GOING AGAINST THE FLOW - Trailer of Part 1
A video series and an investigation on the quality of surface and underground water across the European Union.
THE FULL PART 1 IS AVAILABLE ON https://goingagainsttheflow1.substack.com/p/going-against-the-flow-part-1
Content of Part 1
I. BASIC CONCEPTS
I.1. Water bodies
I.2. The status of water bodies
I.3. Criticizing the assessment
I.4. Ecological potential
Excerpt from Part 1
[…] In Artois-Picardie, the assessment of ecological status thus disregards the extinction of otters and beavers; it almost entirely overlooks the extreme rarity of both salmon and eels that used to be common in this region; the assessment does not show more concern for the fragmentation of old-growth forests, not to mention primary forests which are nonexistent. Old-growth forests are at least 250 years old. Yet, these different animal species and forest types contribute in a significant manner to biodiversity and food webs in aquatic ecosystems; they can even influence the physico-chemical properties of surface water (AEAP et al., 2015, p.43-44; CRPF Poitou-Charentes, 2017; Decocq, 2013; Ministère TES, 2019 [a]; ONCFS, 2019; Préfecture de la région nord, 2007, p.13-16; Veron, 1992).
I.4. Ecological potential
Let's address another basic concept: that of ecological potential. Thanks to European legislators, the ecological status can give way to the ecological potential. In order to do that, legislators made up the category of artificial or heavily modified water body. Artificial means created by human activity; heavily modified means affected by substantial physical alterations due to human activity, such as a river replaced with a canal. The artificial or heavily modified category applies to 17 percent of European water bodies (13 percent of which are heavily modified); it applies to 44 percent of Artois-Picardie's water bodies (European environment agency, 2018 [a], p.9; Comité de bassin Artois-Picardie, 2015, p.47-59; EP and CEU, 2000, article 2).
[…]
Sources for this excerpt
AEAP et al., 2015. Partez à la rencontre de la biodiversité - Les poissons et leurs habitats dans le bassin Artois-Picardie. Page internet accédée le 26/5/2021
Comité de bassin Artois-Picardie, 2015. SDAGE 2016-2021 du bassin Artois-Picardie. Page internet accédée le 26/5/2021
CRPF Poitou-Charentes, 2017. UNE FORÊT PRODUCTRICE DE BOIS MAIS PAS SEULEMENT. Page internet accédée le 26/5/2021
Decocq, 2013. Biodiversité et fertilité selon l’ancienneté de l’état boisé. AgroParisTech. Page internet accédée le 26/5/2021
European environment agency, 2018 [a]. European waters: Assessment of status and pressures 2018. Page internet accédée le 26/5/2021
EP and CEU, 2000. Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy. Page internet accédée le 26/5/2021
Ministère TES, 2019 [a]. Plan National d’Actions en faveur de la Loutre d’Europe (Lutra lutra), 2019-2028. Page internet accédée le 26/5/2021
ONCFS, 2019. Répartition du castor sur le réseau hydrographique (ONCFS). Page internet accédée le 26/5/2021
Préfecture de la région nord, 2007. PLAN DE GESTION ANGUILLE DE LA FRANCE. Page internet accédée le 26/5/2021
Veron, 1992. Histoire biogéographique du Castor d’Europe Castor fiber Rodentia (Mammalia). Page internet accédée le 26/5/2021