Posted on February, 13 2019

Act NOW: tell the European Commission to keep the law strong
 
Europe is blessed with some of the world’s most stunning rivers, lakes and wetlands - from the Soča, the so-called ‘Emerald Queen of the Alps’, to the jaw-dropping beauty of Doñana, one of Europe’s most important wetlands. But these incredible ecosystems are under attack. According to the latest data, 60% of Europe’s rivers, streams, lakes and wetlands are not healthy.
 
For generations we have destroyed and polluted them, and irresponsibly used too much water. If we continue in this way, it will affect everything - from all the small things in our day-to-day lives we take for granted, to keeping entire industries going. It will also affect all the countless species that need these ecosystems to survive. The EU Water Framework Directive protects our water sources, but now governments want to weaken it.
 
These rivers and wetlands cannot speak up. Will you?
Act NOW: tell the European Commission to keep the law strong

Some of the areas under threat around Europe:

Spain
The Doñana wetland is one of Europe’s most important locations for migratory birds. The site harbours over 4000 types of plants and animals, including threatened birds and the lynx, the world’s rarest feline species. But industrial fruit growers are illegally pumping water from Doñana. More than 2000 illegal wells and irrigation ponds are monopolising Doñana’s water. Even though there is strong national legislation protecting wetlands like Doñana, the Spanish Government is not respecting these laws. Moreover, the EU is not doing enough to enforce international wetland protection legislation relevant to the site. Meanwhile, illegal farming is bleeding the #Doñana dry, destroying the homes of threatened species and migratory birds. The Doñana can’t speak up. Will you?

Slovenia
The Soča River system is one of the very few places where genetically pure marble trout, (Salmo marmoratus), are found. Unfortunately, being a mountain river, the Soča’s hydrological characteristics are favourable to hydropower exploitation. There are many small hydro power plants in the Soča basin. Hydroelectric power plants have transformed the middle and lower Soča River Basin, while in the upper course, there are no major hydroelectric power plants. However, there are plans for new hydropower plants. The EU Water Framework Directive can prevent harmful projects like these from going ahead and destroying what remains of Soča River. Will you speak up for Soča, the so-called 'Emerald Queen of the Alps,” and make a stand to #ProtectWater?
The Soča can’t speak up. Will you?

Croatia
Our rivers and lakes are home to some of the richest biodiversity on the planet. So why are our politicians still allowing them to be destroyed? The Krupa, Zrmanja and Drava Rivers are all highly vulnerable to hydropower developments. The EU Water Framework Directive obliges all EU Member States to protect their rivers, lakes, streams, wetlands, groundwater and coastal waters; and restore those which have already been damaged...and by 2027 at the VERY latest. Nature can't speak up. Will you?

Poland
Coursing through Poland’s Tatra Mountains, the Białka River used to be a place of serene natural beauty bursting with wildlife. But, from one day to the next, this wildlife was replaced by excavators and heavy machinery. The river has been wrecked beyond recognition. The works were commissioned to rebuild the banks after a summer flood which turned a river that had once had several beds into one gravel-covered canal. Heavy equipment was run over the stones on which protected species of plants grow, including those occurring only on Polish sections of the Carpathian rivers. Polish authorities are not respecting the laws that should normally provide vital protection for rivers like the Białka! Unsustainable flood management has wrecked the Białka beyond recognition. The Białka can’t speak up for itself. Will you? 

These rivers and wetlands cannot speak up. Will you?
Act NOW: tell the European Commission to keep the law strong