title: The EU Water Framework Directive--a key to catchment-based governance.
abstract: The principles of good water governance require an effective water policy with a clear legal framework and institutional structure for managing river basins and aquifers. Integrated water resources management is essential and decision-making processes must be participatory and transparent. The development of the European Union's Water Framework Directive is outlined, and it is shown how it can serve as the basis of catchment-based governance for the successful management of water quality and quantity in transboundary river basins.
authors.affiliation: Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, Bonn, Germany.
authors.forename: Fritz
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Holzwarth
mesh_terms: D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D003657:Decision Making; D004777:Environment; D005060:Europe; D011050:Policy Making; D011786:Quality Control; D014876:Water Pollution / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014881:Water Supply