In the network group we did discuss the participatory planning in the different countries and regions.

The partners in Aquarius are determined to let engineers, politicians, ecologists, civil servants work together with farmers on the implementation of the Water Framework Directive or the Nitrate Directive. These directives demand a lot of us, but we have to work on it for future generations.

It was striking that one of our findings was that we still have to work hard with the different parties involved to get a common understanding of the problems, the effect of European legislation and the possibilities to find a commonly accepted solution.

But having said that, we had also examples of good practice. We noticed that in the different pilots the partners found solutions to let involved parties cooperate. And especially not only involving farmers but let them participate. Participation gives a better common understanding of the need for action, makes parties responsible but also leads to better solutions that work in the daily practice of farming.

There we see the need of an open approach to farmers, take them seriously, use their knowledge. Be clear on your long term goals, but also be clear if you’re insecure on your measures. Where you still have to gain knowledge or have to do research. Farmers do need a reliable government with long-term set goals and legislation that doesn’t change with the year. Also the financial support for these measures or income lost of farmers should be long-term.

In this workshop we saw a trend in farmers organizing themselves in area related groups (for example in the Netherlands), picking up the challenges and taking initiatives towards themselves. We saw also how in other countries kitchen table talks were the solution. In the next phase we will connect these best practices to the financial and legislative practice. This analysis will be necessary to get a good overview of the inter weaving of these instruments and how we can make a better use of them during the implementation of the WFD and ND. And let the farmers act in their daily practice also as responsible water managers.

See video about Participatory Planning