20
➋
Based on the characterization and detailed diagnosis, the next phase involves defining
the basic (ranked) objectives. Objectives relating to the preservation and restoration of
aquatic ecosystems can feature viamore general objectives;
➌
The next phase relates to developing strategies in the basin (strategies to reach
objectives) and the actions ormeasures to carry out; it should obviously comprise
action relating to aquatic ecosystems;
➍
The programme of measures or programme of action results from the previous stages.
It should include an analysis of how themeasureswill be funded and indicators for
evaluating the action.
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THEHANDBOOK FORMANAGEMENT
ANDRESTORATIONOF AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS INRIVERAND LAKE BASINS
3 INCLUDING ECOSYSTEMS INRIVER/LAKE BASINMANAGEMENT PLANS
Evaluating the water footprint is a technique to connect the water situation and aquatic systems.
The water footprint is the total volume of virtual water used to produce a product or service. It
is an indicator based on the actual consumption of water at different stages of production by
the consumer or producer. A distinction ismade between:
n
Blue water, which is the water withdrawn for domestic and agricultural use (surface or
ground freshwater);
n
Green water, which is rainwater stored in the soil (moisture + evaporation + transpiration);
n
Grey water, which is water polluted by production processes.
Water footprints can be useful for:
n
Assessing the extent of potential environmental impacts relating to water;
n
Identifying possible solutions to reduce potential environmental impacts associated with
products at different stages of their life cycle and with processes and organizations;
n
Managing strategic risks related to water;
n
Implementing effective, optimal water management at the level of products, processes and
organizations;
n
Informing decision-makers from industry and governmental and non-governmental
organizations of their potential environmental impact on water (e.g. for strategic planning,
establishing priorities, designing or re-designing a process or procedure, decisions
concerning investing resources);
n
Supplying consistent and reliable information, based on scientific proof, to present the
results of the water footprint.
Awater footprint evaluation carried out in line with international standards can either be an
autonomous evaluation, assessing only impacts relating to water, or part of a life cycle
assessment, in which all environmental impacts are taken into account.
Box 8:Water footprints as a diagnosis tool
