NOLIMP-WFD:
North Sea Regional and Local Implementation of the Water Framework Directive
(Posted 3 April 2006)

The NOLIMP Project is a collaborative project involving regions in six countries on the North Sea and the efforts of these countries to improve their water quality. The regions involved in the project are Aberdeenshire in Scotland, Nordjylland in Denmark, Oldenburg in Germany, Västra Götaland in Sweden, Norway as represented by the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), and the Province of Fryslân in the Netherlands.

The Province of Fryslân is heading the NOLIMP Project. In each of its regions, pilot projects are being conducted to test innovative technologies for improving water quality and reducing emissions. The exchange of information and practical experiences among the participating countries plays an important role within this project. Another important element is a study into the costs and benefits of water quality measures being implemented in the various countries, this being in line with the obligation stated in the Water Framework Directive to find cost-effective solutions. The NOLIMP Project runs until 2006, the final conference will take place in Aberdeenshire, 19 – 21 September 2006.

The latest NOLIMP News (February 2006) includes a report on the annual 2005 NOLIMP meeting that addressed the topic of agriculture and WFD.

For more information and to view the NOLIMP News see the Project’s website:
(http://www.nolimp.org)

The 3 Dee Vision Project
is the pilot project in Aberdeenshire, concentrating on the catchments of Loch Davan, the Tarland Burn, and the Elrick Burn and aiming to further improve the quality of the River Dee.

For details see the project’s website:
(http://www.3deevision.org/)

ENCORA:
European platform for sharing knowledge and experience in coastal science, policy a practice
(Posted 3 April 2006)

ENCORA is a European network built on national coastal networks and on thematic networks. This Coordination Action, co-funded by the 6th EU Framework Programme, started on 1 February 2006. Coastal networks in 13 European countries work together to enable easier access to knowledge and experience in European countries on coastal processes, practices and policies. The networking activities of ENCORA encompass all disciplines relevant to research, management and policy of coastal zones, including the coastal waters. ENCORA closely cooperates with other initiatives of the European R&D Framework Programme, the EU Directorate-General of Environment, the European Environment Agency and with other national and international coastal networks.

Further information can be found on the ENCORA website:
(http://www.encora.org)

WATERWAY RECOVERY GROUP (WRG) CAMPS
(Posted 3 April 2006)

The WRG is a voluntary organisation, helping to restore derelict canals in Britain. It is a division of Inland Waterways Enterprises Ltd., a subsidiary of the Inland Waterways Association. Since 1970, WRG has been a co-ordinating force, running weekend working parties and week-long work camps for volunteers. Six times a year WRG publishes a magazine Navvies, giving details of forthcoming work parties and progress reports from all over the country.

The latest issue (No 215, February – March 2006), as well as past numbers, are available for download from the WRG website:
(http://www.wrg.org.uk)