The regulation of diffuse pollution in the European Union: science, governance and water resource management

Main Article Content

Sarah Hendry
Alison Reeves

Abstract

Reducing diffuse pollution is a perpetuating problem for environmental regulators. This paper will consider novel ways to regulate its impacts on the aquatic environment, with particular reference to rural landuse. It will look at the relationship between science, policy and law, and the contributions of integrated water resources management and governance at regional, national and river basin scales. Regulatory frameworks for water in the European Union will be explored, along with their implementation nationally in Scotland and at catchment scale in the Tweed river basin. It will conclude that regulation has a role to play, but that it is necessary to take a visionary holistic and integrated approach, nesting regulation within a governance framework that involves all stakeholders and takes full account of developing science and socio-economic drivers to meet environmental objectives.

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Articles (PEER REVIEWED)
Author Biographies

Sarah Hendry, University of Dundee

Lecturer in Water Law,
Advisor of Studies, Programmes Director,
IHP-HELP Centre for Water Law, Policy and Science under the auspices of UNESCO

Graduate School of Natural Resources Law, Policy and Management

University of Dundee

Alison Reeves, University of Dundee

Reader in Geography

School of Environmental Science

University of Dundee