps River Basin District Authority
Costantino Azzena, Secretary General, Sardegna River Basin District Authority (TBC)

Panel discussion: Building resilient river basins through integrated governance
Discussion themes:
•    Implementation of the Water Framework Directive 
•    Integration with the Floods Directive 
•    Nature-based Solutions and sponge landscapes 
•    Biodiversity restoration under the Nature Restoration Regulation 
•    PFAS and emerging contaminants 
•    Nutrient reduction and diffuse pollution 
•    Source-to-sea governance 
•    Strengthening cooperation between River Basin Authorities, regulators and water utilities

Discussion and closure by the Chairs