While the first River Basin Management Plans and the programmes of measures required by the European Union (EU) Water Framework Directive (WFD) are being finalised, interest in economic instruments for water management is again on the rise throughout Europe. This in part can be explained by the need for new sources of financing. In addition, some countries are paying attention to innovative economic instruments as they search for more cost-effective water management options.

To respond to such emerging challenges, ONEMA organises a European workshop entitled “Economic instruments to support water policy in Europe : Paving the way for research and future development”. The workshop will provide an opportunity for economists, practitioners, policy makers and researchers to dialogue on the potential for (new) economic instruments in the field of water. This will enhance our knowledge base on critical design and implementation issues (e.g. effectiveness and efficiency factors, expected social and economic impact, institutional requirements, etc.).

The proposed agenda is a combination of a series of practical illustrations from the EU and non-EU specialists (from the US, Australia, South-Africa...) and of working sessions which aim at confronting policy demands with research solutions.

   Tradable permits, quotas and rights . The detailed workshop agenda presenting the list of outstanding European and non-European speakers that will participate to the event can be consulted on this website.

Specific attention will be given to :

  1. Innovative financing instruments for water management ;

  2. Incentive pricing ;

  3. Environmental taxes and charges ;

  4. Financial compensation for ecological damage or for environmental services ;

  5. Tradable permits, quotas and rights . The detailed workshop agenda presenting the list of outstanding European and non-European speakers that will participate in the event can be consulted on this website.