The Key Messages

The Policy Brief represents a compilation of five Key Messages addressing governance conditions and policy instruments for improved implementation of NSWRM. 

Here are the five Key Messages summarized:

1. Harmonization of agro-environmental policy – Increased use of cross-referencing in the directives and strategy documents is needed for improved coherence on national and local levels.

2. Inter-sectoral cooperation – Intersectoral arenas must be established on the different administrative governance levels for harmonized agro-environmental policy programmes.

3. Financial and technical support schemes – Advancing financial schemes for higher integration of water and agricultural policy in practice demands multipurpose interventions with an acceptable cost-benefit ratio and special consideration of specific land ownership, farm size, and landscape characteristics.

4. Competent administration and accessible data – Improved administration competencies, simplified procedures, and increased data availability must be accomplished to better support end-users in integrating water and agricultural policy in practice.

5. Education, awareness raising, and communication – Awareness and knowledge are essential for municipalities, local communities, water managers, and farmers to be able to adopt new measures and approaches for water and nutrient retention.