Umweltbundesamt provides insights into water monitoring in Austria
How is water monitoring organized in the European Union and implemented in Austria? Which analytic procedures and reporting demands does the Water Framework Directive require? Which laboratory infrastructure is needed? Managers and laboratory experts from the Moldovan Environmental Agency get answers to these questions on a study visit to Austria from October 2 to 5. The visit is organized by the Umweltbundesamt, the Environment Agency Austria (EAA) in the framework of the EU4Environment Water Resources and Environmental data program and includes excursions to sampling locations in the south of Vienna, as well as a training session at the DWS Hydro-Ökologie GmbH.
The aim of the study visit is to strengthen the knowledge on correct implementation of European water monitoring policies, giving insights into Austrian routines and practices and to provide trainings on the biological laboratory work. The program includes meetings about national, local and international water data collection and reporting at the water management departments of the Federal Ministry for Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management and of the City of Vienna, as well as at the office of the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River. In addition, Moldovan experts receive information on data handling, interpretation and storage.
“Our know-how transfer helps EU Eastern Partner countries, such as the Republic of Moldova or Ukraine, to step-wise upgrade their water management for the EU Candidate status. As our cooperation exists since 2016, we confirm clear progress at responsible institutions but also understand local challenges to achieve the reforms committed by each Government”, explains Alexander Zinke from EEA, the leader of this EU programme