Ecological requirements (Habitats Directive) versus water requirements (Water Framework Directive) in wetland ecosystems in Spain

Abstract

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the Habitats Directive (HD) have a number of similarities in relation to the conservation of wetland ecosystems. The WFD aims to maintain the ecological health of aquatic ecosystems. The concept of "good status" by this directive is set to be equivalent to the concept of "good conservation status” of habitats of community interest (HCI) established by the HD. Both concepts are based on maintaining the structure and functions of ecosystems in the long term. However, the transposition of the WFD in Spain has introduced a new concept "water requirements" of the surface water body type lake, to the concept of "environmental requirements" of the habitats of community interest raised by the HD. In Spain, many of Sites of Community Important (SCI) as part of the Natura 2000 network are surface water bodies such as lakes or Protected Areas as results of the implementation of the WFD, identified and subject to protection as stated in the Basin Water Plans. Therefore, protection elements are common in both directives. The purpose of this paper is directed to conduct a conceptual analysis to define the similarities and differences, and determine the scope of the meaning of both concepts. A superficial analysis might point that the two concepts are equivalent; however, a more detailed analysis reveals significant differences that must be taken into account to avoid misunderstandings from scientists and technicians.