#PROTECTWATER International campaign to defend EU water law

SIGNED BY MORE THAN 100.000 OF EUROPEANS

We all need water to survive. But without healthy rivers, lakes and wetlands, there is no water.

That`s why Living Rivers Europe, a coalition of five environmental and angling organisations: WWF’s European network, the European Anglers Alliance, European Environmental Bureau, European Rivers Network, and Wetlands International, started a #ProtectWater campaign.

They represent a movement of over 40 million people across Europe and here is what they say about the project:

“The goal of #ProtectWater is simple: to defend the EU water law and, in doing so, protect Europe’s rivers, lakes, groundwater and wetlands, and the wildlife they house, for generations to come. Can you imagine a world without your favourite beer? Do you want to see the homes of entire species of fish, birds, mammals and insects protected? Don’t you think that fish should be allowed to mate and reproduce…even if they’re not particularly sexy?

The European Commissi1on is now evaluating whether or not to change the law which protects our rivers, lakes and wetlands – and there is a real risk that it will be weakened! In fact, many EU Member States are pushing for this.

This law – known as the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) – is both strong and ambitious. It protects everything from our groundwater, rivers and lakes, to streams, coastal waters and wetlands. It also aims to ensure that waters which have already been damaged are brought back to life, and by 2027 at the absolute latest.

But, as you read this, many governments are trying to weaken the law during the European Commission’s ongoing evaluation (known as a ‘fitness check’). This would be a terrible blow for our rivers, lakes and wetlands, and everything that depends on them, making them even more vulnerable to pollution and the construction of destructive infrastructure, for example, for grey flood defence, navigation and hydropower.

All of these things completely rely on healthy freshwater ecosystems, such as rivers, lakes, streams, wetlands and groundwater. But, all across the EU, these ecosystems are under attack – in fact, 60% of them are not healthy because they have been relentlessly polluted, dammed and dredged. And, of course, we are simply using far too much water.

The European Commission now wants you to have your say through its public consultation. This is your only chance to tell them to keep our water law strong. We have prepared the response that will best ensure that the law is kept safe.”

To support them and send this to the European Commission on your behalf, click here.

PHOTO: YouTube printscreen

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