Target groups provided feedback on water protection measure plans

The WSSP project has reached a stage where preliminary plans have been made for the implementation of water protection measures in the pilot areas. To improve the plans, the WSSP project partners collected feedback from target groups in workshops. Active dialogue resulted in valuable observations and suggestions from target groups.

The Watershed Safety Plan (WSSP) operational model is piloted in six pilot areas in Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Sweden. Each pilot area is unique and presents its unique challenges, but also its unique opportunities.

As part of the risk assessment stage of the project, partners have been working on data collection to form a starting point for actions in the pilot areas. The data has been utilized to develop risk maps which show the areas where the risk of diffuse pollution is most significant. The risk maps will help to decide the locations of the water protection measures.

Alongside the data collection and the risk assessment, partners have drafted preliminary plans for water protection measures. Partners make tailored plans according to the characteristics of their pilot area. Water protection measures can be the construction of new water protection structures, restoration of an existing structure and/or intangible measures, such as changing farming methods during the project. Restoration of detention ponds and construction of a two-stage ditch are examples of potential measures for pilot areas.

Systematic sampling and cooperation with landowners are important

Increasing the involvement of target groups would be beneficial in water protection. Water protection goals can be achieved more effectively when target groups are aware of each other’s plans and discuss them with each other. Dialogue also enables the exchange of expertise.

Therefore, before finalizing the plans, it was important to hear feedback and improvement ideas from the target groups, i.e. the end users of the WSSP operational model. For this, partners organized workshops during the spring in each partner country. Participants were local municipalities, water utilities, and other specialists within the field of water management.

Target groups highlighted the importance of careful data collection and taking samples from the pilot areas before and after the implementation of water protection measures to evaluate their effectiveness. They appreciated that this has been taken into consideration in the pilots. Smooth cooperation with landowners was also seen as a key factor in the success of water protection. The target groups gave useful suggestions on how to implement water protection measures in the pilot areas. All in all, they were supportive of the preliminary plans and look forward to hearing the results of the pilots.  

Next, the plans for water protection measures will be finalized and the practical arrangements, such as necessary permits and procurements, will be completed. Then the construction of the measures can begin.