Policy area
Policy area
Water and the implementation of the European Union Water Framework Directive
ACTeon has developed a unique expertise in the field of water policy and management at European, country and regional/river basin scales. It is playing a leading role in supporting the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive – providing support to the setting up of methodologies, the development of technical and socio-economic assessments, the analysis of water pricing and econo;ic instruments, the animation of participatory stakeholder processes… or the link between assessments and policy making in the context of the preparation of River Basin Management Plans (RBMP).
ACTeon has contributed to the implementation of the WFD in many EU countries – “older” Member States (France, England, Scotland), new Member States from the first vague (Malta, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia) and the most recent Member States (Bulgaria & Romania).It also provides support to local authorities in France for developing local catchment management plans (e.g. Schéma d'Aménagement et de Gestion des Eaux).
Water scarcity, drought management and sustainable agriculture
Since 2003, ACTeon has developed activities on the integration between agriculture and water management. In particular, it is involved in several projects dealing with irrigation water management, the rational use of water, water savings, desalination and reuse of water… ACTeon participates in global studies for estimating the water saving potential in Europe, analysing in particular the environmental and economic impacts of water demand management scenarios (water pricing, quotas) applied to the agriculture sector in specific catchments (Cyprus, France, United-Kingdom...).
Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) and marine resources
With the arrival of Fabienne Kervarec, senior expert in ICZM, ACTeon is initiating new activities in this field . The interest of ACTeon lies in the investigation of socio-economic and institutional issues relevant to policies aimed at improving the ecological functioning and biodiversity of coastal and marine ecosystems. A workshop with experts from different EU Member States is foreseen beginning of 2009 to identify key issues on the “soft aspects” of the management of marine resources and coastal zones that would require further research at EU level.
Renewable energy and eco-building
ACTeon is launching activities in the field of renewable energy and eco-building. It is involved in the development of an "eco-centre" on eco-building and renewable energy in the East of France. In this context, it investigates future scenarios for renewable energy and eco-construction. And it is contributing to a multi-stakeholder process for building a shared vision of what the future eco-center should look like. In parallel, ACTeon is launching longer-term research on the social and institutional dimensions of renewable energy development at the regional level.
Biodiversity, functions and services of ecosystems
ACTeon has developed specific expertise in the valuation of the functions and services of ecosystems. It is currently enlarging its focus, from the functions and services of aquatic ecosystems to connected wetlands and wider terrestrial ecosystems. It is involved in a study on the economic valuation of wetlands' functions and services for the Adour-Garonne water agency in France. And it analyses perceptions and values of restauring fish diversity in the Upper-Rhine river basin as part of a study for Electricité De France. Forthcoming projects will include studies on nature protected areas and on forests with high biodiversity values.
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