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PRESS RELEASE
Tapping the benefits: Failing to ensure clean water will cost EU citizens dear
(Brussels, 21 March, 2007) - On the eve of World Water Day and the European Water Conference, where the Commissions new report on how well EU water law has been implemented is expected to reveal major gaps, the Dutch society for nature protection, Natuurmonumenten, and the European Environmental Bureau, Europes largest federation of environmental citizens organisations, present the results of a new study, commissioned from the economics institute Triple E. The report, Water flows and cash flows, demonstrates not just that the environment suffers from poor implementation, but also that ensuring European water attains the official good status can bring important economic benefits. Serious implementation gaps have previously been identified by successive reports by environmental organisations, and have now largely been confirmed by the Commissions official evaluation.
Improving and maintaining our waters cleanliness has strong economic advantages, said John Hontelez, EEBs Secretary General. This makes an even stronger case for looking after this precious asset. But the EUs water laws have so far been very poorly implemented, so its far from clear whether we can reap the benefits of having well-managed water resources. The Commission and EU nations must make tackling the very serious implementation gaps their highest priority.
The economic advantages of keeping water quality high include:-
Waterside properties can fetch prices up to 15% higher than inland
Income from recreational fishing is significant. In some countries it brings in more than commercial fishing
Clean and attractive coasts, rivers and lakes support major tourism and recreation activity, providing jobs and high turnover to hotels, restaurants, shops and transport
Access to clean water benefits our physical and mental wellbeing. Hospitals and convalescent homes are increasingly choosing to set up close to coasts and waterways
Investing taxpayers money in water and nature conservation gives good returns. In one case study, societys return on investment took just over a year, whereas government returns on investment take nearly ten years. The case studies also confirm that benefits outweigh costs. Possible benefits associated with gains in biodiversity and recreational use are up to five times higher than calculated costs. Another example of river rehabilitation and habitat improvement in Denmark, which enhanced water quality a n d q u a n t i t y , r e c r e a t i o n a l o p p o r t u n i t i e s a n d r e d u c e d f l o o d r i s k , b r o u g h t b e n e f i t s o f 3 2 . 1 m .
L i n k t o S t u d y ( i n D u t c h : E n g l i s h v e r s i o n a v a i l a b l e s h o r t l y ) : -
H Y P E R L I N K " h t t p : / / w w w . n a t u u r m o n u m e n t e n . n l / n a t m m - i n t e r n e t / n i e u w s / a c t u a l i t e i t / ~ r a p p o r t _ g e l d _ a l s _ w ater_nu_gratis_te_downloaden.htm" http://www.natuurmonumenten.nl/natmm-internet/nieuws/actualiteit/~rapport_geld_als_water_nu_gratis_te_downloaden.htm
For further information please contact:-
Ursula Vavrik, EEB EU Policy Director: ursula.vavrik@eeb.org; Tel: +32 (0)2 289 1304
Pieter de Pous, EEB Water Policy Officer: Pieter.depous@eeb.org;
Tel: +32 (0)2 289 1306
Peter Clarke, Press & Publications Officer: HYPERLINK "mailto:press@eeb.org" press@eeb.org ' ( * 2 5 H T U d o p 縥iiiS@ %h7 5CJ OJ QJ ^J aJ mH sH +h8 h8 5CJ OJ QJ ^J aJ mH sH +h8 h8 5CJ OJ QJ ^J aJ mH sH %hMp 5CJ OJ QJ ^J aJ mH sH %hDa 5CJ OJ QJ ^J aJ mH sH %h} 5CJ OJ QJ ^J aJ mH sH hk h } 5CJ OJ QJ aJ h^ h8 5OJ QJ h8 5CJ OJ QJ j_ hT: Uh8 OJ QJ j ha h8 5OJ QJ U c d
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