Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin
Inspiration Document Based on the International Rhine Basin Conference 29-31 October 2012, Kleve
Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin
1
Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin
index
Foreword ‘’Climate change will have a serious impact on water quantity in the Rhine Basin. Not only will peak water levels increase, long periods of water shortage and drought will occur more frequently and be more severe too. Given the length of time required to implement adaptation measures, it is time to act now. International action and cooperation is needed at Rhine Basin level. The Province of Gelderland, situated in the delta of the Rhine, invited experts and policy advisers to an international conference on ‘Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin’. The conference took place from 29 to 31 October 2012 in Kleve, Germany. The Province of Gelderland is actively involved in water and river management issues
relating to the River Rhine. Our government is convinced that early attention for the effects
of climate change on the water system will be most effective in an international context. The Rhine, one of the most important rivers in Europe, is particularly important for agriculture, shipping, energy production, drinking water, nature conservation, recreation and human wellbeing. We therefore asked ourselves:
• Will there be enough water available in the future to meet these essential needs? • How can we respond to water shortage in the future?
• What measures can reduce the negative consequences of water shortage? The results of the presentations, discussions and work sessions at the conference are
presented in this ‘Inspiration Document for Climate Adaptation in the Rhine Basin’. This
report presents background information on projected water shortages in the Rhine Basin
and highlights the need to take action at river basin level. You will find a description of a so-
called ‘Ecosystem-based Adaptation’ (EbA) strategy and an overview of sustainable adaptation measures which will increase the resilience of the water system and mitigate the negative
impacts of climate change and enhance the overall quality of the environment in the Rhine Basin.
I am very pleased with the result of this conference on ‘Water shortage and climate
adaptation in the Rhine Basin’. The issue of water shortage is now clearly recognised as an
issue of great importance, and I noticed strong engagement for further international action at river basin level. It is clear that the role of the Province of Gelderland is limited. In the chapter ’The Way Forward’, our regional minister for planning, water and international
cooperation explains which initiatives and actions the Province of Gelderland will take with regard to water-related climate adaptation.
I look forward to working on this together!’’
Dr. Annemieke Traag,Regional Minister for
Province Gelderland, the Netherlands
2
Environment, Energy and Climate Adaptation
Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin
index
Structure of this document This inspiration document contains four main parts: Part 1 The Key messages describes the highlights of the issue of water shortage, the strategy of Ecosystem-based Adaption and the way forward.
Part 2 The Conference topics gives a more detailed description on the story behind water
shortage in the Rhine Basin by a compilation of the presentations and workshops at the conference.
Part 3 Ecosystem-based Adaptation measures contains several examples of how the Ecosystembased Adaptation-strategy can be implemented.
Part 4 The way forward is a preview and an open invitation to coorperate on issues of shortage in the Rhine Basin.
Where applicable the names of conference speakers are stated, as links to their presentations. Links in blue.
Throughout the document several suggestions for further reading are given. Links in blue.
3
Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin
index
Index
Key messages 7
Introduction 7 The issue: addressing water shortage 7
The problem: water shortage in the Rhine Basin
8
The strategy: Ecosystem-based Adaptation measures
8
International policy framework 9 The way forward 10
Conference topics: water shortage and the Rhine basin
12
Introduction 12 Characteristics of the Rhine Basin 12 Climate change effects 13 Water and economy 14 Water, soil and agriculture 16 Water and ecology 17
Reducing water loss and water consumption
18
European context 19
Ecosystem-based Adaptation measures 20 Introduction 20 The strategy 20 Renaturation of streams 21 Floodplain restoration 22 Surface water retention 23 Ecological networks 24 Forests 26 Arable land use 27 Urban areas 28
The way forward 30 Presentations 31 Participants 33
4
Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin
International Rhine Basin rivers and elevation
Elevation classes
5
Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin
index
Key messages Introduction This chapter describes the highlights of the issue of water shortage, the strategy of Ecosystembased Adaption and the way forward
The issue: addressing water shortage
Climate change affects all components of the watercycle. Global warming is affecting water systems worldwide, including the water system of the Rhine. There are very strong indications that in the future both very high and extreme
low water flows will occur more frequently. In general, the issue of water shortage in the
Rhine Basin has not been adequately addressed at the level of the entire Rhine Basin. There is a great need to address water shortage at river basin level and the involvement of local, regional and national governments of all Rhine states is considered vitally important.
In the first decades of this century, increasing water shortage will be most visible in sub-
catchments further from the Rhine. In the second half of the century, water shortage will also manifest itself in a strong decline in Rhine discharges in summer and autumn. The
strategy of Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) measures has great potential to mitigate water shortage, whilst providing multiple benefits for other aspects of sustainable development. These benefits are: a reduction of flood risk, increased availability of water for major
economic sectors, improvement of ecology, biodiversity and a contribution to CO2 reduction.
6
Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin
index
The problem: water shortage in the Rhine Basin
Low water in the Rhine Delta (2009).
Low water in the Upper Rhine (2011).
Periods with low water levels are projected to be more extreme and to occur more frequently. Low discharges, often accompanied by increasing water temperatures, pose a serious
problem for the availability of cooling water for energy plants. For navigation, the economic damage is observed along the entire waterway of the Rhine. The extent of the damage for
shipping depends on future fleet development and on the actual water levels in the Rhine and its tributaries. For the lower part of the Rhine Basin, the economic damage by low
Rhine discharges is significant, although partly ‘hidden’, e.g. damage to agriculture due to increased intrusion of salty sea water in the western part of the Netherlands.
It should be recognised that the availability of water in the lower basin is highly dependent on the water supply from Switzerland and southern Germany. Highly illustrative in this
sense is that the Alps are called: ‘the Water Towers of Europe’. In late summer and autumn, some 80% of the water supply in the lower Rhine comes from the upper basin regions and
in dry years even more. Hence the regions in the lower basin should devote more attention to the effects of climate change in Switzerland and southern Germany. At the same time, the Lower Rhine states should strive to become less dependent on the ‘Water Towers’ and
to accumulate water for dry periods in the catchments of smaller streams that feed into the Rhine.
The strategy: Ecosystem-based Adaptation measures
Increase the sponge capacity of the landscape by Ecosystem-based Adaptation measures. 7
Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin
index
In the second half of this century, the availability of water in summer and autumn is
expected to decline significantly. The Rhine countries should anticipate to this change in
the water cycle with measures that stimulate water storage during periods of rainfall and
snowmelt. Fortunately, the landscape can act as a natural buffer system for water storage. It
has the ability to capture and store huge amounts of rainwater and snowmelt like a ‘sponge’. This sponge capacity has been severely disrupted by changing the hydrology of the Rhine Basin into a man-made water system that discharges water as quickly as possible.
Restoring the basin to a more natural system is the basic concept behind the Ecosystembased Adaptation Strategy (EbA). Soils, natural areas, forests, surface waters and arable
lands can provide this ‘eco-system service’. By means of innovative planning, even towns, settlements and industrial sites can play a positive role in water conservation. These EbA measures generally serve flood protection too, which is no surprise because the water
storage and water conservation measures will also slow down and reduce flood peaks. Water
shortage and flooding are two sides of the same coin and the challenge is to design measures
that reduce the flood risk during periods of excessive rainfall and maintain water availability in times of drought. The upper parts of the sub-catchments are most effective for storing water. Such Ecosystem-based Adaptation measures should cover the whole Rhine Basin catchment area as widely as possible.
International policy framework
The European Commission presented in 2012 an integrated approach to safeguard Europe’s water resources. The ‘Blueprint to safeguard Europe’s water resources’ was released by the European Commission just before the conference date and was presented by the Commission at
the International Rhine Basin Conference. The Blueprint outlines wide-ranging actions
8
Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin
index
concentrating on better implementation of the current water legislation, integration of
water policy objectives into other policies and filling the gaps, particularly with regard to
water efficiency. The objective is to ensure that a sufficient quantity of good quality water is available for people’s needs, the economy and the environment throughout the EU. At
the conference, strong parallels were noted between the Blueprint and the conference goals for a climate-resilient Rhine Basin. The EU will encourage local authorities to set efficiency targets for each river basin. This effort will be facilitated by guidance documents in 2014. The International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine (ICPR), being the highest
international authority for integrated water management in the Rhine Basin, represents the Rhine member states on major management issues for the Rhine. Thus far, the ICPR focusses primarily on water quality improvement, ecological restoration and integrated
flood protection. The ICPR has achieved notable results on these themes. The issue of water shortage has not yet received much attention. The conference urged the ICPR to add water
shortage and the related problem of increasing water temperature to its agenda. In January 2013, during an ICPR workshop on the “Impacts of climate change on the Rhine river basin’’, low
discharges and increasing water temperatures were recognised as a major cause of concern for the ICPR.
The way forward
It is a challenge to develop a climate resilient Rhine for future generations. The conference contributes to further recognition of water shortage as a vitally important
issue, and especially the fact that this requires international cooperative action at river basin level. The conference provided clues as to how to move forward in meeting the challenge of adapting to climate change in the Rhine Basin and highlighted the importance of giving water shortage and innovative adaptation measures high priority among local, regional, national and international bodies. At international level, the ICPR will be asked to add
water shortage, and the related problem of rising water temperatures, to its agenda. The Environmental Commission of the European Regions (ENCORE) would be an appropriate
forum to promote active involvement at the regional level. Furthermore all participants are
aware that they can contribute by stimulating their organisations to increase the recognition of watershortage as an issue of major concern in the entire Rhine Basin. All these combined
efforts in relation to climate change, water policy, environmental protection and Ecosystembased Adaptation can make an important contribution to the EU 2020 Agenda. 9
Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin
index
International Rhine Basin general geography
10
Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin
index
Conference topics: water shortage and the Rhine Basin Introduction This chapter gives a more detailed description on the story behind water shortage in the Rhine Basin by a compilation of presentations and workshops during the conference.
Where applicable the names of conference speakers are stated, these names contain links to their presentations.
m3/sec
Characteristics of the Rhine Basin
Origin of Rhine discharge in a dry year (1976). The Rhine’s hydrological regime is characterised by peak discharges in winter and – driven by snowmelt and glacier melt – in spring, and low water levels in summer and autumn.
About 60% of the total yearly flow in the lower Rhine originates from sources in the Alps and southern Germany. During the dry summer and autumn period in dry years, however, this figure may rise up to 90%.
The runoff characteristics of the Rhine Basin are mainly governed by two natural buffer
systems, i.e. the snow buffer and the landscape buffer. A substantial proportion of winter
precipitation accumulates in the Alps during the winter in the form of snow and ice, which
is gradually released as snowmelt in the spring and early summer. However, the snow buffer has been reduced due to current global warming, reflected in the diminishing of glaciers. The landscape buffer is based on the property of the landscape to act as a sponge. In its
natural state, the landscape buffer system, consisting of permeable sub-soils, extensive
natural areas, forests, wetlands, peat lands and surface waters, is capable of storing vast
amounts of water. This natural system has deteriorated significantly over the last century
through increased land occupation, large-scale changes in land use and water management Vreugdenhil. The extent of these changes is visible in the strong decline in the size of the
floodplains of the Rhine. Only a small portion is still ecologically functional due to increased human settlement, economic use and river regulation Neukirchen. Another significant
change has occurred in the water temperatures of the Rhine River: since 1970 the average
temperature of the Rhine has increased by 2.5°C and a further increase as a result of climate change and increasing warm water discharges from energy plants is likely Moors.
11
Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin
index
The Water Framework Directive measures that have been taken to improve water quality have had very positive results but more measures are still required to provide sufficient water and ecological quality. More information: - European Environmental Agency
http://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/alps-climate-change-and-adaptation-2009
Climate change effects
Glaciers are retreating since the industrial revolution.
Climate change is affecting water availability in river systems worldwide. Strong indications can already be seen in streams and rivers in the Rhine Basin. Research within the ICPR-
framework shows a considerable decrease of average precipitation in the Rhine catchment for the second half of this century during the summer period (reduction 10-30%) with a
comparable decrease of low flow discharges. Around 2050, a decrease of low discharges in
the summer of about 10% is expected, however with large regional variations. These changes are primarily caused by declining snow and ice buffers in the headwaters (Alps and southern Germany) and basin-wide changing precipitation patterns. During the winter season,
precipitation will produce less snow and more rain which increases the runoff, whilst during the summer season decreasing rainfall and less melt water from snow and ice are expected to dramatically reduce summer discharge in the second half of this century. Moreover, extreme
events are expected to increase Finger. The reduction of glaciers has already been continuing for some time. Downstream on the Rhine, in the Delta of the Netherlands, the effect of
increasing extremes will be exacerbated by the projected rise in sea level and the general subsidence of the western part of the Netherlands Aarsen.
12
Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin
index
These extreme events, together with a range of other anthropogenic impacts, will have
far-reaching consequences for the environment and economy in the Rhine countries. More information:
- Schweizerische Bundesamt für Umwelt
http://www.bafu.admin.ch/dokumentation/medieninformation/00962/index. html?lang=de&msg-id=44844
- KLIWA-symposium 2012, Klimaveränderung und Konsequenzen für die wasserwirtschaft http://www.kliwa.de/download/symp2012/KLIWA-Symp-5.pdf - PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency http://www.pbl.nl/publicaties/2012/
effecten-van-klimaatverandering-in-nederland-2012
- International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine
http://www.iksr.org/index.php?id=191&L=3&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=718&cHash=a4b 820ea8c5daa0c061c813a75913343
Water and economy
Shipping and other economic sectors depend on the availibility of water on the Rhine.
The Rhine Basin is vitally important for the economy of Western Europe. The Rhine is the world’s second most important river for inland shipping, while the basin’s industrial and chemical companies generate an annual turnover of €550 billion/yr. The turnover in the
agricultural sector is €27 billion/yr. It hosts 2,000 power stations. Almost 80% of the total
electricity generated in the catchment area is produced by nuclear and fossil-fuelled power
plants which depend on the basin’s water resources for cooling. Rising water temperatures have already forced power plants to reduce their production in recent years. The cooling
water capacity will further decline due to the restricted availability of water during long hot summers and a further rise in water temperatures. This reduction is substantial; for the
period 2031-2060 extreme events of power production reduction may increase by a factor 3 Moors.
13
Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin
index
Hydropower is particularly important in Switzerland, accounting for 56% of the country’s
electricity supply. The Rhine discharge, especially in summer, is influenced by the amount
of water released from the hydropower reservoirs in the Alps. The regime for releasing water from these reservoirs is primarily dictated by the price of energy, but policy is gradually
tending towards a better balance of the interests of agriculture, nature conservation and
other sectors in future. Under current operational rules, climate change will probably lead to deficits in filling the reservoirs at the end of this century and particularly in the period July October when runoff is expected to decline most strongly Finger.
Extreme changes in water flow, especially long periods with very low discharges, will have a significant impact on the shipping economy. With increasingly low discharges in prolonged
periods of water shortage, this can lead to huge economic and social damage. However, longterm economic damage projections depend on the adaptability of the fleet in future and on
the climate situation that will determine the magnitude of the low discharges in the future. For the end of this century, from 2070 onwards, the lowest 7-day averaged discharges show a projected decrease of 10% to 30% for the Lower Rhine Moors.
There are 60 million people living in the Rhine Basin and about one third of the inhabitants depend on the Rhine for their household and drinking water supply. Furthermore, Rhine water is used as process water in many industries. Hence, adequate availability of good quality Rhine water is vital.
Agriculture plays a particularly important role in relation to water availability, both as a
driver of changes in the Rhine hydrological regime and also as a sector that can suffer from water surpluses or deficits. Indeed, since farmland covers 70% of the Rhine Basin, it is a
crucial sector in land use related adaptation strategies, e.g. Ecosystem-based Adaptation
(EbA) measures. Thus far, water shortages have not been experienced as a serious problem for most farmers, who give priority to efficient drainage systems in order to ensure that surplus
water is removed from their land as quickly as possible. Watershortage in periods of drought
is substituted by irrigation. In the middle Rhine, for example, farmers resort to groundwater extraction in dry periods for their crop production. However, farming in the western part of the Netherlands suffers great financial loss from increased salt intrusion in periods of low water discharge on the Rhine.
14
Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin
index
Water, soil and agriculture
There is a strong relation between water availibility, soil and agriculture. There is a strong relationship between water availability, soil and agriculture. Water
and soils are the most essential natural resources for agriculture. For many centuries, the hydrological conditions of soils and water systems have been adapted to optimise
the conditions for arable production. Especially in the previous century, the drainage of
farmland was thoroughly optimised to remove water as quickly as possible. This has been
very beneficial for the production of food, but detrimental to water conservation. To respond to climate change and the need to increase groundwater storage, it is wise to consider the
opportunities for farmland to contribute in a positive way to water conservation, especially
since farmland covers up to 70% of the territory in the Rhine Basin. Consequently, this large area can make a significant contribution to groundwater resources, even with limited extra
water storage per hectare. Such an increase of groundwater resources in farmland, which is considered an ecosystem service, will also benefit the farming conditions in long periods of drought.
Conventional arable farming practices cause a significant reduction in the rate at which
precipitation infiltrates the soil, so-called sealing, primarily due to the use of heavy
agricultural machinery and chemicals. The scale of the problem can be illustrated by
the estimate that a loss of infiltration capacity of soils in the entire Rhine catchment of
only 1 mm/hour (which is not statistically detectable) increases total runoff by about 100
million m3/yr Schnug. There are many different ways to increase the infiltration capacity
of farmland. The results of three studies in different sub-catchments in Germany were
presented. In all three studies, the health of the soil ecosystem, such as the percentage of organic matter, plays a crucial role.
15
Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin
index
Research in the Klatschbach catchment area has shown that improvements in infiltration rates of up to 40% are readily achievable when conservation tillage is practised Reich.
However, measures such as conservation tillage do not always offer a simple solution since
leaving some vegetation cover during the winter may well require greater use of herbicides in spring to eradicate weeds. In general, compared to conventional agriculture, the infiltration capacity of organically farmed soils is about a factor two higher. An important indication of healthy soil conditions is the higher density of earthworms. This is especially shown
in organically farmed soils: as a rule of thumb, shifting to organic farming increases the
density of earthworms by a factor of seven. A credo in this sense that was postulated at the
conference was: ‘if you want to analyse soil quality, don’t take a complicated sample to the lab, just count the
bloody earthworms’. Studies showed that in the catchment of the river Schunter, a shift to 100% organic farming would reduce the total area of flooding at high water levels from 101 km2
to 60 km2. A practical policy recommendation in this respect is to increase organic farmed land for every unit area to twice the area of conventional agriculture Schnug. Research in
the Mulde catchment has shown related problems with surface runoff, erosion and flooding because of the low soil infiltration rates by the large areas of conventional agriculture.
The general shift towards more sustainable forms of agriculture which is being promoted by the EU, in many member states and when supported by the arable sector itself, can
contribute to lower water consumption, to healthier soil conditions and to an increase in the water storage capacity of the soil. The required paradigm shift is supported by the Common Agricultural Policy and the Blueprint for Europe’s Waters. More information: - European Commission Agriculture and Rural Development
http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/publi/fact/climate_change/2008_en.pdf
Water en ecology
The size of natural floodplains reduced by 80%, leaving less space for water storage and infiltration. Ecological quality, the water storage capacity and biodiversity have suffered immensely
from changes in the Rhine regime over the past decades. This has already been indicated
16
Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin
index
by the mentioned loss of natural landscape buffers. Furthermore, the original size of the
Rhine floodplains in Germany has declined considerably, leaving less room to accommodate high water discharges. Only 10% of the original floodplains in Germany are still ecologically functional due to human settlement, economic use and river regulation Neukirchen. Also
extensive moorland areas, which used to retain large amounts of rainwater, were converted into forests and farmland. Moreover, the water balance of many wetlands and aquatic
ecosystems has been significantly altered as a result of changing land use. As the Rhine
valley is a crucial natural corridor, these changes have had a far-reaching impact beyond the individual sites and, with climate change forcing range shifts for many species, this impact will probably become even greater Reich. Furthermore, the rise in water temperature has a
very negative impact on the quality of aquatic ecosystems of small streams and of the Rhine itself Vreugdenhil.
Reducing water loss and water consumption
Reducing water consumption is a basic responsibility for all water consumers.
Reducing water loss and water consumption should be mentioned here as a sound contribution to water shortage. Although not explicitly addressed in depth at this
conference, loss and reckless consumption of water should be avoided where possible. A
recent study of the European Environmental Agency reports that the total footprint of water
use of EU citizens is almost 5000 litres/person/day. For this reason, the Blueprint puts great store on reducing water demand. With regard to reducing water consumption and loss of
water, consumers, farmers and businesses can take various measures, such as Akkerman: • Reducing domestic water use;
• Improving the efficiency of water use in industrial processes; • Reducing the quantity of water used for cooling purposes;
• Transition in land use with the focus on reduction of water use; • Shifting to less water demanding agricultural production.
17
Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin
index
European context
The Blueprint promotes the re-naturation of streams to tackle water scarcity and cut pollution. The international water policy is well covered by the recently released
‘Blueprint to Safeguard Europe’s Water Resources’. The Blueprint outlines wide-ranging actions that concentrate on better implementation of the current water legislation,
integration of water policy objectives into other policies and filling the gaps particularly with regard to water efficiency. The objective is to ensure that a sufficient quantity of good quality water is available for people’s needs, the economy and the environment throughout the EU Abat.
The Water Blueprint sets out a three-tier strategy for action:
• Improve implementation of current EU water policy by making full use of the opportunities provided by the current legislation.
• Increase the integration of water policy objectives into other relevant policy areas such
as agriculture, fisheries, renewable energy, transport and the Cohesion and Structural Funds.
• Fill the gaps of the current framework, particularly in relation to the tools needed to increase water efficiency.
At the conference, parallels were noted between Blueprint and the conference goals for a climate-resilient Rhine Basin. Ecosystem-based Adaptation measures, for example, are indicated as Natural Water Retention Measures (NWRM) in the Blueprint.
The Blueprint identifies a wide range of priority problems for surface water across Europe, including many management challenges. In 2030, about half of the EU river basins are
expected to experience water shortage. This alarming expectation should be counteracted
by measures which should mainly focus on the expansion of sustainable measures. For this
expansion, Member States should make full use of River Basin Management Plans that take into account an integrated approach to water resources across different policy fields like agriculture, energy, transport and integrated disaster management.
18
Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin
index
This will be facilitated by the European Commission who released on ‘Guidelines on developing adaptation strategies’ early in 2013.
To promote the desired green developments financially, ecological measures such as green buffers may be incorporated in the CAP pillar I (one of the programmes of the Common
Agricultural Policy). Ecosystem-based Adaptation measures, or Natural Water Retention
Measures according to the Blueprint, can be co-supported by the Cohesion and Structural Funds as an alternative to the ‘grey’ infrastructure. The prototype of the hydro-economic
model, which will be further developed under the Inspire programme, will help to assess the cost-effectiveness of the measures. The knowledge base that aims to increase the knowledge of aquatic ecosystems in Europe, the Water Information System in Europe (WISE), is due to be updated in 2015 and will provide useful information.
At European level, the Blueprint notes that too much water is being abstracted in 16 EU member states due to an over-estimate of the quantities available and due to economic
pressures. The Commission intends to encourage authorities to set efficiency targets for
each river basin, based on water stress indictors to be developed with stakeholders under a
process called the ‘Common Implementation Strategy’. It will also ensure that water pricing
is properly applied across Europe as required by the Water Framework Directive. With regard to farming, the Blueprint states that cutting water use should be a condition for receiving
EU rural development funds for some irrigation projects. Natural water retention measures would also be required to receive funds under the first pillar of the Common Agricultural
Policy. The reuse of water from wastewater plants and industrial installations for irrigation and industrial processes will also be encouraged.
The International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine (ICPR), being the highest
international authority for integrated water management in the Rhine Basin, represents the Rhine member states on major management issues for the Rhine. Thus far, the ICPR
has mainly addressed integrated flood protection, water quality improvement and ecological restoration. The ICPR has achieved notable results on these themes. However, the issue
of water shortage has not yet been addressed. The conference urged the ICPR to add water shortage - and the related problem of rising water temperature- to its agenda. In January
2013, during a workshop of the ICPR on the ‘Impacts of climate change on the Rhine river basin’, water shortage and rising water temperatures were recognised as a major issues of concern for the ICPR. These issues will be listed on the agenda of the conference of the Rhine Ministers in October 2013. More information:
- European Commission, waterpolicy, 2012
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/index_en.htm
- European Commision, Guidelines on developing adaptation strategies, 2013
http://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/adaptation/what/docs/swd_2013_134_en.pdf - International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine http://www.iksr.org
19
Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin
index
Ecosystem-based Adaptation measures Introduction Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) is a service of the physical and natural environment to improve the ecological, economic and social conditions for our society. This chapter
contains several examples of different EbA measures. This is just a limited number of
examples, many more examples are available and need to be developed (and monitored) in
real situations to get a better understanding of the effectiveness of EbA measures. In the text references are made to presentations and to internet sites with additional information.
The strategy
EbA-measures increase water availibiliy and improve a broad range of environmental and ecological conditions. It is an holostic approach. Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA), is regarded as a very promising solution to mitigate
watershortage. The benefits of implementing the EbA strategy are that it is based on (re)
using the natural buffer capacity, an ecosystem service of the landscape. It is a sustainable approach, which is effective under different climatic conditions. Moreover, it is a multibenefit approach which enhances biodiversity, improves environmental conditions
and supports the conditions for a strong economy in the Rhine countries. Hereafter an
illustration of EbA measures is presented. Typical EbA measures should not be considered as being opposed to typical structural measures. Sometimes the latter measures are indispensable. The challenge is to apply EbA measures where possible, for example complementary to structural measures. More information: - Science for Environment Policy
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/pdf/32si.pdf - Bundesamt f端r Naturschutz
http://www.bfn.de/fileadmin/MDB/documents/service/Skript_306.pdf - Portal Adaptations to the spatial impacts of climate change:l http://www.sic-adapt.eu
20
Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin
index
Renaturation of streams
A re-naturalised stream; note the former straight watercourse and its present natural morphology. Such near-natural streams regulate extreme waterflows and are valuable corridors in ecological networks. A large number of small streams feed into the Rhine, whose hydrological behaviour has
a great influence on the water levels of the river and its major tributaries. In the previous century, most streams and their arteries were strongly regulated to effectively drain the
surrounding farmland. This man-made hydrological adaptation was designed to remove
water as quickly as possible from the sub-catchments during and after heavy rainfall. This worked well for agriculture for many years, but this system increases the stress of water
shortage in dry summers and increases peak flows on the Rhine and its major tributaries. Regulated streams can be re-designed into robust water bodies, based on their natural
appearance, that can accommodate large quantities of water in periods of heavy rainfall and retain water longer in the catchment. This allows water to infiltrate better into the sub-
soil. These robust streams have a varied morphology and, in combination with other water
conservation measures in the catchment, will provide a base flow for a much longer period of time than regulated streams. So, renaturation of streams helps reduce high discharge peaks and increases the base flow of streams and rivers in dry periods. Furthermore, more natural
streams are also important for improving the water quality, biodiversity, and act as corridors in ecological networks. Several water authorities throughout the Rhine Basin have made a good start with renaturation of streams. Further information: - Schweizerische Bundesamt f端r Umwelt
http://www.bafu.admin.ch/gewaesserschutz/04856/12619/index.html?lang=de - Interreg project Water Adaptation is Valuable for Everybody http://www.waveproject.eu
- Interreg project Hoch & Niedrigwassermanagement in Mosel- und Saareizugsgebied http://www.flow-ms.eu
21
Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin
index
Floodplain restoration
Floodplain restoration supports floodrisk management, supports water retention and creates valuable wetland habitat. Over the last centuries, original floodplains of the Rhine have changed dramatically. The
natural floodplains have become much smaller, with less room to accommodate high water discharges. It is illustrative that only 10% of the original floodplains in Germany are still ecologically functional due to the increase in human settlements, economic use, river
regulation and dikes. To create moer room for the river floodplain, restoration projects are being implemented along the Rhine and its tributaries.
Floodplains not only moderate extreme flows in the Rhine Basin, they also provide a range
of ecosystem services which can be strengthened through appropriate adaptation measures. These services include flood protection, water retention, groundwater recharge, nutrient removal, carbon sequestration, recreation and cultural identity Neukirchen.
Floodplains are also highly valuable in biodiversity terms, not only as hotspots but also as corridors and stepping stones that facilitate the dispersal and migration of species.
Floodplain restoration measures that provide multiple benefits in this regard include the following:
• Widening or restoring floodplains to a more natural condition that increases their
capacity to accommodate high water flows and strengthens their biodiversity value;
• Creating new river channels;
• Creating retention areas to store excess water for dry periods. A large number of floodplain projects are being implemented in Germany and in the Netherlands. In the Netherlands, these projects are part of the Dutch “Room for the River” programme.
22
Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin
index
This programme aims at maintaining present flood water levels whilst increasing the design flow of the Rhine from 15,000 m3/sec to 16,000 m3/sec.
The programme includes 19 projects that will increase the capacity of floodplains and generate biodiversity and other benefits Aarsen. More information: - European Centre for River Restoration http://www.ecrr.org
- Bundesamt f端r Naturschutz
http://www.bfn.de/0324_gewaesser_auenentwicklung.html - Riverrestoration projects in the Netherlands
http://www.ruimtevoorderivier.nl/meta-navigatie/english/ room-for-the-river-programme
http://www.deltacommissie.com
http://www.natuurmonumenten.nl/project/
rivierklimaatpark-ijsselpoort-floodplain-development
Surface water retention
Natural water retention measures contribute to waterconservation and increase biodiversity. The aim of increasing surface water retention is to minimise flooding by streams and
rivers during and after excessive rainfall. This temporarily stored rainwater can be released gradually at a rate that does not exceed the capacity of the catchment. Furthermore, it can help to recharge the groundwater by infiltration, so that this infiltrated water can become available as base-flow in dry periods to mitigate the low-flow situations.
This can be achieved through a variety of measures, such as creating small lakes and
ponds lined with vegetation, or expanding natural retention areas as wetlands and terrain depressions. Apart from water retention, these semi-natural retention areas can also be
beneficial for other functions like nature conservation, drinking water supply and recreation
23
Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin
index
Akkerman. A more artificial but effective measure for improved retention in farmlands is to
install small weirs in open drains in farmlands as part of level-regulated drainage. Retention measures are most effective when located upstream in the catchments, because there the
storage capacity of the sub-soil (in case of infiltration) will generally be greater and the travel distance of the water to the Rhine will be longer.
Surface water retention measures can be very effective in preventing or limiting flooding and improving the water availability and small measures can, in many cases, be achieved within a relatively short period. Larger areas may require a large portion of land which is not always readily available. Depending on the natural setting, some measures may be considered
controversial with regard to their environmental impact, e.g. large reservoirs. The tendency
at present is to divert from such artificial measures where possible, in favour of more natural measures. More information:
- Science for Environment Policy
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/pdf/32si.pdf
Ecological networks
Expansion of ecological networks in all Rhine countries is a strong contribuation to climate resilient watersystems. Ecosystems play an important role in climate regulation and climate adaptation. This means that ecological networks, which are gradually being implemented in all Rhine countries, should be recognised as valuable instruments in reducing the negative impact of global
warming, flooding and drought. Ecological networks encompass enlarging natural areas, implementation of ecological corridors (e.g. climate corridors), and restoration of water systems.
24
Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin
index
Ecosystems are affected by climate change, but at the same time play an important role in climate regulation and climate adaptation. This very strong relationship between ecology and climate should be used as an incentive to make better use of the potential ecosystem services of the ecological networks. The main elements of ecological networks are core
areas (the large natural areas within the network, often Natura 2000 sites) and ecological
corridors (linear natural connections between core areas). In particular, large core areas can act as a ‘sponge’ to receive and retain water, which will gradually be released towards the surrounding areas. Corridors reduce erosion caused by extreme rainfall.
The primary function of corridors is to allow animal and plant species to disperse between their habitats. This is absolutely necessary as an adaptation towards climate change. Ecological corridors will often coincide with natural or renaturalised streams and the
wetland habitats along the banks. A coherent network of renaturalised robust streams will
promote water conservation and act as an ecological network for many species. Renaturalised floodplains of the Rhine can be developed as the backbone of such a coherent, water-related green-blue infrastructure Vreugdenhil. More information: - Pan-Alpine Ecological Network
http://www.bfn.de/fileadmin/MDB/documents/service/Skript273_web.pdf - German Ecological Network
http://www.bfn.de/0311_biotopverbund.html - Netherlands Ecological Network
http://www.grazingnetworks.nl/ecological-networks/
experiences-with-ecological-networks-in-the-netherlands
- European Green Infrastructure
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/info/pubs/docs/greeninfrastructure.pdf
25
Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin
index
Forests
Expansion of forests and transition of evergreen tree cultures to mixed and decidious forests increases water infiltration into the soil. Forests cover a substantial part of the Rhine Basin. In Baden W端rttemberg, for example, forests cover 38% of the territory. From different perspectives, forests play an important
role in climate adaptation. They store large amounts of CO2, absorb and evaporate huge
quantities of water, store large amounts of groundwater in the sub-soil, they are attractive
shady locations for recreation and forests are the living environment for a countless number of organisms. On the other hand, forests are vulnerable for increasing temperatures and
changes in precipitation, which may reduce the vitality of trees and tree composition. In
optimising the role of forests in water conservation, one can think of increasing their size
and gradually converting existing pine forests into deciduous forest, because the latter are better adapted to warm conditions and evaporate less water.
Also removing the manmade drainage stimulates infiltration of water Vreugdenhil. In the Interreg project ForeStClim, a wide range of forest and climate-related aspects are studied.
ForestClim will produce recommendations on forest management under changing climate conditions and give answers to how future forest management can contribute to climate adaptation, for example increasing groundwater conservation.
26
Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin
index
Arable land use
Farmland plays a key role in climate adaptation. A transition towards healty soil conditions improves water infiltration and benefits sustainable agriculture. Most of the land in the Rhine Basin is covered by arable land. That means that, due to
its large surface, a lot of water can potentially be conserved in the sub-soil of farmland.
As described before, the water system of most farmland has been optimised to dispose of rainwater as quickly as possible, which is completely in contrast with the goals of water conservation. For Ecosystem-based Climate Adaptation, increased water storage under
arable land is a prerequisite. Presentations and discussions at the conference stressed the
importance of approaching farmland as a living productive ecosystem which relies on the availability of water and healthy soil conditions Schnug, Reich.
Infiltration rates of arable soils can be increased in different ways:
• By conservation tilling, i.e. leaving crop residues on the land until tilling in spring;
• By organic farming, for which the infiltration factor is about a factor 2 higher than for conventional farming;
• By increasing the organic matter in general;
• In the USA, a research programme is investigating the possibility of replacing the annual crops, which require tillage every year, with permanent crops with a deep root system that keep the soil covered year round and increases the organic matter in the soil.
It is obvious that a strong contribution from the arable sector is needed to adapt to climate change. Such adaptation will also benefit the arable sector itself.
27
Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin
index
Urban areas
It is a challenge to combine the much needed greening of urban areas with innovative water measures that cool the city environment and improve groundwater infiltration as well.
Urban areas cover a substantial part of the Rhine Basin, about 10% on average. These urban areas generate a major negative contribution to surface runoff at the cost of infiltration in
the subsoil, due to the hard surfaces and conventional urban drainage. The challenge is to
turn this tendency around by promoting optimal urban groundwater recharge through better
rainwater runoff, more permeable surfaces, more temporary subsoil storage, water reuse and green city developments. This should be done in harmony with urban flooding protection requirements. Major assistance to meet this challenge may come from the existing high
density water infrastructure that will generally only need slight adaptation to help water
conservation (in addition to specific measures and retention basins). More and more ideas
are being developed and put into practice in modern city planning to ensure better climate
adaptation. New urban extensions, designed according to the principle of climate resilient
cities with special focus on water conservation, may thus improve rather than charge water conservation Akkerman. More information: - DG Environment
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/pdf/IR3.pdf - European Environmental Agency
http://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/urban-adaptation-to-climate-change
28
Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin
index
Artists impression of the Rhine Basin
29
Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin
index
The way forward ‘’The issue of water shortage will become increasingly pressing due to global warming. For all inhabitants in the Rhine Basin, it is crucial to ensure sufficient freshwater for essential functions: nature, agriculture, shipping, energy production, drinking water and industry. In my opinion, the Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) strategy has great potential to prepare our society for future climate conditions. The Executive Council of the province of Gelderland would like to see more effort being made to tackle water shortage in the Rhine Basin in the next few years. I advocate an integrated approach based on a three-tier strategy: pilot projects, knowledge development and awareness. Pilot projects Pilot projects are necessary to gain experience with EbA measures in practice. Several
projects in which EbA principles have been applied, have been developed and executed in
the Rhine Basin on a limited scale. A few EbA projects are being implemented in Gelderland
and – together with our partners – we plan to launch new ones. With neighbouring provinces and the German State of North Rhine-Westphalia, we are discussing possibilities of crossborder projects in the border region. We would welcome the emergence of an innovative
international network of EbA projects in which experience and knowledge are exchanged. We will be actively approaching initiators of adaptation projects to build such a network. Knowledge development It is important that the existing scientific and practical knowledge is used when pilot
projects are set up and that the effects of the projects are carefully monitored. This is the best way to learn what EbA measures can do for future water management and climate adaptation. At different locations in the Rhine Basin, studies are being performed
into climate change, its consequences and adaptation measures.I want to encourage
collaboration with and between knowledge institutions in the Rhine countries by facilitating a kick-off meeting with relevant institutions. Awareness International attention for water shortage is growing. The execution of illustrative
pilot projects with a firm knowledge base is contributing to this awareness process. We
support international initiatives that lead to a more profound awareness that water is an
indispensable and valuable natural resource which requires the continuous attention of all
governments at all levels. The province of Gelderland invites other organisations in the Rhine Basin to work together on a solution for water shortage”.
Josan Meijers,
and International Cooperation,
30
Regional minister for Spatial Planning, Watermangement Province of Gelderland, the Netherlands.
Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin
index
Presentations Link to the presentation
Topic of presentation and speaker’s name and organisation
Aarsen
The Rhine Basin in the Delta and the influence of climate change, Dr. Lilian van den Aarsen, Director of the Delta Programme / Rivers, Netherlands.
Abat
Blueprint for Europe’s Waters: a challenge for the Rhine Basin, Mrs. Marta Moren Abat, Coordinator Water Framework Directive, Water resources Unit, General Directorate for Environment, European Commission.
Akkerman
Hydrological effectiveness of Ecosystem-based Adaptation measures in the Rhine Basin, Ir. Gert-Jan Akkerman, Rivers, Deltas and Coasts Division, Royal HaskoningDHV, Netherlands
Finger
The Rhine Basin in the Alpine region and the influence of climate change, Dr. David Finger, Oescher Centre or Climate Research, University of Bern, Switserland
Henrich
Outlook for climate adaptation and international cooperation, Mr. Hans-Jürgen Henrich, Director-General, Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Agriculture, Conservation and Consumer Protection, NRW, Germany.
Mehlig
The Rhine Basin in North Rhine-Westphalia and the influence of climate change, Mr. Bernd Mehlig, Landesamt für Natur, Umwelt und Verbraucherschutz, NRW, Germany.
Moors
Impact of water shortage on economic activities in the Rhine Basin, Dr. Eddy Moors, Head of Climate Change and Adaptative Land and Water Management Group, Wageningen University and Research Center, Netherlands
Neukirchen
River floodplains in Germany – in times of climate Change, Mr. Bernd Neukirchen, Head of division of Inland Waters, Floodplain Ecosystems and Water Balance, Bundesamt für Naturschutz, Germany.
Reich
Contribution of natural areas and landscapes towards climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin, Prof. Dr. Michael Reich, Institute for Environmental Planning, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Germany.
31
Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin
index
Link to the presentation
Topic of presentation and speaker’s name and organisation
Schnug
Exceptional contributions of agriculture in the combat against climate change and its consequences, Prof. Dr. Dr. Ewald Schnug, Institute of Crop and Soil Science, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants – Julius KuehnInstitut, Germany.
Vreugdenhil
Climate change and challenges for ecosystem-based climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin, Drs. Bram Vreugdenhil, Department of Nature & Environment, Province of Gelderland, Netherlands.
32
Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin
index
Participants
Name
Organisation
Mrs L.F.M. (Lilian) van
Deltaprogram Rivers
den Aarsen Mrs A.M. (Marta) Abat
Water Framework
Mr Th. (Thomas) Bäumen
Kreis Kleve, Abt. Personal, Frau Koenen
Dr. G. (Graham) Bennett
Syzygy
Mr D. (Denis) Besozzi
Agence de l’Eau Rhin Meuse
Mr L. (Liekel) Boer
WUR
Mrs G.B. (Gudrun) Both
Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Agriculture, Nature Conservation and Consumer Protection of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia
Mr L.W.B. (Luuk)
Wageningen University
Brinkman Mr E. (Erik) Buschhüter
Umweltministerium NRW
Mr R. (Ronald) van
RWS Centre for water management
Dokkum Ing. P.J.J. (Piet) van Erp
Waterschap Regge en Dinkel
Dr. D.F. (David) Finger
University of Bern
Ing. W. (Wolfgang)
Landesanstalt für Umwelt Baden-Württemberg
Hennegriff Mr A.L.(Hans-Jürgen)
Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Agriculture,
Henrich
Conservation and Consumer Protection of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia
Mrs A.A. (Aleksandra)
RWS Limburg
Jaskula Mrs. J.C. (Jennifer) van
Wageningen University
Dijk Mr Sjaak Kamps
Euroregio
Mr F.B.A. (Frank) van
Provincie Noord-Brabant
Lamoen
33
Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin
index
Name
Organisation
Mr M.L. (Markus) Lang
Emschergenossenschaft / Lippeverband
Mr M.L. (Michael) Loch
Bavarian State Ministry for the Environment and Public Health
Mr K.M. (Klaus)
NABU-Koordinationsstelle Rhein
Markgraf-Maué Mr B. (Bernd) Mehlig
Landesambt Natur, Umwelt und Verbraucherschutz NRW
Dr H.G. (Georg) Meiners
ahu AG
Mr. G.P.(Bert) Meijers
Provincie Gelderland
Mrs. K.M. (Katharina)
Ministerium für Klimaschutz, Umwelt, Landwirtschaft, Natur-
Möhrle
und Verbraucherschutz des Landes NRW
Dr E. (Eddy) Moors
Wageningen University
Mr B. (Bernd) Neukirchen
Bundesamt für Naturschutz, Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, Germany
Mr L.M.R. (Gehrard)
MKULNV Nordrhein-Westfalen
Odenkirchen Mr Hein Pieper
Waterschap Rijn IJssel
Mrs M.R. (Monika)
Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Agriculture,
Raschke
Nature Conservation and Consumer Protection
Dr M.R. (Michael) Reich
Leibniz Universität Hannover
Mr C.J.M. (Kees) van
LTO The Netherlands
Rooijen Mr B.S (Benjamin) Saniba
IWW RWTH
Mr B.S. (Bernd) Schneider
LUWG Mainz
Prof. Dr. E. (Ewald)
Institute ffor Crop and Soil Science JKI
Schnug Mr E. (Erik) van Slobbe
Wageningen University and Research
Mr J.A. (Han) Sluiter
Staatsbosbeheer
Mr J.G. (Jos) Timmerman
Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment, DirectorateGeneral for Spatial Development and Water Affairs
34
Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin
index
Name
Organisation
Mrs T.W. (Tanja)
Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Agriculture,
Tyrann-Weyers
Conservation and Consumer Protection of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia
Mrs C.C. (Claire) Vos
Alterra Wageningen UR
Dr. W. (Wilhelm) Wehren
Landwirtschaftskammer Nordrhein-Westfalen
Dr. U.W. (Ulrich) Werneke
Naturschutzzentrum im Kreis Kleve
Ir B.G.M. (Ben) van de
International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine
Wetering Mrs S.W. (Sara) Wild
Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Agriculture, Conservation and Consumer Protection of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia
Drs A. (Bram) Vreugdenhil
Provincie Gelderland
Ir. M.J. (Marius) Bolck
Provincie Gelderland
Mrs S.H. (Sonja) van Dijk
Provincie Gelderland
Mrs N. (Nathalie)
Provincie Gelderland
Hoppenbrouwers-Bos Msc. T.J. (Teun) Spek
Provincie Gelderland
Mr. D. (Doede) Sijtsma
Provincie Gelderland
Dr. A. (Annemieke) Traag
Provincie Gelderland
Ir. B. (Britta) Verboom
Provincie Gelderland
Mr R.J. (Rob) Bonte
Royal HaskoningDHV
Mr G.J. (Gert-Jan)
Royal HaskoningDHV
Akkerman Mrs F. (Femke)
Royal HaskoningDHV
Veldhuizen
35
Mrs M. (Maike) de Lange
Royal HaskoningDHV
Mr. Jac van Tuijn
Crest on media
Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin
index
Colophon
Text Province Gelderland, HaskoningDHV, Syzygy Illustrations Bundesamt f端r Naturschutz (p 16,24), De Jong Luchtfotografie (p 13,21,22),
European Commission (p 8), Wolfgang Hennegriff (p 7-right), Lucas Kukler (front, p 29), Gerrit Perquin (p 5,10), Province Gelderland (p 2,3,4,7-bottom,9,11,28,30,37),
Rijkswaterstaat (p 1,15), Bram Vreugdenhil (p 7-left, 18, 23), Unknown (p 6, 12,17,20,26,27) Production Province Gelderland Website www.gelderland.nl/klimaatconferentie2012 For further information please contact Drs. Bram Vreugdenhil
Senior policy officer for water, ecology & climate adaptation Province of Gelderland, the Netherlands e-mail: a.vreugdenhil@gelderland.nl phone: +31-26-3599526
36
Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin
index
Provincie Gelderland Markt 11 Postbus 9090 6800 GX Arnhem T (026) 359 91 11 post@gelderland.nl www.gelderland.nl