Water shortage and climate

adaptation in the Rhine Basin

Inspiration Document

Based on the International Rhine Basin Conference

29-31 October 2012, Kleve

Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin1

Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin

Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin2

‘’Climate change will have a serious impact on water quantity in the Rhine Basin. Not only

will peak water levels increase, long periods of water shortage and drought will occur

more frequently and be more severe too. Given the length of time required to implement

adaptation measures, it is time to act now. International action and cooperation is needed

at Rhine Basin level. The Province of Gelderland, situated in the delta of the Rhine, invited

experts and policy advisers to an international conference on ‘Water shortage and climate

adaptation in the Rhine Basin’.

The conference took place from 29 to 31 October 2012 in Kleve, Germany.

The Province of Gelderland is actively involved in water and river management issues relating to the River Rhine. Our government is convinced that early attention for the effects of climate change on the water system will be most effective in an international context. The Rhine, one of the most important rivers in Europe, is particularly important for agriculture, shipping, energy production, drinking water, nature conservation, recreation and human wellbeing. We therefore asked ourselves:

• Will there be enough water available in the future to meet these essential needs?• How can we respond to water shortage in the future? • What measures can reduce the negative consequences of water shortage?

The results of the presentations, discussions and work sessions at the conference are presented in this ‘Inspiration Document for Climate Adaptation in the Rhine Basin’. This report presents background information on projected water shortages in the Rhine Basin and highlights the need to take action at river basin level. You will find a description of a so-called ‘Ecosystem-based Adaptation’ (EbA) strategy and an overview of sustainable adaptation measures which will increase the resilience of the water system and mitigate the negative impacts of climate change and enhance the overall quality of the environment in the Rhine Basin.

I am very pleased with the result of this conference on ‘Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin’. The issue of water shortage is now clearly recognised as an issue of great importance, and I noticed strong engagement for further international action at river basin level. It is clear that the role of the Province of Gelderland is limited. In the chapter ’The Way Forward’, our regional minister for planning, water and international cooperation explains which initiatives and actions the Province of Gelderland will take with regard to water-related climate adaptation.I look forward to working on this together!’’

Dr. Annemieke Traag,Regional Minister for Environment, Energy and Climate Adaptation Province Gelderland, the Netherlands

Foreword

Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin3

This inspiration document contains four main parts:

Part 1 The Key messages describes the highlights of the issue of water shortage, the strategy of Ecosystem-based Adaption and the way forward.

Part 2 The Conference topics gives a more detailed description on the story behind water shortage in the Rhine Basin by a compilation of the presentations and workshops at the conference.

Part 3 Ecosystem-based Adaptation measures contains several examples of how the Ecosystem-based Adaptation-strategy can be implemented.

Part 4 The way forward is a preview and an open invitation to coorperate on issues of shortage in the Rhine Basin.

Where applicable the names of conference speakers are stated, as links to their presentations. Links in blue.

Throughout the document several suggestions for further reading are given. Links in blue.

Structure of this document

Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin4

Index

Key messages 7 Introduction 7

The issue: addressing water shortage 7

The problem: water shortage in the Rhine Basin 8

The strategy: Ecosystem-based Adaptation measures 8

International policy framework 9

The way forward 10

Conference topics: water shortage and the Rhine basin 12 Introduction 12

Characteristics of the Rhine Basin 12

Climate change effects 13

Water and economy 14

Water, soil and agriculture 16

Water and ecology 17

Reducing water loss and water consumption 18

European context 19

Ecosystem-based Adaptation measures 20 Introduction 20

The strategy 20

Renaturation of streams 21

Floodplain restoration 22

Surface water retention 23

Ecological networks 24

Forests 26

Arable land use 27

Urban areas 28

The way forward 30 Presentations 31 Participants 33

Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin5

International Rhine Basinrivers and elevation

Elevation classes

Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin6

Introduction

This chapter describes the highlights of the issue of water shortage, the strategy of Ecosystem-

based Adaption and the way forward

The issue: addressing water shortage

Global warming is affecting water systems worldwide, including the water system of the Rhine. There are very strong indications that in the future both very high and extreme low water flows will occur more frequently. In general, the issue of water shortage in the Rhine Basin has not been adequately addressed at the level of the entire Rhine Basin. There is a great need to address water shortage at river basin level and the involvement of local, regional and national governments of all Rhine states is considered vitally important.

In the first decades of this century, increasing water shortage will be most visible in sub-catchments further from the Rhine. In the second half of the century, water shortage will also manifest itself in a strong decline in Rhine discharges in summer and autumn. The strategy of Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) measures has great potential to mitigate water shortage, whilst providing multiple benefits for other aspects of sustainable development. These benefits are: a reduction of flood risk, increased availability of water for major economic sectors, improvement of ecology, biodiversity and a contribution to CO2 reduction.

Key messages

Climate change affects all components of the watercycle.

Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin7

The problem: water shortage in the Rhine Basin

Periods with low water levels are projected to be more extreme and to occur more frequently. Low discharges, often accompanied by increasing water temperatures, pose a serious problem for the availability of cooling water for energy plants. For navigation, the economic damage is observed along the entire waterway of the Rhine. The extent of the damage for shipping depends on future fleet development and on the actual water levels in the Rhine and its tributaries. For the lower part of the Rhine Basin, the economic damage by low Rhine discharges is significant, although partly ‘hidden’, e.g. damage to agriculture due to increased intrusion of salty sea water in the western part of the Netherlands.

It should be recognised that the availability of water in the lower basin is highly dependent on the water supply from Switzerland and southern Germany. Highly illustrative in this sense is that the Alps are called: ‘the Water Towers of Europe’. In late summer and autumn, some 80% of the water supply in the lower Rhine comes from the upper basin regions and in dry years even more. Hence the regions in the lower basin should devote more attention to the effects of climate change in Switzerland and southern Germany. At the same time, the Lower Rhine states should strive to become less dependent on the ‘Water Towers’ and to accumulate water for dry periods in the catchments of smaller streams that feed into the Rhine.

The strategy: Ecosystem-based Adaptation measures

Low water in the Rhine Delta (2009). Low water in the Upper Rhine (2011).

Increase the sponge capacity of the landscape by Ecosystem-based Adaptation measures.

Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin8

In the second half of this century, the availability of water in summer and autumn is expected to decline significantly. The Rhine countries should anticipate to this change in the water cycle with measures that stimulate water storage during periods of rainfall and snowmelt. Fortunately, the landscape can act as a natural buffer system for water storage. It has the ability to capture and store huge amounts of rainwater and snowmelt like a ‘sponge’. This sponge capacity has been severely disrupted by changing the hydrology of the Rhine Basin into a man-made water system that discharges water as quickly as possible.

Restoring the basin to a more natural system is the basic concept behind the Ecosystem-based Adaptation Strategy (EbA). Soils, natural areas, forests, surface waters and arable lands can provide this ‘eco-system service’. By means of innovative planning, even towns, settlements and industrial sites can play a positive role in water conservation. These EbA measures generally serve flood protection too, which is no surprise because the water storage and water conservation measures will also slow down and reduce flood peaks. Water shortage and flooding are two sides of the same coin and the challenge is to design measures that reduce the flood risk during periods of excessive rainfall and maintain water availability in times of drought. The upper parts of the sub-catchments are most effective for storing water. Such Ecosystem-based Adaptation measures should cover the whole Rhine Basin catchment area as widely as possible.

International policy framework

The ‘Blueprint to safeguard Europe’s water resources’ was released by the European Commission just before the conference date and was presented by the Commission at the International Rhine Basin Conference. The Blueprint outlines wide-ranging actions

Low water in the Upper Rhine (2011).

The European Commission presented in 2012 an integrated approach to safeguard Europe’s water

resources.

Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin9

concentrating on better implementation of the current water legislation, integration of water policy objectives into other policies and filling the gaps, particularly with regard to water efficiency. The objective is to ensure that a sufficient quantity of good quality water is available for people’s needs, the economy and the environment throughout the EU. At the conference, strong parallels were noted between the Blueprint and the conference goals for a climate-resilient Rhine Basin. The EU will encourage local authorities to set efficiency targets for each river basin. This effort will be facilitated by guidance documents in 2014.

The International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine (ICPR), being the highest international authority for integrated water management in the Rhine Basin, represents the Rhine member states on major management issues for the Rhine. Thus far, the ICPR focusses primarily on water quality improvement, ecological restoration and integrated flood protection. The ICPR has achieved notable results on these themes. The issue of water shortage has not yet received much attention. The conference urged the ICPR to add water shortage and the related problem of increasing water temperature to its agenda. In January 2013, during an ICPR workshop on the “Impacts of climate change on the Rhine river basin’’, low discharges and increasing water temperatures were recognised as a major cause of concern for the ICPR.

The way forward

The conference contributes to further recognition of water shortage as a vitally important issue, and especially the fact that this requires international cooperative action at river basin level. The conference provided clues as to how to move forward in meeting the challenge of adapting to climate change in the Rhine Basin and highlighted the importance of giving water shortage and innovative adaptation measures high priority among local, regional, national and international bodies. At international level, the ICPR will be asked to add water shortage, and the related problem of rising water temperatures, to its agenda. The Environmental Commission of the European Regions (ENCORE) would be an appropriate forum to promote active involvement at the regional level. Furthermore all participants are aware that they can contribute by stimulating their organisations to increase the recognition of watershortage as an issue of major concern in the entire Rhine Basin. All these combined efforts in relation to climate change, water policy, environmental protection and Ecosystem-based Adaptation can make an important contribution to the EU 2020 Agenda.

It is a challenge to develop a climate resilient Rhine for future generations.

Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin10

International Rhine Basingeneral geography

Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin11

IntroductionThis chapter gives a more detailed description on the story behind water shortage in the Rhine Basin by a compilation of presentations and workshops during the conference.Where applicable the names of conference speakers are stated, these names contain links to their presentations.

Characteristics of the Rhine Basin

The Rhine’s hydrological regime is characterised by peak discharges in winter and – driven by snowmelt and glacier melt – in spring, and low water levels in summer and autumn. About 60% of the total yearly flow in the lower Rhine originates from sources in the Alps and southern Germany. During the dry summer and autumn period in dry years, however, this figure may rise up to 90%. The runoff characteristics of the Rhine Basin are mainly governed by two natural buffer systems, i.e. the snow buffer and the landscape buffer. A substantial proportion of winter precipitation accumulates in the Alps during the winter in the form of snow and ice, which is gradually released as snowmelt in the spring and early summer. However, the snow buffer has been reduced due to current global warming, reflected in the diminishing of glaciers. The landscape buffer is based on the property of the landscape to act as a sponge. In its natural state, the landscape buffer system, consisting of permeable sub-soils, extensive natural areas, forests, wetlands, peat lands and surface waters, is capable of storing vast amounts of water. This natural system has deteriorated significantly over the last century through increased land occupation, large-scale changes in land use and water management Vreugdenhil. The extent of these changes is visible in the strong decline in the size of the floodplains of the Rhine. Only a small portion is still ecologically functional due to increased human settlement, economic use and river regulation Neukirchen. Another significant change has occurred in the water temperatures of the Rhine River: since 1970 the average temperature of the Rhine has increased by 2.5°C and a further increase as a result of climate change and increasing warm water discharges from energy plants is likely Moors.

Conference topics: water shortage and the Rhine Basin

m3 /s

ec

Origin of Rhine discharge in a dry year (1976).

Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin12

The Water Framework Directive measures that have been taken to improve water quality have had very positive results but more measures are still required to provide sufficient water and ecological quality. More information:

- European Environmental Agency http://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/alps-climate-change-and-adaptation-2009

Climate change effects

Climate change is affecting water availability in river systems worldwide. Strong indications can already be seen in streams and rivers in the Rhine Basin. Research within the ICPR-framework shows a considerable decrease of average precipitation in the Rhine catchment for the second half of this century during the summer period (reduction 10-30%) with a comparable decrease of low flow discharges. Around 2050, a decrease of low discharges in the summer of about 10% is expected, however with large regional variations. These changes are primarily caused by declining snow and ice buffers in the headwaters (Alps and southern Germany) and basin-wide changing precipitation patterns. During the winter season, precipitation will produce less snow and more rain which increases the runoff, whilst during the summer season decreasing rainfall and less melt water from snow and ice are expected to dramatically reduce summer discharge in the second half of this century. Moreover, extreme events are expected to increase Finger. The reduction of glaciers has already been continuing for some time. Downstream on the Rhine, in the Delta of the Netherlands, the effect of increasing extremes will be exacerbated by the projected rise in sea level and the general subsidence of the western part of the Netherlands Aarsen.

Glaciers are retreating since the industrial revolution.

Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin13

These extreme events, together with a range of other anthropogenic impacts, will have far-reaching consequences for the environment and economy in the Rhine countries. More information:

- Schweizerische Bundesamt für Umwelt http://www.bafu.admin.ch/dokumentation/medieninformation/00962/index.

html?lang=de&msg-id=44844- KLIWA-symposium 2012, Klimaveränderung und Konsequenzen für die wasserwirtschaft http://www.kliwa.de/download/symp2012/KLIWA-Symp-5.pdf- PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency http://www.pbl.nl/publicaties/2012/

effecten-van-klimaatverandering-in-nederland-2012- International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine http://www.iksr.org/index.php?id=191&L=3&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=718&cHash=a4b

820ea8c5daa0c061c813a75913343

Water and economy

The Rhine Basin is vitally important for the economy of Western Europe. The Rhine is the world’s second most important river for inland shipping, while the basin’s industrial and chemical companies generate an annual turnover of €550 billion/yr. The turnover in the agricultural sector is €27 billion/yr. It hosts 2,000 power stations. Almost 80% of the total electricity generated in the catchment area is produced by nuclear and fossil-fuelled power plants which depend on the basin’s water resources for cooling. Rising water temperatures have already forced power plants to reduce their production in recent years. The cooling water capacity will further decline due to the restricted availability of water during long hot summers and a further rise in water temperatures. This reduction is substantial; for the period 2031-2060 extreme events of power production reduction may increase by a factor 3 Moors.

Shipping and other economic sectors depend on the availibility of water on the Rhine.

Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin14

Hydropower is particularly important in Switzerland, accounting for 56% of the country’s electricity supply. The Rhine discharge, especially in summer, is influenced by the amount of water released from the hydropower reservoirs in the Alps. The regime for releasing water from these reservoirs is primarily dictated by the price of energy, but policy is gradually tending towards a better balance of the interests of agriculture, nature conservation and other sectors in future. Under current operational rules, climate change will probably lead to deficits in filling the reservoirs at the end of this century and particularly in the period July October when runoff is expected to decline most strongly Finger.

Extreme changes in water flow, especially long periods with very low discharges, will have a significant impact on the shipping economy. With increasingly low discharges in prolonged periods of water shortage, this can lead to huge economic and social damage. However, long-term economic damage projections depend on the adaptability of the fleet in future and on the climate situation that will determine the magnitude of the low discharges in the future. For the end of this century, from 2070 onwards, the lowest 7-day averaged discharges show a projected decrease of 10% to 30% for the Lower Rhine Moors.There are 60 million people living in the Rhine Basin and about one third of the inhabitants depend on the Rhine for their household and drinking water supply. Furthermore, Rhine water is used as process water in many industries. Hence, adequate availability of good quality Rhine water is vital.

Agriculture plays a particularly important role in relation to water availability, both as a driver of changes in the Rhine hydrological regime and also as a sector that can suffer from water surpluses or deficits. Indeed, since farmland covers 70% of the Rhine Basin, it is a crucial sector in land use related adaptation strategies, e.g. Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) measures. Thus far, water shortages have not been experienced as a serious problem for most farmers, who give priority to efficient drainage systems in order to ensure that surplus water is removed from their land as quickly as possible. Watershortage in periods of drought is substituted by irrigation. In the middle Rhine, for example, farmers resort to groundwater extraction in dry periods for their crop production. However, farming in the western part of the Netherlands suffers great financial loss from increased salt intrusion in periods of low water discharge on the Rhine.

Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin15

Water, soil and agriculture

There is a strong relationship between water availability, soil and agriculture. Water and soils are the most essential natural resources for agriculture. For many centuries, the hydrological conditions of soils and water systems have been adapted to optimise the conditions for arable production. Especially in the previous century, the drainage of farmland was thoroughly optimised to remove water as quickly as possible. This has been very beneficial for the production of food, but detrimental to water conservation. To respond to climate change and the need to increase groundwater storage, it is wise to consider the opportunities for farmland to contribute in a positive way to water conservation, especially since farmland covers up to 70% of the territory in the Rhine Basin. Consequently, this large area can make a significant contribution to groundwater resources, even with limited extra water storage per hectare. Such an increase of groundwater resources in farmland, which is considered an ecosystem service, will also benefit the farming conditions in long periods of drought.

Conventional arable farming practices cause a significant reduction in the rate at which precipitation infiltrates the soil, so-called sealing, primarily due to the use of heavy agricultural machinery and chemicals. The scale of the problem can be illustrated by the estimate that a loss of infiltration capacity of soils in the entire Rhine catchment of only 1 mm/hour (which is not statistically detectable) increases total runoff by about 100 million m3/yr Schnug. There are many different ways to increase the infiltration capacity of farmland. The results of three studies in different sub-catchments in Germany were presented. In all three studies, the health of the soil ecosystem, such as the percentage of organic matter, plays a crucial role.

There is a strong relation between water availibility, soil and agriculture.

Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin16

Research in the Klatschbach catchment area has shown that improvements in infiltration rates of up to 40% are readily achievable when conservation tillage is practised Reich. However, measures such as conservation tillage do not always offer a simple solution since leaving some vegetation cover during the winter may well require greater use of herbicides in spring to eradicate weeds. In general, compared to conventional agriculture, the infiltration capacity of organically farmed soils is about a factor two higher. An important indication of healthy soil conditions is the higher density of earthworms. This is especially shown in organically farmed soils: as a rule of thumb, shifting to organic farming increases the density of earthworms by a factor of seven. A credo in this sense that was postulated at the conference was: ‘if you want to analyse soil quality, don’t take a complicated sample to the lab, just count the bloody earthworms’. Studies showed that in the catchment of the river Schunter, a shift to 100% organic farming would reduce the total area of flooding at high water levels from 101 km2 to 60 km2. A practical policy recommendation in this respect is to increase organic farmed land for every unit area to twice the area of conventional agriculture Schnug. Research in the Mulde catchment has shown related problems with surface runoff, erosion and flooding because of the low soil infiltration rates by the large areas of conventional agriculture.

The general shift towards more sustainable forms of agriculture which is being promoted by the EU, in many member states and when supported by the arable sector itself, can contribute to lower water consumption, to healthier soil conditions and to an increase in the water storage capacity of the soil. The required paradigm shift is supported by the Common Agricultural Policy and the Blueprint for Europe’s Waters. More information:

- European Commission Agriculture and Rural Development http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/publi/fact/climate_change/2008_en.pdf

Water en ecology

Ecological quality, the water storage capacity and biodiversity have suffered immensely from changes in the Rhine regime over the past decades. This has already been indicated

The size of natural floodplains reduced by 80%, leaving less space for water storage and

infiltration.

Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin17

by the mentioned loss of natural landscape buffers. Furthermore, the original size of the Rhine floodplains in Germany has declined considerably, leaving less room to accommodate high water discharges. Only 10% of the original floodplains in Germany are still ecologically functional due to human settlement, economic use and river regulation Neukirchen. Also extensive moorland areas, which used to retain large amounts of rainwater, were converted into forests and farmland. Moreover, the water balance of many wetlands and aquatic ecosystems has been significantly altered as a result of changing land use. As the Rhine valley is a crucial natural corridor, these changes have had a far-reaching impact beyond the individual sites and, with climate change forcing range shifts for many species, this impact will probably become even greater Reich. Furthermore, the rise in water temperature has a very negative impact on the quality of aquatic ecosystems of small streams and of the Rhine itself Vreugdenhil.

Reducing water loss and water consumption

Reducing water loss and water consumption should be mentioned here as a sound contribution to water shortage. Although not explicitly addressed in depth at this conference, loss and reckless consumption of water should be avoided where possible. A recent study of the European Environmental Agency reports that the total footprint of water use of EU citizens is almost 5000 litres/person/day. For this reason, the Blueprint puts great store on reducing water demand. With regard to reducing water consumption and loss of water, consumers, farmers and businesses can take various measures, such as Akkerman:

• Reducing domestic water use;• Improving the efficiency of water use in industrial processes;• Reducing the quantity of water used for cooling purposes;• Transition in land use with the focus on reduction of water use; • Shifting to less water demanding agricultural production.

Reducing water consumption is a basic responsibility for all water consumers.

Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin18

European context

The international water policy is well covered by the recently released ‘Blueprint to Safeguard Europe’s Water Resources’. The Blueprint outlines wide-ranging actions that concentrate on better implementation of the current water legislation, integration of water policy objectives into other policies and filling the gaps particularly with regard to water efficiency. The objective is to ensure that a sufficient quantity of good quality water is available for people’s needs, the economy and the environment throughout the EU Abat.The Water Blueprint sets out a three-tier strategy for action:

• Improve implementation of current EU water policy by making full use of the opportunities provided by the current legislation.

• Increase the integration of water policy objectives into other relevant policy areas such as agriculture, fisheries, renewable energy, transport and the Cohesion and Structural Funds.

• Fill the gaps of the current framework, particularly in relation to the tools needed to increase water efficiency.

At the conference, parallels were noted between Blueprint and the conference goals for a climate-resilient Rhine Basin. Ecosystem-based Adaptation measures, for example, are indicated as Natural Water Retention Measures (NWRM) in the Blueprint.

The Blueprint identifies a wide range of priority problems for surface water across Europe, including many management challenges. In 2030, about half of the EU river basins are expected to experience water shortage. This alarming expectation should be counteracted by measures which should mainly focus on the expansion of sustainable measures. For this expansion, Member States should make full use of River Basin Management Plans that take into account an integrated approach to water resources across different policy fields like agriculture, energy, transport and integrated disaster management.

The Blueprint promotes the re-naturation of streams to tackle water scarcity and cut pollution.

Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin19

This will be facilitated by the European Commission who released on ‘Guidelines on developing adaptation strategies’ early in 2013.

To promote the desired green developments financially, ecological measures such as green buffers may be incorporated in the CAP pillar I (one of the programmes of the Common Agricultural Policy). Ecosystem-based Adaptation measures, or Natural Water Retention Measures according to the Blueprint, can be co-supported by the Cohesion and Structural Funds as an alternative to the ‘grey’ infrastructure. The prototype of the hydro-economic model, which will be further developed under the Inspire programme, will help to assess the cost-effectiveness of the measures. The knowledge base that aims to increase the knowledge of aquatic ecosystems in Europe, the Water Information System in Europe (WISE), is due to be updated in 2015 and will provide useful information.

At European level, the Blueprint notes that too much water is being abstracted in 16 EU member states due to an over-estimate of the quantities available and due to economic pressures. The Commission intends to encourage authorities to set efficiency targets for each river basin, based on water stress indictors to be developed with stakeholders under a process called the ‘Common Implementation Strategy’. It will also ensure that water pricing is properly applied across Europe as required by the Water Framework Directive. With regard to farming, the Blueprint states that cutting water use should be a condition for receiving EU rural development funds for some irrigation projects. Natural water retention measures would also be required to receive funds under the first pillar of the Common Agricultural Policy. The reuse of water from wastewater plants and industrial installations for irrigation and industrial processes will also be encouraged.

The International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine (ICPR), being the highest international authority for integrated water management in the Rhine Basin, represents the Rhine member states on major management issues for the Rhine. Thus far, the ICPR has mainly addressed integrated flood protection, water quality improvement and ecological restoration. The ICPR has achieved notable results on these themes. However, the issue of water shortage has not yet been addressed. The conference urged the ICPR to add water shortage - and the related problem of rising water temperature- to its agenda. In January 2013, during a workshop of the ICPR on the ‘Impacts of climate change on the Rhine river basin’, water shortage and rising water temperatures were recognised as a major issues of concern for the ICPR. These issues will be listed on the agenda of the conference of the Rhine Ministers in October 2013. More information:

- European Commission, waterpolicy, 2012 http://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/index_en.htm- European Commision, Guidelines on developing adaptation strategies, 2013 http://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/adaptation/what/docs/swd_2013_134_en.pdf- International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine http://www.iksr.org

Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin20

IntroductionEcosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) is a service of the physical and natural environment to improve the ecological, economic and social conditions for our society. This chapter contains several examples of different EbA measures. This is just a limited number of examples, many more examples are available and need to be developed (and monitored) in real situations to get a better understanding of the effectiveness of EbA measures. In the text references are made to presentations and to internet sites with additional information.

The strategy

Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA), is regarded as a very promising solution to mitigate watershortage. The benefits of implementing the EbA strategy are that it is based on (re)using the natural buffer capacity, an ecosystem service of the landscape. It is a sustainable approach, which is effective under different climatic conditions. Moreover, it is a multi-benefit approach which enhances biodiversity, improves environmental conditions and supports the conditions for a strong economy in the Rhine countries. Hereafter an illustration of EbA measures is presented. Typical EbA measures should not be considered as being opposed to typical structural measures. Sometimes the latter measures are indispensable. The challenge is to apply EbA measures where possible, for example complementary to structural measures. More information:

- Science for Environment Policy http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/pdf/32si.pdf- Bundesamt für Naturschutz http://www.bfn.de/fileadmin/MDB/documents/service/Skript_306.pdf- Portal Adaptations to the spatial impacts of climate change:l http://www.sic-adapt.eu

Ecosystem-based Adaptation measures

EbA-measures increase water availibiliy and improve a broad range of environmental and

ecological conditions. It is an holostic approach.

Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin21

Renaturation of streams

A large number of small streams feed into the Rhine, whose hydrological behaviour has a great influence on the water levels of the river and its major tributaries. In the previous century, most streams and their arteries were strongly regulated to effectively drain the surrounding farmland. This man-made hydrological adaptation was designed to remove water as quickly as possible from the sub-catchments during and after heavy rainfall. This worked well for agriculture for many years, but this system increases the stress of water shortage in dry summers and increases peak flows on the Rhine and its major tributaries. Regulated streams can be re-designed into robust water bodies, based on their natural appearance, that can accommodate large quantities of water in periods of heavy rainfall and retain water longer in the catchment. This allows water to infiltrate better into the sub-soil. These robust streams have a varied morphology and, in combination with other water conservation measures in the catchment, will provide a base flow for a much longer period of time than regulated streams. So, renaturation of streams helps reduce high discharge peaks and increases the base flow of streams and rivers in dry periods. Furthermore, more natural streams are also important for improving the water quality, biodiversity, and act as corridors in ecological networks. Several water authorities throughout the Rhine Basin have made a good start with renaturation of streams. Further information:

- Schweizerische Bundesamt für Umwelt http://www.bafu.admin.ch/gewaesserschutz/04856/12619/index.html?lang=de- Interreg project Water Adaptation is Valuable for Everybody http://www.waveproject.eu- Interreg project Hoch & Niedrigwassermanagement in Mosel- und Saareizugsgebied http://www.flow-ms.eu

A re-naturalised stream; note the former straight watercourse and its present natural morphology.

Such near-natural streams regulate extreme waterflows and are valuable corridors in ecological

networks.

Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin22

Floodplain restoration

Over the last centuries, original floodplains of the Rhine have changed dramatically. The natural floodplains have become much smaller, with less room to accommodate high water discharges. It is illustrative that only 10% of the original floodplains in Germany are still ecologically functional due to the increase in human settlements, economic use, river regulation and dikes. To create moer room for the river floodplain, restoration projects are being implemented along the Rhine and its tributaries.

Floodplains not only moderate extreme flows in the Rhine Basin, they also provide a range of ecosystem services which can be strengthened through appropriate adaptation measures. These services include flood protection, water retention, groundwater recharge, nutrient removal, carbon sequestration, recreation and cultural identity Neukirchen.

Floodplains are also highly valuable in biodiversity terms, not only as hotspots but also as corridors and stepping stones that facilitate the dispersal and migration of species. Floodplain restoration measures that provide multiple benefits in this regard include the following:

• Widening or restoring floodplains to a more natural condition that increases their capacity to accommodate high water flows and strengthens their biodiversity value;

• Creating new river channels;• Creating retention areas to store excess water for dry periods.

A large number of floodplain projects are being implemented in Germany and in the Netherlands. In the Netherlands, these projects are part of the Dutch “Room for the River” programme.

Floodplain restoration supports floodrisk management, supports water retention and creates

valuable wetland habitat.

Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin23

This programme aims at maintaining present flood water levels whilst increasing the design flow of the Rhine from 15,000 m3/sec to 16,000 m3/sec. The programme includes 19 projects that will increase the capacity of floodplains and generate biodiversity and other benefits Aarsen. More information:

- European Centre for River Restoration http://www.ecrr.org- Bundesamt für Naturschutz http://www.bfn.de/0324_gewaesser_auenentwicklung.html- Riverrestoration projects in the Netherlands http://www.ruimtevoorderivier.nl/meta-navigatie/english/

room-for-the-river-programme http://www.deltacommissie.com http://www.natuurmonumenten.nl/project/

rivierklimaatpark-ijsselpoort-floodplain-development

Surface water retention

The aim of increasing surface water retention is to minimise flooding by streams and rivers during and after excessive rainfall. This temporarily stored rainwater can be released gradually at a rate that does not exceed the capacity of the catchment. Furthermore, it can help to recharge the groundwater by infiltration, so that this infiltrated water can become available as base-flow in dry periods to mitigate the low-flow situations.

This can be achieved through a variety of measures, such as creating small lakes and ponds lined with vegetation, or expanding natural retention areas as wetlands and terrain depressions. Apart from water retention, these semi-natural retention areas can also be beneficial for other functions like nature conservation, drinking water supply and recreation

Natural water retention measures contribute to waterconservation and increase biodiversity.

Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin24

Akkerman. A more artificial but effective measure for improved retention in farmlands is to install small weirs in open drains in farmlands as part of level-regulated drainage. Retention measures are most effective when located upstream in the catchments, because there the storage capacity of the sub-soil (in case of infiltration) will generally be greater and the travel distance of the water to the Rhine will be longer.

Surface water retention measures can be very effective in preventing or limiting flooding and improving the water availability and small measures can, in many cases, be achieved within a relatively short period. Larger areas may require a large portion of land which is not always readily available. Depending on the natural setting, some measures may be considered controversial with regard to their environmental impact, e.g. large reservoirs. The tendency at present is to divert from such artificial measures where possible, in favour of more natural measures. More information:

- Science for Environment Policy http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/pdf/32si.pdf

Ecological networks

Ecosystems play an important role in climate regulation and climate adaptation. This means that ecological networks, which are gradually being implemented in all Rhine countries, should be recognised as valuable instruments in reducing the negative impact of global warming, flooding and drought. Ecological networks encompass enlarging natural areas, implementation of ecological corridors (e.g. climate corridors), and restoration of water systems.

Expansion of ecological networks in all Rhine countries is a strong contribuation to climate

resilient watersystems.

Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin25

Ecosystems are affected by climate change, but at the same time play an important role in climate regulation and climate adaptation. This very strong relationship between ecology and climate should be used as an incentive to make better use of the potential ecosystem services of the ecological networks. The main elements of ecological networks are core areas (the large natural areas within the network, often Natura 2000 sites) and ecological corridors (linear natural connections between core areas). In particular, large core areas can act as a ‘sponge’ to receive and retain water, which will gradually be released towards the surrounding areas. Corridors reduce erosion caused by extreme rainfall.

The primary function of corridors is to allow animal and plant species to disperse between their habitats. This is absolutely necessary as an adaptation towards climate change. Ecological corridors will often coincide with natural or renaturalised streams and the wetland habitats along the banks. A coherent network of renaturalised robust streams will promote water conservation and act as an ecological network for many species. Renaturalised floodplains of the Rhine can be developed as the backbone of such a coherent, water-related green-blue infrastructure Vreugdenhil. More information:

- Pan-Alpine Ecological Network http://www.bfn.de/fileadmin/MDB/documents/service/Skript273_web.pdf- German Ecological Network http://www.bfn.de/0311_biotopverbund.html- Netherlands Ecological Network http://www.grazingnetworks.nl/ecological-networks/

experiences-with-ecological-networks-in-the-netherlands- European Green Infrastructure http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/info/pubs/docs/greeninfrastructure.pdf

Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin26

Forests

Forests cover a substantial part of the Rhine Basin. In Baden Württemberg, for example, forests cover 38% of the territory. From different perspectives, forests play an important role in climate adaptation. They store large amounts of CO2, absorb and evaporate huge quantities of water, store large amounts of groundwater in the sub-soil, they are attractive shady locations for recreation and forests are the living environment for a countless number of organisms. On the other hand, forests are vulnerable for increasing temperatures and changes in precipitation, which may reduce the vitality of trees and tree composition. In optimising the role of forests in water conservation, one can think of increasing their size and gradually converting existing pine forests into deciduous forest, because the latter are better adapted to warm conditions and evaporate less water. Also removing the manmade drainage stimulates infiltration of water Vreugdenhil. In the Interreg project ForeStClim, a wide range of forest and climate-related aspects are studied. ForestClim will produce recommendations on forest management under changing climate conditions and give answers to how future forest management can contribute to climate adaptation, for example increasing groundwater conservation.

Expansion of forests and transition of evergreen tree cultures to mixed and decidious forests

increases water infiltration into the soil.

Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin27

Arable land use

Most of the land in the Rhine Basin is covered by arable land. That means that, due to its large surface, a lot of water can potentially be conserved in the sub-soil of farmland. As described before, the water system of most farmland has been optimised to dispose of rainwater as quickly as possible, which is completely in contrast with the goals of water conservation. For Ecosystem-based Climate Adaptation, increased water storage under arable land is a prerequisite. Presentations and discussions at the conference stressed the importance of approaching farmland as a living productive ecosystem which relies on the availability of water and healthy soil conditions Schnug, Reich.Infiltration rates of arable soils can be increased in different ways:

• By conservation tilling, i.e. leaving crop residues on the land until tilling in spring;• By organic farming, for which the infiltration factor is about a factor 2 higher than for

conventional farming;• By increasing the organic matter in general;• In the USA, a research programme is investigating the possibility of replacing the annual

crops, which require tillage every year, with permanent crops with a deep root system that keep the soil covered year round and increases the organic matter in the soil.

It is obvious that a strong contribution from the arable sector is needed to adapt to climate change. Such adaptation will also benefit the arable sector itself.

Farmland plays a key role in climate adaptation. A transition towards healty soil conditions

improves water infiltration and benefits sustainable agriculture.

Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin28

Urban areas

Urban areas cover a substantial part of the Rhine Basin, about 10% on average. These urban areas generate a major negative contribution to surface runoff at the cost of infiltration in the subsoil, due to the hard surfaces and conventional urban drainage. The challenge is to turn this tendency around by promoting optimal urban groundwater recharge through better rainwater runoff, more permeable surfaces, more temporary subsoil storage, water reuse and green city developments. This should be done in harmony with urban flooding protection requirements. Major assistance to meet this challenge may come from the existing high density water infrastructure that will generally only need slight adaptation to help water conservation (in addition to specific measures and retention basins). More and more ideas are being developed and put into practice in modern city planning to ensure better climate adaptation. New urban extensions, designed according to the principle of climate resilient cities with special focus on water conservation, may thus improve rather than charge water conservation Akkerman. More information:

- DG Environment http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/pdf/IR3.pdf- European Environmental Agency http://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/urban-adaptation-to-climate-change

It is a challenge to combine the much needed greening of urban areas with innovative water

measures that cool the city environment and improve groundwater infiltration as well.

Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin29

Artists impression of the Rhine Basin

Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin30

‘’The issue of water shortage will become increasingly pressing due to global warming. For

all inhabitants in the Rhine Basin, it is crucial to ensure sufficient freshwater for essential

functions: nature, agriculture, shipping, energy production, drinking water and industry. In

my opinion, the Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) strategy has great potential to prepare

our society for future climate conditions. The Executive Council of the province of Gelderland

would like to see more effort being made to tackle water shortage in the Rhine Basin in

the next few years. I advocate an integrated approach based on a three-tier strategy: pilot

projects, knowledge development and awareness.

Pilot projects

Pilot projects are necessary to gain experience with EbA measures in practice. Several projects in which EbA principles have been applied, have been developed and executed in the Rhine Basin on a limited scale. A few EbA projects are being implemented in Gelderland and – together with our partners – we plan to launch new ones. With neighbouring provinces and the German State of North Rhine-Westphalia, we are discussing possibilities of cross-border projects in the border region. We would welcome the emergence of an innovative international network of EbA projects in which experience and knowledge are exchanged. We will be actively approaching initiators of adaptation projects to build such a network.

Knowledge development

It is important that the existing scientific and practical knowledge is used when pilot projects are set up and that the effects of the projects are carefully monitored. This is the best way to learn what EbA measures can do for future water management and climate adaptation. At different locations in the Rhine Basin, studies are being performed into climate change, its consequences and adaptation measures.I want to encourage collaboration with and between knowledge institutions in the Rhine countries by facilitating a kick-off meeting with relevant institutions.

Awareness

International attention for water shortage is growing. The execution of illustrative pilot projects with a firm knowledge base is contributing to this awareness process. We support international initiatives that lead to a more profound awareness that water is an indispensable and valuable natural resource which requires the continuous attention of all governments at all levels. The province of Gelderland invites other organisations in the Rhine Basin to work together on a solution for water shortage”.

Josan Meijers, Regional minister for Spatial Planning, Watermangement and International Cooperation, Province of Gelderland, the Netherlands.

The way forward

Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin31

Presentations

Link to the presentation Topic of presentation and speaker’s name and organisation

Aarsen The Rhine Basin in the Delta and the influence of climate

change,

Dr. Lilian van den Aarsen, Director of the Delta Programme /

Rivers, Netherlands.

Abat Blueprint for Europe’s Waters: a challenge for the Rhine Basin,

Mrs. Marta Moren Abat, Coordinator Water Framework

Directive, Water resources Unit, General Directorate for

Environment, European Commission.

Akkerman Hydrological effectiveness of Ecosystem-based Adaptation

measures in the Rhine Basin,

Ir. Gert-Jan Akkerman, Rivers, Deltas and Coasts Division, Royal

HaskoningDHV, Netherlands

Finger The Rhine Basin in the Alpine region and the influence of

climate change,

Dr. David Finger, Oescher Centre or Climate Research, University

of Bern, Switserland

Henrich Outlook for climate adaptation and international

cooperation,

Mr. Hans-Jürgen Henrich, Director-General, Ministry for Climate

Protection, Environment, Agriculture, Conservation and

Consumer Protection, NRW, Germany.

Mehlig The Rhine Basin in North Rhine-Westphalia and the influence

of climate change,

Mr. Bernd Mehlig, Landesamt für Natur, Umwelt und

Verbraucherschutz, NRW, Germany.

Moors Impact of water shortage on economic activities in the Rhine

Basin,

Dr. Eddy Moors, Head of Climate Change and Adaptative Land

and Water Management Group, Wageningen University and

Research Center, Netherlands

Neukirchen River floodplains in Germany – in times of climate Change,

Mr. Bernd Neukirchen, Head of division of Inland Waters,

Floodplain Ecosystems and Water Balance, Bundesamt für

Naturschutz, Germany.

Reich Contribution of natural areas and landscapes towards climate

adaptation in the Rhine Basin,

Prof. Dr. Michael Reich, Institute for Environmental Planning,

Leibniz Universität Hannover, Germany.

Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin32

Link to the presentation Topic of presentation and speaker’s name and organisation

Schnug Exceptional contributions of agriculture in the combat

against climate change and its consequences,

Prof. Dr. Dr. Ewald Schnug, Institute of Crop and Soil Science,

Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants – Julius Kuehn-

Institut, Germany.

Vreugdenhil Climate change and challenges for ecosystem-based climate

adaptation in the Rhine Basin,

Drs. Bram Vreugdenhil, Department of Nature & Environment,

Province of Gelderland, Netherlands.

Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin33

Name Organisation

Mrs L.F.M. (Lilian) van

den Aarsen

Deltaprogram Rivers

Mrs A.M. (Marta) Abat Water Framework

Mr Th. (Thomas) Bäumen Kreis Kleve, Abt. Personal, Frau Koenen

Dr. G. (Graham) Bennett Syzygy

Mr D. (Denis) Besozzi Agence de l’Eau Rhin Meuse

Mr L. (Liekel) Boer WUR

Mrs G.B. (Gudrun) Both Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Agriculture,

Nature Conservation and Consumer Protection of the State of

North Rhine-Westphalia

Mr L.W.B. (Luuk)

Brinkman

Wageningen University

Mr E. (Erik) Buschhüter Umweltministerium NRW

Mr R. (Ronald) van

Dokkum

RWS Centre for water management

Ing. P.J.J. (Piet) van Erp Waterschap Regge en Dinkel

Dr. D.F. (David) Finger University of Bern

Ing. W. (Wolfgang)

Hennegriff

Landesanstalt für Umwelt Baden-Württemberg

Mr A.L.(Hans-Jürgen)

Henrich

Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Agriculture,

Conservation and Consumer Protection of the State of North

Rhine-Westphalia

Mrs A.A. (Aleksandra)

Jaskula

RWS Limburg

Mrs. J.C. (Jennifer) van

Dijk

Wageningen University

Mr Sjaak Kamps Euroregio

Mr F.B.A. (Frank) van

Lamoen

Provincie Noord-Brabant

Participants

Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin34

Name Organisation

Mr M.L. (Markus) Lang Emschergenossenschaft / Lippeverband

Mr M.L. (Michael) Loch Bavarian State Ministry for the Environment and Public Health

Mr K.M. (Klaus)

Markgraf-Maué

NABU-Koordinationsstelle Rhein

Mr B. (Bernd) Mehlig Landesambt Natur, Umwelt und Verbraucherschutz NRW

Dr H.G. (Georg) Meiners ahu AG

Mr. G.P.(Bert) Meijers Provincie Gelderland

Mrs. K.M. (Katharina)

Möhrle

Ministerium für Klimaschutz, Umwelt, Landwirtschaft, Natur-

und Verbraucherschutz des Landes NRW

Dr E. (Eddy) Moors Wageningen University

Mr B. (Bernd) Neukirchen Bundesamt für Naturschutz, Federal Agency for Nature

Conservation, Germany

Mr L.M.R. (Gehrard)

Odenkirchen

MKULNV Nordrhein-Westfalen

Mr Hein Pieper Waterschap Rijn IJssel

Mrs M.R. (Monika)

Raschke

Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Agriculture,

Nature Conservation and Consumer Protection

Dr M.R. (Michael) Reich Leibniz Universität Hannover

Mr C.J.M. (Kees) van

Rooijen

LTO The Netherlands

Mr B.S (Benjamin) Saniba IWW RWTH

Mr B.S. (Bernd) Schneider LUWG Mainz

Prof. Dr. E. (Ewald)

Schnug

Institute ffor Crop and Soil Science JKI

Mr E. (Erik) van Slobbe Wageningen University and Research

Mr J.A. (Han) Sluiter Staatsbosbeheer

Mr J.G. (Jos) Timmerman Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment, Directorate-

General for Spatial Development and Water Affairs

Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin35

Name Organisation

Mrs T.W. (Tanja)

Tyrann-Weyers

Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Agriculture,

Conservation and Consumer Protection of the State of North

Rhine-Westphalia

Mrs C.C. (Claire) Vos Alterra Wageningen UR

Dr. W. (Wilhelm) Wehren Landwirtschaftskammer Nordrhein-Westfalen

Dr. U.W. (Ulrich) Werneke Naturschutzzentrum im Kreis Kleve

Ir B.G.M. (Ben) van de

Wetering

International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine

Mrs S.W. (Sara) Wild Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Agriculture,

Conservation and Consumer Protection of the State of North

Rhine-Westphalia

Drs A. (Bram) Vreugdenhil Provincie Gelderland

Ir. M.J. (Marius) Bolck Provincie Gelderland

Mrs S.H. (Sonja) van Dijk Provincie Gelderland

Mrs N. (Nathalie)

Hoppenbrouwers-Bos

Provincie Gelderland

Msc. T.J. (Teun) Spek Provincie Gelderland

Mr. D. (Doede) Sijtsma Provincie Gelderland

Dr. A. (Annemieke) Traag Provincie Gelderland

Ir. B. (Britta) Verboom Provincie Gelderland

Mr R.J. (Rob) Bonte Royal HaskoningDHV

Mr G.J. (Gert-Jan)

Akkerman

Royal HaskoningDHV

Mrs F. (Femke)

Veldhuizen

Royal HaskoningDHV

Mrs M. (Maike) de Lange Royal HaskoningDHV

Mr. Jac van Tuijn Crest on media

Water shortage and climate adaptation in the Rhine Basin36

Text

Province Gelderland, HaskoningDHV, Syzygy

Illustrations

Bundesamt für Naturschutz (p 16,24), De Jong Luchtfotografie (p 13,21,22), European Commission (p 8), Wolfgang Hennegriff (p 7-right), Lucas Kukler (front, p 29), Gerrit Perquin (p 5,10), Province Gelderland (p 2,3,4,7-bottom,9,11,28,30,37), Rijkswaterstaat (p 1,15), Bram Vreugdenhil (p 7-left, 18, 23), Unknown (p 6, 12,17,20,26,27)

Production

Province Gelderland

Website

www.gelderland.nl/klimaatconferentie2012

For further information please contact

Drs. Bram VreugdenhilSenior policy officer for water, ecology & climate adaptationProvince of Gelderland, the Netherlandse-mail: a.vreugdenhil@gelderland.nlphone: +31-26-3599526

Colophon

Provincie Gelderland

Markt 11

Postbus 9090

6800 GX Arnhem

T (026) 359 91 11

post@gelderland.nl

www.gelderland.nl