Towards European Inter-Calibration for the Water Framework Directive Procedures and Examples for Different River Types from the BC Project STAR

The book is aimed at illustrating concrete possibilities for comparing and harmonizing the MSs’ classification results by finally setting comparable boundaries to quality classes. The focus is not on intercalibrating biological methods or monitoring systems. The examples of harmonization of the National class boundaries presented here are intended to demonstrate the possibility of identifying and eliminating the possible differences between systems and the potential of using different approaches. The proposed procedure for Inter-calibration consists of two steps: a) comparison of existing National class boundaries; b) harmonization (adjustment) of boundaries. The different procedures were evaluated and tested through an application of datasets provided by STAR partners, other scientific institutions and environment agencies/Environmental Ministries from around Europe. A relevant part of the data presented and processed here was provided as part of the ongoing pilot IC exercises within the various Geographic Inter-calibration Groups’(GIGs). In particular, most test datasets refer to the Central GIG countries and activities, with notable additions from the South of Europe (Mediterranean GIG), where preliminary actions for the pilot started early during 2004 and led to important improvements in the delineation of the Inter-calibration Options.JRC.H.5-Rural, water and ecosystem resource