Due to changes in climate, land use and regional policies, new spatial and water resource integrated management strategies are needed. The aim of WAREMA is to develop participatory watershed planning procedures based on stakeholder networks to contribute in the implementation of the Water Framework Directive 2000/60.  New strategies tailored to watersheds, including large protected areas (e.g. Ramsar Sites, Biosphere Reserves) are developed and tested in four pilot projects.

With the tools that will be used, such as private - public partnerships, context analysis reports, action plans, spatial planning concepts, extensive discussion and information, the involved parties will gain a common vision on the priorities for nature and landscape protection, cultural heritage preservation, socio-economic development and water resource management with an ultimate aim to achieve genuinely sustainable regional development based on preservation, enhancement and efficient use of local resources.

The project aims to :

• Achieve sustainable regional development based on preservation, enhancement and efficient use of local resources.
• Promote sustainable use of natural resources (especially water) considered in an integrated perspective at watershed scale.
• Promote participatory and collaborative land/water management.
• View protected areas as an opportunity to achieve sustainable development for neighboring communities.