Exploring policy implementation arrangements in river restoration projects: bridging European conservation goals and local realities
Abstract
Ecosystem degradation demands effective conservation, with river restoration offering a promising means to reinstate natural processes. The European Water Framework Directive seeks to improve ecological water quality, yet national implementation remains challenging. This study applies the policy arrangements approach (PAA) consisting of the four dimensions of actors, resources, institutions and discourses to analyse the policy implementation arrangement (PIA) of river restoration projects in the Dutch and German parts of the shared Vecht-Dinkel sub-catchment. This comparative case study is based on document analysis, semi-structured interviews and two expert workshops and shows how the (mis)alignment of the dimensions of PIAs affects project implementation.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Policy Transfer and Learning
Sustainability and Climate Change Governance
Environmental Conservation and Management
Publication details
- Journal / source
- International Journal of Water Resources Development
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Volume
- 42
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 367–388
- Publication date
- 4 May 2026
- Language
- EN