ENMaR wanted to close the gap on how to link the objectives of the WFD to the planning and economic development activities of the municipality. Many local municipalities throughout the member states have specific bodies of water and rivers that they manage directly, but there was no forum to share best practice on how to integrate the management of these water bodies into spatial planning tasks and vice versa. Many areas have already been and further will be identified where joint working would create improved interregional development. One specific example is how to inform the planning process, i.e. specifically what recommendations should be made to a new building located close to a water body.

This component of ENMaR focused on how to provide local municipalities with guidance and resources they need to modify the approach to spatial planning decisions. Regular workshops discussed various topics relating to the other components but keeping a focus on spatial planning. Regional workshops hosted throughout the year encouraged participation in the project and the provision of European level workshops facilitated policy improvements and amendments to current spatial planning policies. In summary, municipalities discussed spatial planning policies that would allow them to create a better water environment that could then lead to improved image and economic development potential.

For the outcome of the regional workshops, please take a look at the 5 regions sites.