Implementation of the German National Water Strategy (NWS)
German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection
(
Government
)
#SDGAction52161
Description
Water is the basis of all life and a fundamental resource for nature and people. Germany faces increasing pressure on its water resources. The last few summers of drought have had a serious impact on forests, agriculture, inland waterway transport and biodiversity in Germany. Already early in March 2023, neighboring countries such as France and Italy reported about a winter drought, forecasting another dry year. By contrast, almost two years ago, water masses in the Ahr valley and in North Rhine-Westphalia caused a devastating flood disaster. These extremes threaten to become a new normality as a result of the climate crisis. At the same time, water management in Germany is still facing serious challenges. Despite progress made, Germany needs to modernize and adapt its water infrastructure, protect its water bodies, ensure responsible management and use of available water resources, and to make the water sector climate-smart and resilient for the future.
To this end, the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) developed in close cooperation with other relevant ministries the first National Water Strategy (NWS), which was adopted by the Federal Cabinet on 15 March 2023. It is partly based on the results of a two-year National Water Dialogue and a participatory and inclusive citizens’ dialogue on water. For the first time, all relevant stakeholders are involved, both in the development and in the implementation of the NWS: the federal-, state-, and local governments, the water industry, all water-using economic sectors, associations, experts and citizens.
The NWS addresses the challenges of the water sector in Germany up to the year 2050. It describes ten strategic areas and sets a vision and aspired goals to address them over the coming 30 years. The 10 strategic areas are broken down into an action program of 78 concrete measures that will be implemented step by step, through a mix of funding, legal regulations, knowledge-building and dialogue. For the first time, the NWS bundles water-related measures in all relevant sectors: agriculture and nature conservation, administration and transport, urban development, and industry.
The NWS is a milestone in the transformation of the German water sector. Through the NWS, stakeholders contribute to the restoration of the natural water balance and climate-resilience of the water sector in the near and long-term future. The expected impact (mission) of the NWS until 2050 is that the protection of natural water resources and the sustainable use of water in times of global transformation have been implemented in all areas of life and the economy in Germany for the benefit of people and the environment.
The NWS will contribute to the implementation of SDG 6 by implementing action-oriented measures in the following ten strategic areas:
1. Protect, restore, and ensure a semi-natural water regime for the long term – prevent water scarcity and conflicting goals
2. Ensure that land use in rural and urban areas is compatible with water bodies and adapted to the climate
3. Further develop sustainable management of water bodies – achieve and preserve good status
4. Mitigate risks caused by pollutants
5. Further develop water infrastructure adapted to the climate – protect against extreme events and ensure supply
6. Link water, energy, and substance cycles
7. Strengthen efficient administrations, improve data flows, optimise legal frameworks and secure financing
8. Intensify protection of marine areas (North and Baltic Seas) from pollutants from land
9. Raise awareness of water as a resource
10. Work together to protect global water resources for the long term
The commitment contributes to Theme 5 (Water Action Decade) of the UN 2023 Water Conference and addresses all 5 accelerators under the SDG 6 Global Acceleration Framework.
SDGS & Targets
Goal 6
Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
6.1
By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all
6.1.1
Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services
6.2
By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations
6.2.1
Proportion of population using (a) safely managed sanitation services and (b) a hand-washing facility with soap and water
6.3
By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally
6.3.1
Proportion of domestic and industrial wastewater flows safely treated
6.3.2
Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality
6.4
6.4.1
Change in water-use efficiency over time
6.4.2
Level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources
6.5
By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate
6.5.1
Degree of integrated water resources management
6.5.2
Proportion of transboundary basin area with an operational arrangement for water cooperation
6.6
6.6.1
Change in the extent of water-related ecosystems over time
6.a
6.a.1
Amount of water- and sanitation-related official development assistance that is part of a government-coordinated spending plan
6.b
Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management
6.b.1
Proportion of local administrative units with established and operational policies and procedures for participation of local communities in water and sanitation management
SDG 14 targets covered
Deliverables & Timeline
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Entity
SDGs
Region
- Europe
Other beneficiaries
All German citizens, the federal-, state-, and local governments, the water industry and all water-using economic sectors.
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Contact Information
Janine, Policy officer
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