environmental indicators 2 0 0 7 THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
Environmental Framework Programme Series Nยบ 70, April 2008
© IHOBE 2008 PUBLISHED BY: IHOBE, S.A. – Sociedad Pública de Gestión Ambiental DESIGNED BY: Dualxj – Comunicación & Diseño BASQUE TRANSLATION: Elhuyar Printed entirely on recycled paper bleached without chlorine
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED This publication may not be reproduced fully or in part, stored in any information retrieval system, transmitted by any electronic or mechanical means, photocopied, recorded, etc. without the written consent of the copyright holder and the publisher.
environmental indicators 2 0 0 7 THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
index Foreword | 5 Introduction | 6 Objective 1. Clean Air | 7 Objective 2. Good Water Quality | 13 Objective 3. Prevent & Remediate Soil Contamination | 21 Objective 4. Responsible Consumption of Natural Resources | 25 Objective 5. Encourage Sustainable Consumption & Production of Energy | 29 Objective 6. Reduce Waste & Achieve Zero LandďŹ lling of Untreated Waste | 35 Objective 7. Maintain our Biodiversity | 43 Objective 8. Move Towards a New Model of Mobility Management | 51 Objective 9. Achieve Balanced Use of our Territory | 55 Objective 10. Limit GHG Emissions | 59 Objective 11. Adapt to Climate Change | 63
3
environmental indicators 2007
Foreword The objectives and undertakings are quantified by a system of indicators to enable the government to render accounts year by year in regard to the standards achieved. Indeed, the Environmental Framework Programme itself requires the government to present an annual report to society on the progress made towards its environmental objectives and towards the undertakings made in Basque environmental policy This document seeks to quantify that progress.
Esther LarraĂąaga Basque Government Minister for Land Use and the Environment
The recently approved Environmental Framework Programme 2007-2010 is a major landmark in environmental policy. It establishes 11 strategic objectives which define the target state of the environment for 2020 in the Basque Autonomous Community. The Basque government has established 44 undertakings to precisely express the degree of progress made towards those strategic objectives and, therefore, towards attainment of the Basque government’s vision of environmental change.
The trend in environmental indicators for 2007 in the Basque Autonomous Community as regards soil contamination, energy, balance of territories and adaptation to climate change is, in general, positive. The trend in the indicators for water quality, clean air, consumption of natural resources, waste, GHG emissions and biodiversity is mixed: there has been some progress, but not enough. The only indicator with a negative trend is the one for movement towards a new, sustainable model of mobility management. We at the Basque government consider that it is vitally important to compile this information on environmental trends, and just as important to make it available to the public, because in the last analysis the indicators presented in this report are a reflection of our efforts to preserve the natural environment in which Basque society exists, and that society is increasingly committed to the cause of the environment.
5
Introduction Since the entry into force in 2002 of the Environmental Framework Programme 2002-2006, the Basque government has presented five Environmental Indicator Reports covering 22 headline indicators to monitor trends in the environment over the years. These reports have provided the public with information on environmental matters in the Basque Autonomous Community (BAC). Over the past five years a great many proposals have been received from different areas of society on ways of improving the system of environmental information. In line with the principles of continuous improvement and public involvement on which the system of environmental indicators in the BAC is based, it has been decided to modify that information system. The proposals received have been carefullt considered, and following a period of reflection and a study of benchmark indicator schemes elsewhere, the system of environmental indicators has been updated to include major new features. First of all, the indicators now seek to reflect more the extent of progress made towards fulfilment of the 11th strategic objectives and 44 undertakings of the second Environmental Framework Programme (2007-2010). To facilitate this task, the
6
structure of the report has been changed and additional indicators have been incorporated, though the main body of indicators published to date is maintained. Secondly, more emphasis is placed on the biophysical nature of the indicators presented. Management indicators are kept back for presentation in the Environmental Sustainability Report published annually by the Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment. The inclusion of further indicators and emphasis on biophysical characteristics entails no loss of traceability in regard to the contents of previous reports. Indeed, it enriches the information collected and guarantees that the information excluded from the present document will be presented suitably, with no loss of historical perspective, in the annual Environmental Sustainability Report and in the more exhaustive State of the Environment report published every three years by the Basque government. At the Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment we are confident that these changes will bring about an improvement in the environmental information system of the BAC, and make that information easier for the public to understand.
objective 1 clean air air quality | 9 particles (pm10) | 10 particles (pm2,5) | 11 contaminant emissions | 11 noise | 12
Are we moving towards meeting the objective? Objective 1: CLEAN AIR To improve air quality throughout our territory, in view of its particular inuence on human health and quality of life, with special attention to urban areas.
G
Noise pollution from traffic, industry and leisure activities is recognized as one of the main local environmental problems, especially in urban areas.
ood air quality is one of the clearest, most obvious requirements for the prevention of negative impacts on human health and ecosystems. In recent years, the restructuring of the fabric of production in the Basque Country and measures taken to offset atmospheric pollution have considerably reduced traditionally high levels of pollution.
The environmental quality of our urban areas is precisely one of the top priorities of Basque environmental policy to 2020. Efforts will centre on minimising emissions of the main contaminants into the atmosphere and reducing the number of people exposed to high noise levels.
An analysis of the air quality indicators available reveals that in general there is some improvement in the admission of certain contaminants into the atmosphere which have long been produced by intense industrial activity (for instance SO2) and in the air quality of our towns and cities. However, in recent years new driving forces have emerged which have a significant effect on air quality, such as transport, and on the emission of certain contaminants such as particles, NMVOCs and NOX , on which greater effort must be focused.
Over the next four years, this strategic objective is to be implemented through five undertakings which centre not only on improving general levels of air quality but also on bringing down particle concentrations and contaminant emissions, and on reducing the number of people exposed to high noise levels.
Noise pollution is another problem perceived by Basque society as an environmental impact of the first order that affects health and quality of life.
1990 index= 100
Emissions of atmospheric pollutants 150 140 130 120 110 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30
NOx
NMVOCs +29%
SO2
-31%
SO2 -31%
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993
1992
1991
1990
Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment
8
NMVOCs
NOx +37%
-58% -64%
Undertaking for 2010
environmental indicators 2007 |
Are we moving towards meeting this undertaking? Air quality UNDERTAKING 1 Achieving an air quality rating in which more than 95% of readings are rated as Good or Admissible, and less than 1% as Poor, Very Poor or Hazardous. Bringing down the number of people exposed to Poor, Very Poor and Hazardous levels by 20% on 2006 figures.
Air quality index Good or admissible air quality 100%
Poor, very poor or hazardous air quality 2,0%
120% 94%
93%
>95% 1,47%
1,5%
1,44%
80% 60%
1%
1,0%
40% 0,5% 20% 0% 2005
2006
Undertaking for 2010
0,0% 2005
2006
Undertaking for 2010
Source: : Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment.
In 2006, 93% of air quality index readings fell within the categories of Good (48%) and Admissible (45%). In spite of a slight fall in the number of days classed as Good in comparison with 2005, there is not far to go to meet the commitment for 2010.
Population exposed to at least one day of poor, very poor or hazardous air quality 120%
The number of days on which air quality levels of Poor, Very Poor and Hazardous were detected in 2006 amounted to 1.44% of the total (1.37% classed as Poor and 0.07% as Very Poor).
100% 80%
72% 57%
60% 40%
72% of the population was exposed to air quality levels classed as Poor, Very Poor or Hazardous on at least one day in 2006. In the Donostialdea, Kostaldea, Southern Araba and Rioja Alavesa areas, no days of Poor, Very Poor or Hazardous air quality were detected.
20% 0% 2006
Undertaking for 2010
Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment.
STANDARD OF INFORMATION: ✷ ✷ ✷ High
9
objective 1 | clean air
Particles (PM10) UNDERTAKING 2 Reducing the average annual concentration of particles by at least 10% in those areas where action plans on air quality need to be drawn up.
Average annual concentration of PM10 (μgr/Nm3) Undertaking for 2010
2003
2004
2005
2006
● Southern Araba
17
15
16
17
● Upper Nervión
23
26
25
28
● Upper Oria
32
36
34
34
30.6
● Upper Urola
32
33
33
31
27.9
● Lower Nervión
34
36
36
36
32.4
● Donostialdea
37
33
28
28
25.2
● Encartaciones
28
20
22
23
● Ibaizabal - Upper Deba
37
37
37
37
33.3
● Kostaldea
31
26
26
26
22.5
● Llanada Alavesa
29
28
26
27
24.3
● Rioja Alavesa
–
16
22
23
Average for areas with exceedences in 2006
33
32
31
31
● Areas with exceedences in 2006
● Areas without exceedences in 2006
Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment.
In 2006, seven of the 11 areas exceeded the limits set for particle concentrations (PM10). The average particle concentration detected in these areas was 31μgr/Nm3, with readings ranging from 25μgr/Nm3 in Kostaldea to 37μgr/Nm3 in Ibaizabal - Upper Deba. In line with the undertakings established in
10
the Environmental Framework Programme, PM10 levels in these areas must be reduced by at least 10% by 2010. STANDARD OF INFORMATION: ✷ ✷ ✷ High
environmental indicators 2007 |
Particles (PM2,5) UNDERTAKING 3 Not exceeding the PM2,5 annual limit value set by the European Union at any station in the network Stations where the European limit for PM2,5 concentration is exceeded 10
Levels higher than the limits set by the EU for 2010 (25μgr/Nm3) were not detected at any of the 26 stations in the environmental monitoring network of the Basque Autonomous Community equipped with PM2,5 meters.
Nº of stations
8 6 4 2 0
STANDARD OF INFORMATION: ✷ ✷ ✷ High 0
0
0
2005
2006
2010
Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment .
Contaminant emissions UNDERTAKING 4 Contributing to the reduction of emissions of NOx, SO2 & VOCs by the following percentages of 1990 figures: NOx: -31%, SO2: -64%, NMVOCs: -58% Emissions of NOx
Emissions of SO2
150 140
NOx +37%
110 100 1990 index =100
1990 index =100
130
120
120 110 100 90
90 80 70 60 SO2 -53%
50
80 -31%
70
40
-64%
30
60
2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990
2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990
Undertaking for 2010
Undertaking for 2010
Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment.
11
objective 1 | clean air
1990 index =100
Emissions of NMVOCs 140 130 120 110 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30
An analysis of the trends in the emission of atmospheric contaminants for the period from 1990 to 2005 reveals that the only one for which there has been an improvement is SO2, emissions of which have dropped by 53%. However, increases are observed in emissions of NOx (+37%) and NMVOCs (+29%) which take us further away from the undertakings established in the Environmental Framework Programme 2007-2010.
MEKOL +29%
-58%
2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990
Undertaking for 2010
STANDARD OF INFORMATION: ✷ ✷ ✷ High
Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment .
Noise UNDERTAKING 5 Reducing the number of people exposed to noise levels higher than the limits recommended by the WHO in large towns and cities by 10% on 2006 figures.
Percentage of the population exposed to noise from infrastructures Railways
%14
%6
%12
%5 % popultion exposed
% popultion exposed
Roads
%10 %8 %6 %4
%4 %3 %2 %1
%2
%0
%0 % population exposed (night-time traffic)
% population exposed (24 hour - traffic - Lden)
Noise levels in dB(A)
% population exposed (night-time railways)
55-60
60-70
% population exposed % (24 hour - railways - Lden)
>70
Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment.
The data required to monitor this undertaking are currently being compiled. However, data on the number of people exposed to noise from major transport infrastructures are available.
above the limits recommended by the WHO. By night the figure is 4%. 5% of the population are exposed to noise levels of more than 55 dB(A) from railways.
13% of the population of the Basque Autonomous Community exposed to noise levels from roads
STANDARD OF INFORMATION: ✷ ✷ Medium
12
objective 2 good water quality surface waters | 16 artiďŹ cial bodies of water | 18 groundwater | 18 wastewater | 19 bathing waters | 20 drinking water | 20
Are we moving towards meeting the objective? Objective 2: GOOD WATER QUALITY To achieve a good ecological status of all bodies of water covered by the water planning system of the BAC and prevent their deterioration so as to contribute as much as possible to the development and quality of life of people and in good condition of ecosystems.
I
mproving water quality is an area into which public institutions have put great effort, resulting in more favourable trends.
Uraren Esparru Direktibak (2000/60/EE) aldaketa The Framework Directive on Water (2000/60/EC) introduced far-reaching changes into the basic procedures for water planning and management, focused on protecting water resources and the associated ecosystems, equitable, balanced use of water and preventing extreme water situations. Water is an essential natural resource for life and for economic and social development. Its use and availability must be assured in such a way as to prevent environmental damage in general, and damage to water systems in particular.
Maintaining a sustainable balance in all these aspects, combined with the necessary protection and management of water, is the main objective of the Framework Directive on Water (2000/60/EC). This approach is reflected in Basque legislation in Act 1/2006 (The Water Act). The commitments for 2010 established in this strategic objective focus mainly on achieving the environmental objectives for the protection of water established in Basque legislation, on completing sewerage infrastructures for urban waste water and on reinforcing assurances in regard to quality of supply and access to water.
Quality of river water according to the BMWP’ index. 2006
Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment.
14
environmental indicators 2007 |
Quality of transitional & coastal waters according to the biotic index. 2006
Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment.
The first point that must be made in regard to the trend in this objective is that in spite of a slight deterioration in water quality in our rivers, the situation for the future can be seen as hopeful. Major efforts in the field of sewerage for urban and industrial waste water are now giving positive results, which should improve still further in the coming years. However there are currently still major stretches of river which are in poor condition, particularly in the Nerbioi-Ibaizabal, Deba and Oria basins. The completion and/or remodelling of sewerage systems currently pending under the Master Plan for Sewerage in the Basque Autonomous Community, combined with gradual completion of programmes for the recovery and protection of river banks, the implementation of specific programmes to reduce pollution, etc, will enable the condition of rivers to improve gradually in the future. In transitional and estuary waters the trend is negative and has become more so in recent years, contrasting with the situation as regards coastal waters, which has improved. The main conditioning factors
for the negative trend in the condition of estuaries and coastal areas of the Basque Autonomous Community pressure from urban and industrial development, ports, often ineffective water treatment and sewerage systems, dredging and port infrastructure work and changes in communities. Almost three-quarters of inland wetlands fail to attain good ecological status, though in many cases the impacts affecting them can be eliminated and they can be restored to optimal environmental conditions without difficulty, as those impacts result from farming activities entailing the offtake of water, morphological changes (drainage, short lines, etc), a lack of buffer areas, etc. In the case of groundwater the objective for quantitative status is met, but chemical risk is detected in 10 of the 44 bodies of groundwater surveyed. Finally, it must be highlighted that the quality of bathing water and drinking water can be considered as satisfactor.
15
objective 2 | good water quality
Are we moving towards meeting this undertaking? Surface waters1 UNDERTAKING 6 Protecting, improving and regenerating bodies of surface water so as to obtain good ecological status in 80% of them2.
Water Quality: Rivers BMWP' index
FQ-R index
120%
120%
100%
100% %80
80% 60%
80%
80% 60% 40%
43% 43% 43% 32%
20%
61%
55%
52% 54%
2003
40%
2002
55% 55%
49%
43% 43%
20%
17%
0%
0%
NOK
2006
OK
Waters somewhat affected by contamination
2005
Contaminated, very contaminated or highly contaminated waters
2004
2001
2000
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
Undertaking for 2010
Undertaking for 2010
Claar or non-contaminated waters
Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment.
The trend in results for the biological indicator for benthic macro-invertebrates (BMWP’ index) in recent years shows an improvement in water quality in our rivers compared to the situation in 2000. However, in the last three campaigns (2004-2006) levels have remained steady, and a slight deterioration is observed on 2003 levels, which would seem
to indicate a reversal of the general trend towards improvement in previous years. These trends are borne out by the FQ-R index, an indicator which gauges the general physical/ chemical conditions which determine whether the situation is suitable or not for the development of
1
Definitions of good ecological status, good ecological potential and good chemical status imply a definition of Maximum Ecological Potential (applicable to artificial & highly modified bodies of water) and benchmark conditions for bodies of water considered as natural, along with uniform, proven classification systems at European level. However, such objective criteria are not yet available and therefore cannot be applied to our bodies of water. The concept of “status� is defined under Directive 2000/60/CE taking into account all the factors which, when integrated, reflect the operation of aquatic ecosystems. The indicators used therefore include biological indicators (benthic macro-invertebrates, icthyological fauna, phytobenthos and/ or phytoplankton species, macrophytes and macro-algae) , physical/ chemical indicators and hydro-morphologhical indicators. In the context of this report (rivers, transitional & coastal waters), given the lack of objective criteria mentioned above, the objective is to give an approximation of the status via a partial analysis based on the results for benthic macro-invertebrates (IBMWP & biotic indices). These indicators were selected as the biological indicators listed in Directive 2000/60/CE, for which there is a well-established sampling, separation, identification and classification method and good historical data on past results built up by the monitoring network. For inland wetlands status is assessed according to the in-house criteria of the monitoring network for the ecological status of inland wetlands in the Basque Autonomous Community.
2
Definitions of good ecological status, good ecological potential, good chemical status, good status and surface water, bodies of surface water, artificial and highly modified bodies of water, underground bodies of water, as per the Water Act (Act 1/2006 of June 23).
16
environmental indicators 2007 |
Water quality: estuaries & shoreline Biotic index: estuaries
Biotic index: shoreline
120%
120%
100%
100% 80%
80%
80%
80%
60%
60%
40%
40% 46%
20%
20%
53% 53%
54% 47% 47% %38
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
0% Undertaking for 2010
Medium, heavy or extreme contamination
Slightly contamination
2006
3%
2005
%0
2004
3%
2003
%9
2002
6%
2001
6%
2000
12%
2000
0%
Undertaking for 2010
No contamination
Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment.
Ecological situation of the internal wetlands 120% 100% 80%
80% 60% %40 %20
24% 7%
24%
24%
2004/05
2005/06
18%
0% 2001/02 2002/03
2003/04
Good
Poor
Moderate
Very poor
Undertaking for 2010
Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment.
benthic communities. The similarities in the trends for these two indices indicate that improvements in physical/chemical quality continue to be a significant factor for the improvement of ecological status, and that others such as hydro-morphological factors and factors concerned with specific contaminants (metals and organic matter) are secondary contributors to a problem arising from insufficient sewerage and the resulting higher organic load levels. 72% of the sampling stations for transitional waters (estuaries) in 2006 showed some degree of contamination, compared to 65% in 2000. This negative trend has become more widespread over the last five sampling campaigns, partly due to the incorporation of new sampling points in internal areas of estuaries. The situation has remained steady over the last few campaigns, with around 70% of
estuaries sampling stations showing some contamination. It is on the shoreline that the most favourable trend can be found. In 2006 53% of sampling stations were classed as free from pollution, a repeat of the figure for 2005. This compares with a figure of 46% in 2000. However, the figures for the last few years show some stagnation in results. Only 24% of the inland wetlands and lakes surveyed meet the environmental objective of “good ecological status”. This figure is similar to that obtained in previous hydrological cycles, indicating that our wetlands are still, in general, highly damaged and that the situation is persistent over time. QUALITY OF INFORMATION: ✷ ✷ ✷ High
17
objective 2 | good water quality
Artificial bodies of water UNDERTAKING 7 Protecting and improving artificial and highly modified bodies of water so as to achieve good ecological potential and good chemical status in 80% of them. hoped that such information will become available in future editions.
This report makes no distinction between natural, highly modified and artificial bodies of water. Results are analysed on the basis of monitoring stations rather than bodies of water as a whole. It is
QUALITY OF INFORMATION: N/A
Groundwater UNDERTAKING 8 Protecting, improving and regenerating bodies of groundwater. Ensuring a balance between offtake and input in these waters so as to achieve good status in 80% of them.
Groundwater quality Quantitative risk
Chemical risk
120%
120%
100% 80%
100% 93%
80%
80%
80%
60%
60%
40%
40%
20%
20%
0%
66%
0% 2004
Undertaking for 2010 Risk-free
2004
Low
Medium
Undertaking for 2010 High
Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment.
Directive 2000/60/EC defines “good” status for groundwater as the status attained by a body of groundwater when both its quantitative status and
18
its chemical status can be categorised as a least “good”.
environmental indicators 2007 |
In terms of their quantitative state, none of the bodies of groundwater surveyed show any likelihood of failing to meet the objectives of the Directive. The biggest risk is in the bodies of water at Gernika, Jaizkibel and Miranda, but even there it is classed as low. In the case of Gernika this low risk is related to the possibility of intrusion by salt if there is uncontrolled exploitation, which is not currently the case. In the case of Jaizkibel it is due to a future exploitation rate, but fulfilment of the objectives of the directive is not jeopardised.
However, there are three bodies of water which are at high risk of failing to obtain “good” chemical status, and a further seven at medium risk. 23% of the 44 bodies of water analysed show some risk of failing to meet the objectives of the Directive as regards chemical quality. In terms of surface area, they represent 29% of the total, i.e. 2052 km2 of the total of 7102 km2. The bodies of water at high risk are Gernika, Vitoria and Miranda. QUALITY OF INFORMATION: ✷ ✷ ✷ High
Wastewater UNDERTAKING 9 Ensuring that urban waste water susceptible to treatment in public drainage networks (covering 97% of the population) is treated in WWTS facilities suitable for discharge types and receiving bodies of water.
Population served by WWTS 120% 100% 97%
80% 60%
82% %64
40% 20% 0% 2003
2005
Undertaking for 2010
WWTS currently operating WWTS under construction Autonomous solutions
Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Health.
In 2005, 82% of the Basque population was served by public sewerage infrastructures for urban waste water, and infrastructures to serve the remaining 15% of the population whose wastewater is susceptible to treatment at WWTSs were under con-
struction or at the planning stage. The remaining 3% of the population has autonomous wastewater management systems. QUALITY OF INFORMATION: ✷ ✷ ✷ High
19
objective 2 | good water quality
Bathing waters UNDERTAKING 10 Ensuring that water at 95% of bathing water sampling points attains good or acceptable status3. Quality of water for bathing 120% 100% 80%
89%
84%
90%
91% 90%
%86
95%
93%
60% 40% 20% 0% 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Good or acceptable
Undertaking for 2010
The situation as regards bathing waters is substantially better than in 2000. 93% of the sampling stations tested had water classed as “good” or “acceptable” in 2006, compared to 90% in 2000. Although the results for inland waters have deteriorated, the overall trend can be seen as favourable, and getting closer to the objective set. QUALITY OF INFORMATION: ✷ ✷ ✷ High
Poor
Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Health.
Drinking water UNDERTAKING 11 Ensuring that 95% of the Basque population receive water supplies for consumption of satisfactory status4. Quality or drinking water 120% 100% 80%
89% 91% 88%
92%
91%
95%
93% 93%
60% 40% 20%
The trend is also positive for drinking water. In spite of some fluctuations from year to year, the overall situation has improved. In 2000, 89% of the population was supplied with water classed as “satisfactory”, and by 2006 the figure had risen to 93%. Particularly noteworthy is the improvement in Gipuzkoa, where the level was lowest in the first few years of the survey.
0% 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Satisfactory
Tolerable
Undertaking for 2010
QUALITY OF INFORMATION: ✷ ✷ ✷ High
Deficient
Iturria: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment. 3
Good quality water: water in which the results for the parameters analysed are below the compulsory and guideline levels set by Royal Decree 734/1988; acceptable water in health terms: water in which the results for the parameters analysed are below the compulsory levels but above the guideline levels; poor quality water: water in which the results exceed the compulsory levels. 4 Satisfactory: water classed as fit to drink in at least 95% of the analyses performed; tolerable: water classed as not fit to drink in between 5 and 10% of the analyses; deficient: water classed as not fit to drink in more than 10% of the analyses.
20
objective 3 preventing & remediating soil contamination preventing soil contamination | 23 recovery of land for other uses | 23 recovery of land not earmarked for new uses | 24 disused landďŹ lls | 24
Are we moving towards meeting the objective? Objective 3: PREVENTING & REMEDIATING
SOIL CONTAMINATION To achieve optimum soil management by prioritising the remediation of historically contaminated sites and preventing new types of contamination.
S
oil contamination has long been and continues to be one of the most significant environmental problems in our territory. The response of our institutions has been fundamental in the progress made towards preventing and remediating such contamination. The passing of Act 1/2005 on the prevention and remediation of soil contamination marked a turning point in the optimisation of efforts and the sharing of responsibility on the part of all those involved in preventing and repairing damage, and in preventing the problem from being handed down to future generations.
soil pollution a thing of the past, and on the other hand to optimise the tools available for the gradual remediation of soil currently contaminate. In recent years major progress has been made in the remediation of contaminated land. Indeed, between 2000 and 2005 a total of 144 contaminated sites were remediated, with a total surface area of 145 ha. The undertakings made for optimal land management in regard to soil contamination seek to ensure progress in prevention and continuation in work already begun to remediate potentially contaminated land.
The challenge set in this area is on the one hand to consolidate a policy of prevention that can make
Contaminated land recovered for other uses 160 140 120 Hectares
100 80 60 40 20 0 2000
2001
2002
2003
Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment.
22
2004
2005
2006
environmental indicators 2007 |
Are we moving towards meeting the undertaking? Preventing soil contamination UNDERTAKING 12 Preventing soil contamination, using specific administrative tools already in place (preliminary situation reports).
Preliminary situation reports on soil contamination 100
In 2006 a total of 64 preliminary situation reports were drawn up in the Basque Autonomous Community. These reports seek to assess the likelihood that land that currently hosts or has previously hosted potentially contaminating activities has been polluted in the past or may be significantly polluted in the future.
Number of reports
80 64
60 40 20 0 2006
Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment.
QUALITY OF INFORMATION: ✷ ✷ ✷ High
Recovery of land for other uses UNDERTAKING 13 Remediating 407 ha of potentially contaminated land earmarked by urban planning for new uses or activities.
Contaminated land recovered for new uses 450
407
400 350
Hectares
300
In 2006 a total of 56 sites containing contaminated soil were remediated. Their total surface area is 41 ha.
250
QUALITY OF INFORMATION: ✷ ✷ ✷ High
200 150 100 50
41
0 2006
Undertaking for 2010
Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment.
23
objective 3 | preventing & remediating soil contamination
Recovery of land not earmarked for new uses UNDERTAKING 14 Remediating 35 ha of potentially contaminated land not earmarked by urban planning for new uses or activities.
In 2006 no land not earmarked by urban planning for new uses or activities was remediated.
QUALITY OF INFORMATION: ✷ ✷ ✷ High
Disused landfills UNDERTAKING 15 Continuing environmental monitoring of publicly owned disused landfills.
Publicly owned disused landfills Nº of sites Araba
86
88
Bizkaia
138
491
Gipuzkoa
65
150
Guztira
289
729
Initial estimates indicate that there could be as many as 290 disused landfills on publicly owned land in the Basque Autonomous Community. A register of monitoring and control actions on such
24
Surface area (ha)
sites by the various Basque administrations is currently being drawn up. QUALITY OF INFORMATION: ✷ Low
objective 4 responsable consumption of natural resources non-metered water | 27 bulk water demand | 27 domestic material consumption (DMC) | 28
Are we moving towards meeting the objective? Objective 4: RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION
OF NATURAL RESOURCES To encourage responsible consumption of natural resources (land, water and materials) and optimise efficiency levels through investigation and innovation aimed at improving competitiveness.
he most characteristic features of today’s society, economy and lifestyle in the BAC and its surrounding area include the production and consumption of goods. Production and consumption are, inevitably, associated more and more with environmental impacts resulting from the extraction, processing, use and disposal of finite natural resources.
T
that emerge from the vision for the environment to 2020. If we are to produce better and consume less we need to take firm steps to save water, energy, materials and land and to use them more efficiently. We must also incorporate sustainability criteria into our management of environmental impacts arising from the use of natural resources, and assess them throughout the life cycle.
Although the reference indicators used show some degree of delinking between economic growth and use of resources, consumption continues to grow in absolute terms In recent years increases in GDP (+22%) have been accompanied by increases in the consumption of energy (15%), land (+12%) and materials (9%).
The undertakings that arise from this strategic objective centre on responsible consumption of water and material resources. Energy and land are dealt with specifically in strategic objectives nº 5 (“Encouraging Sustainable Consumption of Energy”) and nº 9 (“Achieving Balanced Use of Our Territory”).
Moving towards environmentally sustainable consumption and production is one of the priorities
Consumption of natural resources 130 GDP +22%
120 Land +12%
2000 index = 100
110
Energy +15%
Materials +9%
100 90 Water -13%
80 70 2000
2001
2002
2003
Increasing demand for public supply
Developable land
Total material requerimen
GDP
2004
2005
2006
Gross domestic energy consumption
Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment, EUSTAT, EVE, National Statistics Office .
26
environmental indicators 2007 |
Are we moving towards meeting the undertaking? Non-metered water UNDERTAKING 16 Reducing non-metered urban water demands to 25% in 80% of the population served. Water losses in the distribution network 40% 35% 30%
29% 26%
25%
25% 20% 15%
12%
12% 9%
10% 5%
No monitoring data are as yet available on trends in the total amount of non-metered water, but there are data on losses in the distribution network. These data reveal that water losses in the distribution network have fallen in recent years to 12% of total demand for raw water supplies. QUALITY OF INFORMATION: ✷ Low
0% 2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
Source: National Statistics Office.
Bulk water demand UNDERTAKING 17 Reducing the demand for public bulk water supplies and individual offtakes for industrial and agricultural activities by 20% on 2001 figures. Demand for public bulk water supplies 280
273
Millions of m3
261
260 244
240
236
232
Not enough information is currently available to analyse the trend for this undertaking, though it seems clear that in recent years demand for public water supplies has fallen substantially. In 2005 the figure was around 231.5 million m3.
220
QUALITY OF INFORMATION: ✷ Low 200 2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
Source: National Statistics Office.
27
objective 4 | responsable consumption of natural resources
Domestic material consumption (DMC) UNDERTAKING 18 Maintaining efficiency in the consumption of resources (material efficiency) at 2001 levels.
Consumption of materials Total material requirement (t per capita) 120
TMR 100 t p.c.
t per capita
100
DMC Hidden flow
80
Exports TMR
60 40 20 DMC 18 t p.c.
0 2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
Total & domestic material efficiency 102 100
100 Total -1%
Domestic efficiency Preliminary data
98 1990 =100
Total efficiency
Preliminary data
96 Domestic -6%
94 92 90 2001
2002
2003
2004
Undertaking for 2010
Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment & EUSTAT.
From 2000 to 2004 the Total Material requirement (TMR) in the Basque Autonomous Community rose by 7% from 103 tons per capita to 110. Only 18 tons of that total is for materials actually consumed here (Domestic Material Consumption (DMC)). This figure has risen by 14% since 2000. The remaining 86% is accounted for by exported materials and hidden material flows (materials displaced and not subsequently used in the process of obtaining raw materials).
28
Total efficiency in the consumption of resources– measured as GDP at constant prices divided by TMR – fell by 1% from 2001 to 2004. In terms of domestic efficiency (GDP/DMC) the fall was 6%.
QUALITY OF INFORMATION: ✷ ✷ ✷ High
objective 5 encourage sustainable consumption & production of energy energy saving | 32 energy eďŹƒciency | 32 electricity from renewable sources & CHP | 33 bio-fuels | 33
Are we moving towards meeting the objective? OBJECTIVE 5: ENCOURAGE SUSTAINABLE
CONSUMPTION & PRODUCTION OF ENERGY To encourage energy saving, eďŹƒciency and the use of renewables in all sectors of consumption.
I
n recent years, energy consumption has become one of the most representative yardsticks for measuring climate change and atmospheric pollution, to which it is one of the major contributing factors. Acting to combat climate change means firmly tackling the problem of switching to
a more responsible model of energy use that will encourage savings and efficiency. The directives of Basque energy policy take up this challenge through the Basque Energy Strategy 2010. The objective is for these directives to
Breakdown by sectors of increase in energy consumption 2000 - 2006
Trend in final energy consumption
%0
125
100%
Transport +22%
12%
120
4% Services +20%
115
Primary +14%
110 2000 =100
80% 60%
Total +12%
105
Industry +7%
100
56%
40%
Residential -9%
20%
95
28%
90 2000
0% 2001
2002
2003
Industry
2004 Residential
2005
2006
Services
LPrimary
Transport
Gross domestic energy consumption source by source 2000 1%
2006
3,9% 8%
7%
16%
0%
4,4% 42%
50% 21%
Source: EVE.
30
6%
41%
Solid fuels
Derivative sources
Electricity
Natural gas
Petroleum derivatives
Renewables
environmental indicators 2007 |
be taken on board in all areas of energy consumption, from domestic users to large companies and transport. The undertakings for 2010 in the Environmental Framework Programme 2007-2010 in this area centre on savings, increased efficiency, greater use of renewables and the implementation of cleaner technologies. In recent years considerable progress has been made in the direction determined by this objective of the Environmental Framework Programme 2007-2010. The implementation of the various actions set down in the Basque Energy Strategy has resulted in increases in efficiency and energy saving, and in a higher market share for renewables. Final energy consumption increased by 12% from 2000 to 2006 (by 1.6% in the final year of this period). There were increases in all sectors, but the main culprit was transport with an increase of 56%, followed by industry (28%) and services (12%).
At 46% and 36% respectively, industry and transport were the sectors with the biggest energy demands. Residential consumption accounted for 10%, the service sector for 7% and the primary sector over 3%. The 9% fall in residential energy consumption in the final year of the period is noteworthy, though it was due largely to mild winter temperatures. Gross domestic energy consumption in 2006 was 7716 ktoe, 15% up on the figure for 2000. Most of the increase is due to the replacement of imported electricity by home-generated energy. Petroleum derivatives are the main energy source used in the Basque Autonomous Community, accounting for 42% of total energy consumption (50% in 2000). Natural gas accounts for 41% (21% in 2000), electricity imports for 7% (16% in 2000), solid fuels for 6% (8% in 2000) and renewables for 4.4% (3.9% in 2000).
31
objective 5 | encourage sustainable consumption & production of energy
Are we moving towards meeting this undertaking? Energy saving UNDERTAKING 19 Achieving energy savings of 975,000 toe by 2010.
Cumulative energy saving 1,200,000
Energy savings of 72,775 toe were achieved in 2006, taking the cumulative saving for 2001-2006 to 480,099 toe. This is good progress, as it takes us around halfway to achieving the overall objective.
1,000,000
toe
800,000 600,000
STANDARD OF INFORMATION: ✷ ✷ ✷ High
400,000 200,000 0 2001-2005
2006
Undertaking for 2010
Source: EVE.
Energy efficiency UNDERTAKING 20 Improving energy intensity by 16% on 2000 levels
2000 = 100
Energy intensity, energy consumption and GDP 125 120 115 110 105 100 95 90 85 80 2000
GDP +22%
GDP Energy consumption
Energy consumption +12%
Intensity -8%
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Energy intensity
Intensity -16%
Undertaking for 2010
Source: EUSTAT & EVE.
In regard to energy efficiency, it must be noted that between 2000 and 2006 the energy intensity of the Basque economy improved by 8%, i.e. in 2006 8% less energy was used than in 2000 per euro of GDP
32
generated. This clearly reflects the progress made in terms of energy saving. STANDARD OF INFORMATION: ✷ ✷ ✷ High
environmental indicators 2007 |
Electricity from renewable sources & CHP UNDERTAKING 21 Bringing the proportion of electricity consumption generated by renewables and CHP to 29% of the total. Electricity consumption per production technology 100%
CHP Conventional thermal
80%
Imports Renewables Combined cycle
60%
Renewables & CHP
40% 29%
20% 14%
0% 2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Undertaking for 2010
Source: EVE.
14.6% of the electricity consumed in the Basque Autonomous Community comes from renewable energy sources and CHP. 55% comes from conventional thermoelectric power stations and the remaining 31% is imported. In spite of efforts to
establish more environmentally friendly energy sources, we are still a long way from the target figure of 29%. STANDARD OF INFORMATION: ✷ ✷ ✷ High
Bio-fuels UNDERTAKING 22 Achieving annual bio-fuel consumption figures of 177,000 toe in transport. Bio-fuel consumption in transport 200,000 177,000
toe
150,000
100,000
50,000
In 2006 the transport sector used 6488 toe of biofuels, an increase of 28% on 2005, but we are still a long way from the target figure of 177.000 toe. However, rapid growth is expected from 2008 onwards. STANDARD OF INFORMATION: ✷ ✷ ✷ High
5,059
6,488
2005
2006
0
Source: EVE.
Underkating for 2010
33
objective 6 reduction & zero landďŹ lling of untreated waste delinking industrial waste from gross added value | 37 valorisation of hazardous waste | 38 recycling of construction & demolition waste | 39 recycling of non hazardous waste | 40 recycling of MSW | 40 zero landďŹ lling of MSW | 41
Are we moving towards meeting the objective? Objective 6: REDUCTION & ZERO
LANDFILLING OF UNTREATED WASTE To reduce the production of waste and improve its management until zero landďŹ lling of untreated waste is attained.
F
rom an environmental viewpoint waste causes two types of problem: first, waste production is in itself a squandering of natural resources and a symptom of inefficiency in production and consumption processes. Secondly, the treatment of waste may have a significant impact on the environment in the form of soil, water and air pollution. Waste production is directly linked to production and consumption of resources. Thus, as we move towards responsible consumption of resources we should also move towards a reduction in waste. Economic growth is being accompanied by increasing consumption of natural resources and an increase in waste production. This means that we
are still a long way from channelling waste production towards the objective of reduction, though a slowdown can be observed in the case of MSW. On the positive side, the progress made in the management of this waste in recent years must be highlighted. Recycling and reuse rates have risen considerably, but there is still a long way to go and a great deal of room for major actions finally to eradicate the landfilling of untreated waste. The undertakings made for 2010 cover the general objective of waste reduction and improvements in the management of the main waste streams: hazardous waste, construction and demolition waste and MSW.
Production of hazardous waste & MSW
Valorisation rates per type of waste
125
120%
2000 = 100
120
RP +17%
100%
115
80%
110
60%
105
RU +5%
20%
95
0% 2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
Hazardous waste MSW
Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment .
36
2010 Undertaking 75%
2010 Undertaking 70% 2010 Undertakinga 35%
40%
100
2000
2010 Undertaking 65%
51%
63% 27%
Hazardous (2005)
Non hazardous Construction (2004) & Demolition (2005)
29%
MSW (2005)
environmental indicators 2007 |
Are we moving towards meeting this undertaking? Delinking industrial waste from gross added value UNDERTAKING 23 Delinking the production of industrial waste from the gross added value of industry.
Delinking the production of industrial waste from the gross added value of industry 125 HW +17%
2000 = 100
120 115 110
GAV +12%
105 100 95 2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
Industrial Gross Added Value (GAV) Production of hazardous waste (HW)
Note: hazardous waste from the remediation of contaminated land and PCBs is not included. Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment & EUSTAT.
At present there are no historical data available for assessing the trend in industrial waste as a whole. However, there is information on trends in hazardous waste production. The relevant data indicate that from 2000 to 2005 there was an overall increase of 17% in the production of hazardous
waste, a figure five points higher than the increase in gross added value for industry. This means that there are has been no delinking of waste production from gross added value. STANDARD OF INFORMATION: âœˇ âœˇ Medium
37
objective 6 | reduction & zero landfilling of untreated waste
Valorisation of hazardous waste UNDERTAKING 24 Recovering material resources contained in hazardous waste by increasing the recycling rate to 65%.
Valorisation of hazardous waste 100% 80% 65%
60% 47%
40%
34%
51%
53%
51%
2003
2004
2005
39%
20% 0% 2000
2001
2002
Undertaking for 2010
Note: data for 2005 are provisional. Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment .
In 2005 a total of 375,922 tonnes of hazardous waste was produced, 3% less than in 2004. Almost 75% of that waste comprised steel shop dust, salt slag, pickling acids and drilling fluids from the metal manufacturing and processing industry. On a lower scale are waste materials from the organic and inorganic chemical industries and from the petrochemical industry.
38
Considerable progress has been made in managing this waste: in 2000 just 34% of it was valorised, but by 2005 the figure had risen to 51%. STANDARD OF INFORMATION: ✷ ✷ ✷ High
environmental indicators 2007 |
Recycling of construction & demolition waste UNDERTAKING 25 Attaining a 70% reuse and recycling rate for construction and demolition waste produced in the BAC.
Recycling of construction & demolition waste 100% 80%
70%
60% 40% 27%
20%
erational plants (Bizkaiko Txintxor Berziklategia in Ortuella and Volbas in Erandio) have an effective treatment capacity of around 200,000 tonnes per year each. In 2005 they recycled 189,776 and 67,900 tonnes of construction and demolition waste, respectively. The plant in Araba (based in Vitoria-Gasteiz) will be capable of managing around 300,000 tonnes per year, and is expected to begin operations in the first quarter of 2007.
0% 2005
Undertaking for 2010
Iturria: Eusko Jaurlaritzako Ingurumen eta Lurralde Antolamendu Saila.
Construction and demolition waste in the BAC is recycled in both fixed recycling plants and mobile plants. At the end of 2006 there were two fixed plants up and running, both in the province of Bizkaia, and a third under construction in Araba. The two op-
Along with these fixed plants, there are between 15 and 20 mobile plants operating in the BAC, capable of treating up to 200 tonnes per hour. In 2005 these plants recycled a total of 183,897 tonnes. In all, 441,573 tonnes of construction and demolition waste was recycled in 2005, 27% of the 1,657,748 produced in total. STANDARD OF INFORMATION: âœˇ âœˇ Medium
39
objective 6 | reduction & zero landfilling of untreated waste
Recycling of non hazardous waste UNDERTAKING 26 Attaining a 75% recycling rate for a non-hazardous industrial waste.
Recycling of non hazardous waste 100% 80%
In 2004 Basque industry produced a total of 3,054,628 tonnes of non hazardous waste, 63% of which was valorised. The main non-hazardous waste streams were from the iron and steel industry, the wood processing industry and the papermaking industry.
75% 63%
60%
55%
40% 20%
STANDARD OF INFORMATION: ✷ ✷ Medium
0% 2003
2004
Undertaking for 2010
Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment.
Recycling of MSW UNDERTAKING 27 Attaining a 35% recycling rate for MSW.
Recycling of MSW 50%
35%
30% 22%
23%
2000
2001
25%
26%
28%
29%
2004
2005
10% 0% 2002
2003
Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment.
40
Undertaking for 2010
environmental indicators 2007 |
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
156,061
157,402
163,681
176,079
192,492
194,233
Glass
36,826
39,336
41,976
45,484
52,108
46,323
Packaging
12,109
13,912
15,764
18,432
22,028
23,471
Other selective collections
40,312
52,145
59,316
61,506
64,460
70,128
245,308
262,794
280,737
301,501
331,088
334,155
Paper – cardboard
Total
Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment.
In 2005 MSW production totalled 1,165,799 tonnes, slightly less than the 1,190,326 tonnes 2004. This works out at around 545 kg per capita in 2005, a figure similar to previous years. The trend in waste recycling is positive: in 2000, 245,308 tonnes of MSW (22% of the total) was re-
cycled, and by 2005 the figure was 334,155 tonnes (29%). Most of the MSW recycled in 2005 originated from the selective collection of paper and cardboard (194,233 t) and glass (46,323 t). STANDARD OF INFORMATION: ✷ ✷ ✷ High
Zero landfilling of msw UNDERTAKING 28 Attaining zero landfilling of untreated MSW.
Landfilling of MSW 100% 80%
77%
76%
75%
73% 65% 56%
60% 40% 20%
0%
0% 2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
Undertaking for 2010
Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment.
In 2005, 56% of the MSW produced was landfilled. We are still a long way from achieving the objective of zero landfilling, but the trend since 2000 (when 77% was landfilled) is clearly positive
STANDARD OF INFORMATION: ✷ ✷ ✷ High
41
objective 7 maintain our biodiversity endangered species | 46 autochthonous woodland | 47 wetlands | 47 agri-environmental measures | 48 environmentally-friendly agriculture | 48 certiďŹ ed forestry land | 49 invader species | 49 natura 2000 network | 50 landscape | 50
Are we moving towards meeting this objective? Objective 7: MAINTAIN OUR BIODIVERSITY To halt the loss of biodiversity by protecting and restoring the sustainable working of habitats and ecosystems on land and in the sea.
L
oss of biodiversity is one of the most worrying environmental trends at international level. Nature conservancy organisations have calculated that species are becoming extinct at a rate between 100 and 1000 times faster than in pre-human times. Halting the loss of biodiversity has therefore become one of the prime objectives of environmental policy in the EU and the Basque Country. Changes in land use, more intensive, more specialised farming methods and the introduction of non-native species are the main causes of the impoverishment of our biodiversity. In an attempt to correct this imbalance, emphasis has been placed in recent years on implementing policies aimed at integrating farming and forestry into the natural environment. These policies have resulted in progress in areas such as environmentally-friendly farming and sustainable forestry management.
Trend in population of various species of vertebrates (2004-2006 update) Species
Trend
Natterjack toad (Txingudi population) (V) Montague’s harrier (V) Red kite (V) Crested cormorant (R) White stork (R) Marsh harrier (R) Water rail (R) Pyrenean newt (DIE) Iberian frog (DIE) Hen harrier (DIE) Reed bunting (DIE) Black kite (NC)
42 species of fauna and 44 of flora are currently under serious threat in the Basque Country (classed as “in danger of extinction” or “vulnerable”). 34 species of vertebrates could also be at risk of disappearing. Trends for a number of species of vertebrates were updated in 2004-2006, most of them listed in the Basque Catalogue of Endangered Species. The species updated do not form a single coherent group and are not linked to the same type of habitat or even subject to the same influences, but even so it may be useful to show their recent trends. The species with the most highly negative trends are the reed bunting (a small bird associated with coastal wetlands which is losing ground throughout the
44
Turtle dove (NC) NB: The abbreviations beside the names of each species refer to their status as per the Basque Catalogue of Endangered Species (2007): Vulnerable (V), Rare (R), Of Special Interest (DIE), Not Catalogued (NC). Source: IKT. / Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment.
Iberian Peninsula) and the red kite (a bird of prey which is highly sensitive to the use of poison). Coastal populations of natterjack toads continue to be highly endangered due to the absence of suitable breeding sites. Other species, however, are showing signs of recovery. These are mainly species that have benefited from the establishment and res-
environmental indicators 2007 |
Trend in population of various species of continental ďŹ sh (1994-2005) Trend Spezies
Mediterranean Seaboard
Bay of Biscay
Eel Stone loach Barbel Thick-lipped grey mullet Chondrostoma miegii Eurasian minnow Salmon Sea trout Overall Source: Basque Govt. Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa & IKT.
toration of inland wetlands, and include the water rail, the marsh harrier and the white stork (this last species is also making use of waste tips as feeding sites).
Trend for groups of bird species (1998-2007) Group
Trend
Agricultural systems Urban systems Woodland systems Source: SEO/BirdLife & IKT / Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment.
The trends in population numbers of various species of continental fish were studied in 1994-2005. On the rivers running to the Mediterranean seaboard the eel has all but disappeared as a result of barriers to migration in the form of dams and reservoirs. Most species on this side of the watershed are either stable or declining. By contrast, on the Bay of Biscay side of the watershed the data show a general recovery, probably fostered by a gradual improvement in water quality from previous levels much less suited to sustaining fish. This not necessarily pessimistic outlook must however be contrasted with a general increase in the presence of distribution of allochthonous fish species. 2007 saw the first ever analysis of trends in the bird populations of the entire Basque Autonomous Community. The results show decreasing numbers in species such as the fantail warbler, the Eurasian jackdaw, the yellowhammer, the pied wagtail and the tree sparrow. The trend is more favourable for the black kite and the black redstart. In terms of groups, species living in urban and agricultural environments show year-on-year decreases while those living in woodland environments are increasing in number. In more general terms, bird numbers show a comparatively negative trend in biodiversity in urbanised and arable land areas. As a way of moving towards meeting this objective a number of specific undertakings have been established to deal with the driving forces behind the upsets (agriculture, woodland, allochthonous species, etc.) and to preserve the habitats on which biodiversity depends (protected natural areas, wetlands, woodland, etc.) with express emphasis on improving the status of endangered species.
45
objective 7 | maintain our biodiversity
Are we moving towards meeting this undertaking? Endangered species UNDERTAKING 29 Achieving positive trends for 2007-2010 in the population indicators for the species of fauna and flora in danger of extinction or in a critical situation.
Reference Year
Year of assessment
Mediterranean tree frog
2001
2006
Bearded vulture
2001
2006
Bonelli’s eagle
2001
2006
2000-2001
2004-2005
Otter
1995
2003
Antennaria dioica
2001
2006
Diphasiastrum alpinum
2001
2006
Genista legionensis
2001
2006
Matricaria maritima
2001
2006
Pentaglottis sempervirens
2001
2006
Ranunculus amplexicaulis
2001
2006
Species
Recent trend
Iberian chub Loach Freshwater blenny
Pyrenean desman Mediterranean horseshoe bat Bechstein’s bat European mink
Eriophorum vaginatum Source: IKT, Sociedad de Ciencias Aranzadi & Provincial Councils.
In 2007 no new management plans for endangered species were approved by the provincial councils, so the 16 territorial plans approved already approved remain in force. Vertebrate species catalogued as “in danger of extinction” for which no plans have been approved include the Mediterranean horseshoe bat and Bechstein’s bat, and endangered flora
46
include Antennaria dioica, Matricaria maritima and Pentaglottis sempervirens. Monitoring species for which plans have been approved is the job of the provincial councils, so the information that they provide is essential for monitoring the trends in each species and analysing fulfilment of this undertaking. For the moment
environmental indicators 2007 |
there is not enough information to assess recent trends in many species of endangered fauna. Those species for which data have been gathered appear to be more or less stable with the exception of the European mink, whose situation is worrying. In regard to flora, some species are showing improve-
ments with increases in the number of individuals or populations, while others remain stable and two are in decline. STANDARD OF INFORMATION: ✷ ✷ ✷ High
Autochthonous woodland UNDERTAKING 30 Increasing the surface area covered by native woodland by 10,000 ha on the figure for 2006 (forestry inventory). Baso-azalera autoktonoa 210.000
Hectares
197.191
190.000
187.191 175.649
178.904
170.000
In 2005 47% of the surface area covered by woodland in the Basque Autonomous Community (187,191 ha) comprised autochthonous woodland. This figure was up by almost 10,000 ha in ten years.
150.000 1986
1996
2005
Undertaking for 2010
STANDARD OF INFORMATION: ✷ ✷ ✷ High
Source: Basque Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food.
Wetlands UNDERTAKING 31 Restoring 50 ha of wetland included in the STP for Wetlands in the Basque Country. Surface area of wetlands restored 60 50
50 Hectares
40 30 20
14
10 0 2007
Undertaking for 2010
In 2007 there were environmental recovery interventions on two wetland areas: an inland sedimentary lagoon in Lacorzana, Araba and a stretch of estuarine coastline in Deba, Gipuzkoa. Between them these actions resulted in the remediation of 50 ha of wetland. STANDARD OF INFORMATION: ✷ ✷ ✷ High
Source: Basque Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food.
47
objective 7 | maintain our biodiversity
Agri-environmental measures UNDERTAKING 32 Increasing the surface area covered by agri-environmental measures to protect biodiversity to at least 10% of the useful agricultural land area. Surface area affected by agri-environmental measures 15% 12% 11%
7%
5%
10%
10%
10% %8
4%
0% 2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Undertaking for 2010
Source: Basque Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food.
mous Community in 2001 to 12% in 2006 (2 points above the target set for 2010).
In 2006 the total surface area of farmland covered by agri-environmental measures was 29,354 ha. The figure increased steadily years from 4% of the useful farmland area (SAU) of the Basque Autono-
STANDARD OF INFORMATION: ✷ ✷ ✷ High
Environmentally-friendly agriculture UNDERTAKING 33 Increasing the surface area given over to environmentally friendly agriculture to 1200 ha. Surface area given over to environmentally-friendly agriculture 1.200
1.250 1.015
Hetares
1.000 750 500 250 0 2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
Source: Basque Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food.
48
2006
Undertaking for 2010
environmental indicators 2007 |
In 2006 a total of 1015 ha of land was used for environmentally-friendly agriculture. This figure was slightly down on the 1049 ha recorded in 2005, but
the number of operators (producers, processors and marketers/ importers) continued to increase. STANDARD OF INFORMATION: ✷ ✷ ✷ High
Certified forestry land UNDERTAKING 34 Bringing the surface area of certified forestry plantations to 50,000 ha. Surface area of PEFC-certified forestry plantations 60.000 52.389
50.000
50.000
78% of the certified woodland recorded in 2007 was publicly owned and 22% was in private hands. This compares with an 82%/18% breakdown in 2004.
Hectares
40.000 30.000
From 2004 to 2007 the surface area of woodland subject to the PEFC certification system rose from 27,992 to 52,389 ha.
27.992
20.000
STANDARD OF INFORMATION: ✷ ✷ ✷ High
10.000 0 2004
2007
Undertaking for 2010
Source: Basque Confederation of Forestry Managers.
Invader species UNDERTAKING 35 Reducing the presence of invader species.
For the moment no full diagnosis of this problem has been drawn up for the Basque Autonomous Community, so no standards are available as a basis for analysing progress towards meeting the undertaking. However, the Basque Government, the provincial councils and some municipal councils have in recent years drawn up or are currently drawing up partial monitoring programmes for specific species (the ruddy duck, the red-eared terrapin,
Baccharis halimifolia and Cortaderia selloana) and specific enclaves (Salburua and Urdaibai). The increase in the number and area of distribution of allochthonous fish species introduced into the waters of the Basque Autonomous Community was demonstrated in the period 1984-2000. STANDARD OF INFORMATION: ✷ Low
49
objective 7 | maintain our biodiversity
Natura 2000 network UNDERTAKING 36 Achieving SAC (Special Area of Conservation) status for all the areas in the Atlantic bio-geographical region included in the Natura 2000 network and 30% of those in the Mediterranean region. Natura 2000 network areas with SAC status 120% 100%
100% 80% 60% 40%
30%
20% 0%
0% 0%
2007
Undertaking for 2010
Atlantic region Mediterranean region
Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment.
The Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment is currently working simultaneously on the regulations that will provide legal coverage for the Natura 2000 network, on drawing up a management model suitable for all 57 SACs and SPA’a (Special protection Areas for birds), on targets and directives for the network as a whole and on specific management plans for individual areas. 2007 saw the completion of the initial approval and public information stages for the Sierra de Cantabria SAC. A handbook for interpreting habitats in the Basque Autonomous Community has also been drawn up as an aid in understanding the physical and biological characteristics of all the region’s habitats. STANDARD OF INFORMATION: ✷ ✷ ✷ High
Landscape UNDERTAKING 37 Achieving adequate management measures for 10% of the areas included in the catalogue of unique and outstanding landscapes. Areas catalogued as having unique and outstanding landscapes with management measures in place 20% 15% 10%
10% 5% 0%
Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment.
50
STANDARD OF INFORMATION: ✷ ✷ ✷ High
0%
2007
No progress was made in this area in 2007.
Undertaking for 2010
objective 8 moving towards a new model of mobility management passenger transport | 53 freight transport | 53
Are we moving towards meeting the objective? Objective 8: MOVING TOWARDS A NEW
MODEL OF MOBILITY MANAGEMENT To manage people’s demand for mobility and redirect the model split to encourage walking, cycling and public transport. To shift the model split in freight traffic towards maritime and rail transport, and away from road transport.
T
he mobility model that has predominated in the Basque country in the last few decades is characterised by a continuous increase in infrastructures, especially roads. As a result, the modal split of both passenger and freight traffic is dominated by private cars and trucks, respectively. The proportion of the modal split for the mobility of people accounted for by cars increased by four points from 2003 to 2007. There was also a slight increase in the use of public transport, and a marked fall of 4.4 points in journeys on foot over the period analysed. This reflects increased dependence on cars in terms of culture and habits, in the light of an urban structure ill-suited to meeting people’s needs for services and access to work in any other way.
From the point of view of sustainability this model has basically lost its usefulness. In line with European Union guidelines and the environmental priorities of the Basque government (climate change, preservation of natural capital, improvement of environmental quality in urban areas) it is essential to shift towards a new model of mobility based on management of demand with particular emphasis on realigning the modal split. To work towards this objective, two specific undertakings have been drawn up in regard to the modal split of passenger and freight traffic, since the pressure and impact resulting from transport are entirely conditioned by the modes of transport used.
The trend is even more marked for freight transport: 87% of all freight is carried by road, and just 13% by rail.
Journeys made by car 40%
38.6% 34.6%
80%
30%
60%
20%
40%
10%
20%
0%
59.6%
56.0%
0% 2000
2005
Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Transport & Public Works.
52
Journeys made by public transport and on foot
2003
2007
environmental indicators 2007 |
Are we moving towards meeting this undertaking? Passenger transport UNDERTAKING 38 Realigning the modal split of passenger transport towards nonmotorised forms (walking and cycling) and public transport (train, tram and bus), so that these forms of transport account for 40% of the total distance travelled, measured in passenger kilometres. Mobility via public transport & on foot 60%
40%
40%
38%
20%
On an average working day in 2005, the total distance in passenger kilometres travelled in the Basque Autonomous Community was 42,166,838. 58% of that distance was travelled by car, 23% by public transport and 15% on foot. The three provincial capitals have similar mobility models, with private vehicles clearly predominating, though public transport is used more in Bilbao and more journeys are made on foot in Vitoria-Gasteiz.
0% 2005
Undertaking for 2010
STANDARD OF INFORMATION: ✷ ✷ ✷ High
Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Transport & Public Works.
Freight transport UNDERTAKING 39 Realigning the modal split of freight transport so that rail freight accounts for 15% of all surface transport (road plus rail) in tonne kilometres. Freight haulage by rail 40% 30% 20% 13%
15%
10%
The modal split of surface freight transport is disproportionately inclined towards road haulage. Even when through traffic and trucks weighing less than 3.5 tonnes are excluded from the figures, Road haulage accounts for 87.3% of the total in tonne kilometres and rail freight for just 12.7%.
0% 2005
Undertaking for 2010
STANDARD OF INFORMATION: ✷ ✷ ✷ High
Source: Basque Govt. Dept. of Transport & Public Works.
53
objective 9 achieve balanced use of our territory artiďŹ cialisation via urban planning actions | 57 artiďŹ cialisation due to construction of infrastructures | 57
Are we moving towards meeting the objective? Objective 9: ACHIEVE BALANCED USE OF OUR
TERRITORY To achieve consistent, joint planning by the various sectors operating in the territory, so problems of artiďŹ cialisation and fragmentation can be solved.
T
he artificialisation of land is a matter of critical importance in the diagnosis of the environmental status of the Basque country, given its mountainous terrain and the resulting density of population on the valley floors. In 2007 almost 8% of the total surface area of the Basque Autonomous Community was artificialised (56,841 ha).. Detailed measurements of the extent of artificialisation can be obtained through UDALPLAN, with data at functional area or even municipal level, so the phenomenon can be closely monitored with a view to identifying negative points and improvements. The data available from UDALPLAN enable us to put a specific figure on artificialisation as from the approval of new plans. The conclusion reached is that in 2006 the surface area of land affected by
56
urban development increased by 273 ha. The figure for this year is the lowest in recent years, in line with the provisions of the Basque Environmental Strategy for Sustainable Development. The Basque government has established the preservation of natural capital as one of its environmental priorities for the coming years. It is therefore considered essential to shift towards a model of development that makes less intensive use of natural land, locating new developments preferentially on brownfield rather than greenfield sites. Two undertakings have been drawn up to work towards that objective. They entail a substantial reduction in the current process of artificialisation of our territory.
environmental indicators 2007 |
Are we moving towards meeting this undertaking? Artificialisation via urban planning actions UNDERTAKING 40 Reducing the number of hectares artificialised each year by urban development.
Hectares
Annual increase in surface area artificialised via urban planning actions 1,800 1,600 1,400 1,200 1,000 800 600 400 200 0
1,635
612 401 273
2003/2004 2004/2005 2005/2006 2006/2007
Undertaking for 2010
Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment.
Urban planning actions in 2006 and 2007 resulted in artificialisation to the tune of 273 ha, mainly due to the occupation of land for residential use (136
ha), economic activities (77 ha), amenities (48 ha) and open spaces (12 ha). STANDARD OF INFORMATION: ✷ ✷ ✷ High
Artificialisation due to construction of infrastructures UNDERTAKING 41 Reducing the number of hectares artificialised each year by the construction of new infrastructures. Annual increase in surface area artificialised via infrastructures In 2006 and 2007 the construction of infrastructures in the Basque Autonomous Community resulted in the artificialisation of 58 ha of land. Most of this increase was due to the construction of basic infrastructures for waste processing and roadways.
70 60
58
50 40 30 20 10 0 2006/2007
Undertaking for 2010
STANDARD OF INFORMATION: ✷ ✷ ✷ High
Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment .
57
objective 10 limit GHG emissions ghg emissions | 61
Are we moving towards meeting the objective? Objective 10: LIMIT GHG EMISSIONS To limit GHG emissions and make our own changeover to a low carbon economy.
C
One of the requirements for progress in this direction is to delink economic growth from the production of greenhouse gases. In the case of the Basque Country there has been relative delinking in recent years, but overall GHG emissions still increased by 22% from 1990 to 2006.
limate change is the principal environmental problem of the 21st century. The UN has indicated this repeatedly since the meetings in Kyoto in 1997. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the Earth’s climate has changed as a result of a build-up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Average temperatures increased by 0.6°C over the last century, and may increase further by between 1.4 and 5.8°C by the end of the 21st century.
There is also a need to establish the basis for a shift towards an economy less dependent on fossil fuels (oil and gas) by encouraging energy savings, energy efficiency and the use of renewables. The Basque government considers these points as part of the strategic opportunity provided by the environment to develop and modernise its fabric of production and its economy. The progress made towards the objective formulated below must also, therefore, involve improvement in technology, innovation, entrepreneurism and the development of the economy and society as a whole
Realising the significance of the problem, the Basque government decided to make combating climate change a priority area for action in the coming years, and firmly to back international efforts to deal with this serious problem. The Basque Plan to Combat Climate Change is the main tool established in the Basque Autonomous Community to help prevent global warming and mitigate its consequences.
Emission intensity, GHG emissions & GDP 180
GDP +69%
2000 = 100
170 160
GDP
150 140 130 120 110 100
GHG Emissions Emission intensity
GHG Emissions +22%
90 80
Emission intensity -28%
2006
2005
60
2004
Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment and EUSTAT.
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993
1992
1991
1990
Base year
70
environmental indicators 2007 |
Are we moving towards meeting this undertaking? GHG emissions UNDERTAKING 42 Restricting total GHG emissions regulated under the Kyoto protocol so that by 2010 they have increased by no more than 14% of the ďŹ gure for 1990.
GHG emissions 160
Spain BAC
150
EU
Spain +48%
= 100
140 130
Objective for Spain 2008-2012 +15%
BAC +22%,
120
Objective for BAC 2008-2012 +14%
110
Objective for EU-15 2008-2012 -8%
100 EU-15 -2%
90 2012
30
2010
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993
1992
1991
1990
Base yaar
GHG emissions (Mt CO2 eq)
Variation in GHG emissions by sectors from base year to 2006 -48%
25 Mt CO2 eq
10%
20
11% 75%
15 23%
10
109% -32%
5
198%
CO2
Imported electricity
Fluorates
N2O
CH4
Total
Energy sector
Industry
Transport
Residential
Services
Agriculture
Waste
Imported elec.
200%
175%
150%
125%
100%
75%
50%
25%
0%
-25%
-50%
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993
1992
1991
1990
Base year
0
Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment.
Total GHG emissions in 2006, including those from imported electricity, stood at 25.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, i.e. 22% higher than the base year level. This means that they were up by 0.4% on 2005 levels.
However, emissions produced within the Basque Autonomous Community itself fell by 1.3% on the figure for 2005. This fall reflects a drop in consumption of fossil fuels in the residential and service sectors and a drop in emissions from the electricity
61
objective 10 | limit GHG emissions
GHG emissions per capita in the EU. 2005 Tonnes of CO2 eq per capita <10 10-11,5 11,5-13 13-16 >16
Sweden 7.4 Finland 13.2 UK 10.9 Denmark 11.8
Ireland 17
Belgium 13.8 Netherlands 13
Basque Country 11.9
Luxembourg 28 France 8.9
Portugal 8.1
Germany 12.1 Austria 11.4 Italy 10
Sweden Portugal France Italy Spain EU15 UK Austria Denmark Basque Country Germany Greece Netherlands Finland Belgium Ireland Luxembourg
7.4 8.1 8.9 10 10.2 10.8 10.9 11.4 11.8 11.9 12.1 12.6 13 13.2 13.8 17 28
Spain 10.2 Greece 12.6
NB: The data for the Basque Autonomous Community are for 2006, and include both direct and indirect emissions. Source: European Environment Agency, Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment, EUROSTAT.
production sector due to an increase in the proportion of electricity produced in combined cycle plants and a fall in that produced by conventional thermal power plants. A breakdown by sectors for 2006 shows that the energy industry is still the biggest emitter of GHGs, accounting for 38% of the total. Its emissions have increased by 198% on the figure for the base year. If imported electricity is factored into the equation, the contribution of this sector is 44%, with a 30% increase on the base year. CO2 emissions from transport also continued to increase, with a 4% rise in the past year and a 22% share of the total. Emissions from industry remained practically unchanged on the previous year at 20% of the total. GHG emissions per capita for 2006 in the Basque Autonomous Community totalled 11.9 tonnes of CO2 equivalent, 1.1 tonnes higher than the average of 10.8 for the European Union5. This high level of per capita emissions in the BAC is due to the re-
5
gion’s markedly industrial nature. 29% of Basque GDP comes from industry compared to 20% in the EU-15. Moreover, one of the distinctive characteristics of the Basque industry compared to the rest of Europe is the high profile of heavy industry. This is a sector that processes large quantities of heavy raw materials and turns them into semi-finished products and capital goods. It includes highly energy-intensive industries such as metal industries and oil refining, among others. All this is reflected in the resulting levels of GHG emissions. Moreover, the geographical location of the Basque Autonomous Community makes it, like Catalonia, a natural transitional area through which traffic between the Iberian Peninsula and France must pass. Given the low level of use of rail freight transport, this means that road freight traffic passing through our territory is another variable which needs to be taken into account. STANDARD OF INFORMATION: ✷ ✷ ✷ High
Within the EU there are major asymmetries in GHG emission levels per capita, due to a variety of factors including the structure of production systems, per capita income levels, the type of energy consumed, mean annual temperatures, etc.
62
objective 11 adapt to climate change vulnerability to climate change | 65 preventing artiďŹ cialisation in areas at risk of ďŹ&#x201A;ooding | 66
Are we moving towards meeting the objective? Objective 11: ADAPT TO CLIMATE CHANGE To manage the ways in which we adapt to climate change so as to minimise our vulnerability to expected impacts.
T
he threat posed by climate change is probably the greatest of all the environmental problems facing our global society, not just in terms of the extent of the impact forecast by the various scientific studies available, but also in terms of how widespread the problem is and how inextricably entwined it is with the way in which we live and produce. It is not an isolated phenomenon resulting from an anomaly focused on a single, discernible point in our production system, but rather the result of a long process of economic growth based on an unsustainable model. To date, the response of the international community to this phenomenon has been hesitant and has failed to match the seriousness of the problem. But that is changing. Scientific studies are increasingly
categorical, and proposals for new regulations now take on board the fact that this is no time for half measures. The Kyoto Protocol, which develops the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, has become a benchmark for establishing limits for emissions in industrialised countries, and as such setting the first sizeable challenge for our economies. However, the reductions made are not sufficient. Even if there is a widespread reduction in emissions, part of the gases emitted in the past will remain in the atmosphere in the coming years, and will continue to increase the average temperature of our world in the immediate future. It is therefore essential to prepare for the consequences of climate change. We must identify the most fragile areas for people, animals and ecosystems in the Basque Country. We must analyse and take preventive action in regard to the potential effect on human health of heat waves such as that of the summer of 2003, the possible disappearance of the most exposed stretches of Basque coastline if sea levels rise, the preservation of natural floodplains in case of serious flooding, the impact of temperature changes and variations in rainfall patterns on flora and fauna, the effect of increasingly frequent, increasingly severe drought on the availability of water for drinking and for agriculture, the possible effect on human health of diseases hitherto restricted to warmer climates, etc. Adapting to climate change in order to reduce the vulnerability of our territory is one of the cornerstones of the Basque Plan to Combat Climate Change and of the Environmental Framework Programme itself.
64
environmental indicators 2007 |
Are we moving towards meeting this undertaking? Vulnerability to climate change UNDERTAKING 43 Reducing the vulnerability of the BAC to climate change.
Actions to reduce vulnerability to climate change 25
23
Number of actions
20 15 10 5
4
0 2007
Undertaking for 2010
Source: Basque Government Department of Land Use and the Environment.
The first step towards meeting this objective was taken in 2006 as part of the work to draw up the Basque Plan to Combat Climate Change, with the production of a report under the title “Analysis of Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change in the Basque Autonomous Community: Adaptation Measures”. This report identified actions which were then incorporated into the plan in order to reduce vulnerability. In all, 23 such actions were identified with a view to minimising risks for the availability and condition of natural resources and for human health and socio-economic systems. Work to implement four of these measures is already ongoing:
– effects of climate change on ecosystems and on animal and plant species. – ecosystems and species considered as particularly vulnerable due to their location, sensitivity or conservation status; – methods for properly assessing the impact of climate change on biodiversity. • Review, identification and compilation of existing documentation regarding indicator species and ecosystems (research projects and technical studies) to establish the basis for a system to monitor and determine vulnerability and adaptability. • Co-ordinated monitoring of data. • Conducting of studies on the economic impact at alternatives for preventing the effects of climate change in those municipalities at most risk of flooding. Although they do not form part of the aforementioned actions, the climate change adaptation measures adopted in the project to urbanise the Zorrozaurre Peninsula in Bilbao also deserve a mention. They include broadening the Deusto Canal to handle possible sudden rises in water level and thus prevent flooding, and raising the ground floor level of the new buildings constructed. STANDARD OF INFORMATION: ✷ ✷ ✷ High
• Developing lines of work intended to increase knowledge:
65
objective 11 | adapt to climate change
Preventing artificialisation in areas at risk of flooding UNDERTAKING 44 Preventing artificialisation insofar as is possible in areas where there is risk of flooding with a 100 year return period and there has been no development to date.
The link between the effects of and the damage caused by large-scale flooding on the one hand and the siting of urban areas on the other means that it is essential to take steps in the various urban and territorial planning instruments to minimise potential flood damage.
river courses. It also establishes what areas can be built upon, and to what extent, thus establishing a balance between the gains resulting from development in risk areas and the potential losses from flooding in urban areas and damage to infrastructures.
The Sectoral and Territorial Plan for the Structuring of Riverside Areas in the Basque Autonomous Community covers this problem in the structural criteria that it establishes for riversides. Moreover, the Integrated Flood Prevention Plan identifies and assesses areas at risk of flooding and proposes various protective measures on different levels, such as “soft” territorial planning measures and structural measures for the correction and adaptation of
Finally, the Basque Plan to Combat Climate Change includes actions to reinforce land use planning directives so as to restrict building in highly vulnerable areas.
66
STANDARD OF INFORMATION: ✷ ✷ ✷ High
environmental indicators 2007
Key to abbreviations ● μgr/Nm3: microgram per cubic metre measured in normal pressure (1 atmosphere) and temperature (0ºC) conditions ● BMWP’: Biological Monitoring Working Party ● DMC: Domestic Material Consumption ● NMVOCs: Non Methane Volatile Organic Compounds ● WWTS: Waste Water Treatment Station ● ha: hectare ● kg: kilogram ● ktoe: kiloton of oil equivalent ● NOX: Nitrogen Oxides ● TMR: Total Material Requirement ● PEFC: Pan-European Forest Council ● GDP: Gross Domestic Product ● PM10: Particulate Matter with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less ● PM2,5: Particulate Matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less ● SO2: Sulphur dioxide ● t: tonne ● toe: tonne of oil equivalent ● SAC: Special Area of Conservation ● SPA: Special Protection Area for wild birds
67
Are we heading towards fulďŹ lment of the objectives and undertakings established in the Environmental Framework Programme 2007-2010? Strategic Objectives 1. Clean Air 2. Good Water Quality 3. Prevent & Remediate Soil Contamination 4. Responsible Consumption of Natural Resources 5. Encourage Sustainable Consumption & Production of Energy 6. Reduce Waste & Achieve Zero LandďŹ lling of Untreated Waste 7. Maintain our Biodiversity 8. Move Towards a New Model of Mobility Management 9. Achieve Balanced Use of our Territory 10. Limit GHG Emissions 11. Adapt to Climate Change
Positive trend. No clear trend (some progress but not enough, or mixed trends). Negative trend.