**4.2 Vision of the future implementation of the** *FASRB*

Since the beginning of the *FASRB* implementation, a wide range of activities have been undertaken or launched, as summarized in the previous text. However, in order to respond to a steady progress in the *FASRB* implementation during the last years, as well as to recent processes and initiatives on the Danube level (ICPDR et al., 2008; ICPDR, 2009, 2010) and European level (EC, 2010a, 2010b), relevant for the *FASRB* implementation, an updated *Strategy on Implementation of the FASRB* (ISRBC, 2011a) and the accompanying *Action Plan for the Period 2011-2015* (ISRBC, 2011b), have been developed to govern the future implementation. This part briefly outlines specific objectives in each priority area of the *FASRB* implementation, as well as measures for achievement of these objectives, in accordance with the *Strategy*.

Preliminary agreements have been made upon basic elements of a system for the exchange of hydrological and meteorological information and data within the basin. Preparatory activities have been undertaken toward the implementation of two important projects, namely a new *Hydrological Study for the Sava River Basin* (to be the first study for the whole basin since 1976), and the development and upgrade of the hydro-meteorological

**Cooperation** of the ISRBC with a large number of international organizations and institutions has been established and maintained, with a special emphasis on those specified in the *FASRB*. The basis for cooperation with the ICPDR and Danube Commission has been strengthened by signing memoranda of understanding on cooperation with each of the two commissions. The support of the European Commission to the *FASRB*-related projects is becoming steady and their recognition of several priority projects of the ISRBC in the context of the *EU Strategy for the Danube Region* indicates a good will for a continued support. A good cooperation with the UNECE and their support to the projects of the ISRBC should be mentioned, as well. Cooperation with the institutions of the Parties responsible for the *FASRB* implementation has been established and maintained, as well as with other

national institutions, such as agencies, offices, services, institutes and universities.

In order to ensure **public participation and stakeholder involvement** in major activities related to the *FASRB* implementation, cooperation with non-governmental organizations and other institutions and local actors from the Sava river basin has been established, a network of observers to the ISRBC has been created, and a number of mechanisms for information and consultation of stakeholders and/or wide public have been established, including the official web-site, the *Sava NewsFlash* bulletin, publications and promotion material of the ISRBC, celebration of the Sava Day (June 1), press releases, press conferences and media briefings, organization of consultation workshops, public presentations and other meetings with stakeholders by the ISRBC, or participation in ceremonies, conferences and other events, and contributions to bulletins and web-sites of other organizations/ institutions.

A good example of stakeholder involvement is the process of development and implementation of the *Joint Statement on Guiding Principles for the Development of Inland Navigation and Environmental Protection in the Danube River Basin* (ICPDR et al., 2008), led jointly by the ICPDR, Danube Commission and the ISRBC, where the issue is continuously

Since the beginning of the *FASRB* implementation, a wide range of activities have been undertaken or launched, as summarized in the previous text. However, in order to respond to a steady progress in the *FASRB* implementation during the last years, as well as to recent processes and initiatives on the Danube level (ICPDR et al., 2008; ICPDR, 2009, 2010) and European level (EC, 2010a, 2010b), relevant for the *FASRB* implementation, an updated *Strategy on Implementation of the FASRB* (ISRBC, 2011a) and the accompanying *Action Plan for the Period 2011-2015* (ISRBC, 2011b), have been developed to govern the future implementation. This part briefly outlines specific objectives in each priority area of the *FASRB* implementation, as well as measures for achievement of these objectives, in

discussed by a variety of stakeholders from navigation and environmental sector.

**4.2 Vision of the future implementation of the** *FASRB*

accordance with the *Strategy*.

information and flood forecasting and warning system for the basin.

Given the overall goal of the *FASRB* in the field of **navigation** (i.e. the establishment of the international regime of navigation on the Sava river and its navigable tributaries), as well as interests of the Parties related to other water uses, the future efforts should be oriented to:


Keeping in mind the overall goals of the *FASRB* in the fields of **water protection and hazard management**, i.e. the establishment of a sustainable water and hazard management in the Sava river basin, the future activities should be focused on:


In order to support the *FASRB* implementation and the achievement of its main objectives, the future activities related to the **cross-cutting issues**, should target:


Integrated Water Resources Management as a

integrated systems for the basin), and

the whole basin, etc.

Basis for Sustainable Development – The Case of the Sava River Basin 39


The *FASRB* has proven to be a good platform for intensified contacts and an improved cooperation among the Parties, providing opportunities for exchange of experiences and an additional training of the experts from the region. It also provides for an improved intersectoral cooperation, especially among the competent authorities, within each of the Parties. However, a number of challenges and (existing or potential) obstacles for the *FASRB*




Major obstacles and difficulties in the *FASRB* implementation are associated with a lack of human and financial resources of the Parties, as well as securing funds for implementation of the priority projects. The additional challenge is a limited access to basic data (topographic, hydrologic, etc.), needed for preparation of studies of common interest under the umbrella of the ISRBC, especially when the data are owned by national institutions not

Some challenges are associated with specific fields of the *FASRB* implementation. For example, on national level, the inland navigation is, although being the most efficient and environmentally-friendly mode of transport, generally underestimated in comparison with other modes of transport. Or, progress in the fields of water protection and hazard management, where requirements toward the Parties are based on recommendations and conclusions of the ISRBC (unlike the ISRBC decisions in the field of navigation, having a binding character for the Parties), is partly affected by a different perception of the

In some Parties, additional obstacles include lack of appropriate institutional arrangements and lack of harmonization of the legislation with the EU *acquis*. There is also a space for improvement of bilateral cooperation, where the ISRBC is perceived as a possible mediator. The presented approach is considered as relevant to the processes on a wider (Danube and EU) scale, such as those associated with the *EU Strategy for the Danube Region* (*EUSDR*) and



implementation have been identified. These are, generally, associated with:

decision-making process, environmental awareness of the public);

officially nominated as responsible for implementation of the *FASRB*.

requirements by the competent authorities of the Parties.

the *EU 2020 Strategy*, for several reasons:

the region they refer to;

*EUSDR* and *FASRB*;

development of a system for data collection, processing and analysis in line with the Eurostat, regular data collection and processing, and dissemination of the data to relevant stakeholders;


Accordingly, the main prerequisites for an effective further implementation of the *FASRB* include:


Additional strengthening of the capacity within the ISRBC framework, through a stronger support of the Parties to the members of the ISRBC expert groups in performing their obligations, as well as through further strengthening of the capacity of the ISRBC Secretariat, would certainly be of additional benefit for the *FASRB* implementation in future.
