Policies abd Regulations

The catalogue identifies relevant open data sources, including Earth Observation (EO) satellite data, as well as environmental and socio-economic. These sources include local and remote sensors (such as satellite imagery, weather stations, and water quality monitoring devices), research outputs (such as census reports, land use maps, and economic indicators). Each resource is evaluated for quality, update frequency, accessibility, and any applicable legal constraints.

ID â–² Name Issuing organisation Geographical Scope Type Scientific domain Type of water Water management focus Parameter change rate assumption Description Status Effect Date Resource Recommendations
policies-31 Climate Change Act 2008 UK Parliament England and Wales Legistlation physical states, chemistry, geology, and biology surface and groundwater; monitoring; management; protection; forecasting Quality The Climate Change Act 2008 is a landmark piece of legislation in the UK, which establishes a legally binding framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing the challenges of climate change. It is the first such law of its kind in the world, setting out long-term, legally binding targets for carbon emissions reductions and providing a structure for developing and implementing policies to meet those targets. The Act represents the UK’s commitment to addressing climate change and is seen as a significant step towards achieving global climate goals, such as those outlined in the Paris Agreement. Effective 26 November, 2008 Global Leadership: The Climate Change Act was a pioneering piece of legislation, making the UK the first country to introduce legally binding targets for greenhouse gas reductions. Commitment to Sustainability: The Act places long-term climate goals at the heart of UK policy, providing a clear framework for future governments to follow. Encouraging Innovation: The requirement for carbon reductions and the pursuit of net-zero emissions by 2050 stimulates investment in green technologies, renewable energy, and energy efficiency measures, fostering a transition to a low-carbon economy. Public Accountability: The independent role of the Climate Change Committee (CCC) ensures that the government is held accountable for its progress on climate action, contributing to transparency and public trust.
policies-32 The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels) Regulations 2008 UK Parliament England and Wales Legistlation physical states, chemistry, geology, and biology surface and groundwater; monitoring; management; protection; The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels) Regulations 2008 is a piece of legislation in the UK designed to control the levels of pesticide residues that can remain on food and animal feed products after they have been treated with pesticides. These regulations are crucial for protecting human health, ensuring food safety, and aligning with international standards on pesticide use. Effective 1 October, 2008 The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels) Regulations 2008 provide a robust framework for regulating pesticide residues in food and animal feed in the UK. The recommendations under these regulations focus on ensuring public health protection, maintaining food safety, and aligning with international standards. These include establishing scientifically backed MRLs, enforcing compliance, monitoring food products, and adapting to new information and technologies in pesticide use. Through periodic reviews, transparency, and collaboration with international bodies, these regulations aim to safeguard the public from pesticide-related health risks and ensure that the UK's food supply remains safe and reliable.
policies-33 The Nitrates Directive (EC Directive 91/676/EEC) European Parliament & Council EU Legistlation physical states, chemistry, geology, and biology surface and groundwater, wastewater monitoring, forecasting, projection, simulation, management Quality The Nitrates Directive (Council Directive 91/676/EEC), adopted in 1991, is a key environmental policy of the European Union aimed at reducing water pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources and promoting the sustainable use of fertilizers. It forms part of the EU's broader Water Framework Directive, addressing water quality and protecting ecosystems. Effective 12 December 1991 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A31991L0676 The Nitrates Directive seeks to: 1. Prevent water pollution by nitrates from agricultural sources. 2. Promote sustainable agricultural practices to reduce environmental harm. 3. Ensure good water quality for drinking and ecological health.
policies-34 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) European Parliament & Council EU Legistlation physical states, chemistry, geology, and biology surface and groundwater, wastewater monitoring, forecasting, management Quality The CAP is designed to support agriculture, ensure a stable food supply, promote rural development, and protect the environment. Established in 1962, it has undergone numerous reforms to align with changing priorities, including sustainability and global trade rules. Effective 14 January 1962 https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/common-agricultural-policy/cap-overview/cap-glance_en The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has evolved to include a wide range of recommendations aimed at balancing agricultural productivity, environmental protection, rural development, and sustainability. These recommendations are implemented through its two main pillars: Direct Payments and Market Support (Pillar 1) and Rural Development (Pillar 2).
policies-35 Agricultural Transition Plan 2021 to 2024 UK Parliament England and Wales Legistlation physical states, chemistry, geology, and biology surface and groundwater; monitoring, forecasting, management Quality The UK farming policy has undergone significant changes since the country’s exit from the European Union and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Post-Brexit, the UK has developed its own agricultural policies, which focus on sustainability, productivity, and environmental stewardship. While agricultural policy frameworks vary slightly across the devolved nations (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland), they share common themes Effective 1 January 2021 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/agricultural-transition-plan-2021-to-2024 The UK’s farming policy continues to evolve, emphasizing environmental stewardship, resilience to climate change, and sustainable food production. The success of these policies will depend on collaboration between farmers, policymakers, and stakeholders, as well as adequate funding and support mechanisms.
policies-36 Critical Entities Resilience Directive European Parliament & Council EU Legistlation physical states, chemistry, geology, and biology surface and groundwater, wastewater monitoring, forecasting, management, simulation, Quality The Critical Entities Resilience Directive (CER Directive), formally adopted by the European Union (EU) in 2022, aims to strengthen the resilience of critical entities against physical and cyber threats. It replaces the previous European Critical Infrastructure Directive (ECI Directive) and reflects the growing complexity of risks facing critical sectors in an interconnected and digitalized world. Effective 14 December 2022 https://www.critical-entities-resilience-directive.com/#:~:text=The%20Critical%20Entities%20Resilience%20Directive%20(CER)%20aims%20to%20reduce%20the,of%20the%20internal%20market%20depend. Purpose The CER Directive ensures that critical entities in key sectors can: 1.Resist Disruptions: Prevent and respond to incidents that may disrupt services essential to public safety, health, and economic stability. 2. Enhance Cooperation: Foster collaboration between Member States and across sectors. 3. Adapt to Emerging Threats: Address risks from climate change, cyber-attacks, pandemics, and geopolitical tensions.
policies-37 Network and Information Systems Directive (NIS Directive) European Parliament & Council EU Legistlation physical states, chemistry, geology, and biology surface and groundwater, wastewater monitoring, forecasting, management, simulation, Quality The Network and Information Systems Directive (NIS Directive), formally known as Directive (EU) 2016/1148, is the first EU-wide legislation on cybersecurity. Adopted in July 2016, the directive aims to improve the cybersecurity capabilities of Member States, enhance cooperation between them, and increase the security of critical digital infrastructure and essential services across the EU. Effective July 2016 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/el/memo_16_2422 The NIS Directive seeks to ensure a high common level of security of network and information systems within the EU by: Enhancing Cyber Resilience: Protecting critical infrastructure from cyber threats. Fostering Cooperation: Improving information sharing and response coordination among Member States. Strengthening Incident Reporting: Ensuring that essential service providers and digital service providers report significant cybersecurity incidents.
policies-38 Federal Act on the Protection of Waters (GSchG) Swiss Parliament Switzerland Legistlation physical states, chemistry, geology, and biology surface and groundwater, wastewater monitoring, forecasting, management, simulation, Quality The Federal Act on the Protection of Waters (GSchG), enacted in 1991, is a cornerstone of Switzerland's water legislation. It aims to safeguard the quality and availability of the country's water resources through a comprehensive framework that emphasizes sustainability and ecological balance. Effective 24 January 1991 https://www.fedlex.admin.ch/eli/cc/1992/1860_1860_1860/en Prevent Pollution: Protect surface and groundwater from contamination caused by industrial, agricultural, and domestic activities. Ensure Sustainable Use: Regulate the use of water resources to meet current and future needs. Protect Ecosystems: Maintain and enhance aquatic ecosystems and their biodiversity. Promote Water Recycling: Encourage the treatment and reuse of wastewater to minimize resource wastage.
policies-39 Waters Protection Ordinance (GSchV), Swiss Parliament Switzerland Legistlation physical states, chemistry, geology, and biology surface and groundwater, wastewater monitoring, forecasting, management, simulation, Quality The Waters Protection Ordinance (GSchV), enacted on October 28, 1998, complements the Federal Act on the Protection of Waters (GSchG). It provides detailed regulations for the practical implementation of the GSchG, focusing on the protection of surface water and groundwater, the management of wastewater, and the prevention of water pollution. Effective 28 October 1998 https://www.fedlex.admin.ch/eli/cc/1998/2863_2863_2863/en Prevent Water Pollution: Set specific standards and regulations to safeguard the quality of water resources in Switzerland. Ensure Sustainable Water Management: Promote effective management practices for wastewater, groundwater, and surface water to protect aquatic ecosystems. Establish Protective Zones: Regulate the use of land and activities near water bodies to ensure water quality and prevent contamination.
policies-40 Water Resources Act (Act No. 82 of 2000) Norwegian Parliament Norway Legistlation physical states, chemistry, geology, and biology surface and groundwater monitoring, forecasting, management, simulation, Quality, flow, level, pressure The main goal of the Water Resources Act is to ensure sustainable and environmentally sound management of water resources, including rivers, lakes, groundwater, and other parts of the water system. It seeks to balance ecological, economic, and social interests, and to preserve water resources for future generations. Effective 1 January 2001 https://www.regjeringen.no/en/dokumenter/Acts-and-Regulations-/id106724/ 1) Promote sustainable and environmentally sound use, 2) Maintain natural flow conditons, 3) Prevent harm and precautionary principle, 4) Protect biodiversity and ecological integrity, 5) Encourage efficient and equitable water use, 6) Require licensing and impact assessment for major interventions, 7) Ensure public participation and transparency, 8) Polluter pays principle, 9) promote coordination across sectors and scales