European Union Water Management Associations (EUWMA )

Description:

The European Union of Water Management Associations (EUWMA) was established in 1996. The objective of the EUWMA is:

• To increase cooperation in the field of water management between the European Water Management Associations so as to provide relevant information, views, position papers and policy documents to National Governments, the European Commission, the European Parliament and other relevant institutions.
• To exchange knowledge, experiences and views among the members

EUWMA members are (Umbrella) organizations in the EU member states representing organizations based on public law responsible for regional and local water management (flood protection, land drainage, water level management, irrigation). At present, organizations from Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and United Kingdom are members of EUWMA.

The low lying areas of Europe have much in common, being under threat from tidal and inland flooding, dependent upon land drainage to sustain land use, be it agricultural or developed areas, and in which essential works must be carried out. Equally these very often have a high environmental interest, which in many cases has been created by drainage works, but could be detrimentally affected by the management of flood protection and land drainage systems.

To this extent the organizations in such countries are tackling the same problems and considering the same issues. In view of this, liaison between such organizations can be of benefit to them, the countries within which they operate, and the wider European interest. The European Union of Water Management Associations (EUWMA) is a platform for (umbrella) organizations in the EU member states representing organizations based on public law dealing with/responsible for regional water management (flood protection, land drainage, level management, irrigation). EUWMA represents over 8.600 individual organizations, covering over 50 mln. ha.

EUWMA undertakes the following activities:

1. Hold meetings to exchange views and formulate policies on matters of common interest.
2. Jointly consider proposals by the European Union and as necessary make joint submissions.
3. Exchange submissions made to national governments on European issues.
4. Keep members updated on developments in the individual countries which could impact on flood protection and land drainage.
5. Exchange administrative and technical information and publications of common interest.
6. Seek collaboration in areas of research and development where this is appropriate.
7. Promote the objectives through formal meetings and regular exchanges.
8. Organize a yearly general meeting.
9. Organize workshops on relevant themes.

Reference information

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