Environment Policies in Portugal with Emphasis on Water (2) (online class)

12 maio 2020, 11:00 • Francisco Carlos da Graça Nunes Correia

Continuation of the presentation of the environmental provisions ion the Portuguese Constitution. Framework Law for the Environment (Law No. 19/2014) that establishes the bases of the environmental policy in compliance with articles 9 and 66 of the Constitution. National Strategy for Sustainable Development and Implementation Plan (2015). Water resources planning and management and adopted solutions and sector's evolution in Portugal. Key features of the EU Water Framework Directive and how it was incorporated and expanded in the Portuguese Water Law (Law No. 58/2005 revised by DL No. 130/2012). Importance of transboundary river management and Portuguese-Spanish Albufeira Convention approved in 1998 and revised in 2008. Main features of river basin planning and river basin authorities. The Water Resources Tax and its components. Importance of water information and public participation.

Environmental Policies in Portugal (1)

6 maio 2020, 13:30 • Francisco Carlos da Graça Nunes Correia

Portugal as an interesting case study in what concerns environment legislation in the European Union.

Hierarchy of legal documents in Portugal and the overarching importance and nature of the "Constitution of the Portuguese Republic". Main references to environmental issues in the Portuguese Constitution. A good environment and its protection as a "right" and a "duty" for Portuguese citizens. Article 66, especially dedicated to "Environment and Quality of Life".

Environmental Policies in the EU (4) (online class)

5 maio 2020, 11:00 • Francisco Carlos da Graça Nunes Correia

The Environment Programs in the EU since 1973. The current 7th Environment Action Program (2013-2020): "Living well, within the limits of our planet". Vision and main areas of concern: 1. Natural capital; 2. Resource-efficient economy; 3. Healthy environment for healthy people; 4. Better implementation of legislation; 5. Better information by improving the knowledge base; 6. More and wiser investment for environment and climate policy; 7. Full integration of environmental requirements and considerations into other policies; 8. Sustainable cities; 9. Tackling international challenges.
Three important directives that cut across all policy areas: (i) The Strategic Environment Assessment (SEA); (ii) The Environment Impact Assessment (EIA); (iii) The Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC).

Environmental Policies in the EU (3) (online class)

29 abril 2020, 13:30 • Francisco Carlos da Graça Nunes Correia

Main strategic environmental documents in the European Union.
Declaration on the Environment in 1972. The Cardiff Strategy in 1998. The Lisbon Strategy in 2000. The European Strategy for Sustainable Development in 2001 (revised in 2006 and 2009). Europe 2020 (adopted in 2010): "Strategy for a smart, sustainable and inclusive growth". Possible scenarios of growth. Seven flagship initiatives.
The four priority areas of the EU Strategy for Sustainable Development: (i) Limit climate change and increase the use of clean energy; (ii)  Manage natural resources more responsibly; (iii)  Manage natural resources more responsibly; (iv)  Improve the transport system and land-use management
Findings and data of the 2015 monitoring report of the EU Sustainable Development Strategy. National Strategies for Sustainable Development in the EU.

Environmental Policiies in the European Union (2) (online class)

28 abril 2020, 11:00 • Francisco Carlos da Graça Nunes Correia

 Amsterdam Treaty (1997) and Lisbon Treaty (2007). Concepts and approaches in three generations of Directives:

1st generation focused on the protection of human health:: Directive 75/440/EEC on the "Quality required of surface water intended for the abstraction of drinking water", Directive 80/778/EEC on the " Quality of water intended for human consumption", Directive 85/337/EEC on the "Assessment of the environmental effects of public and private projects with significant effects on the environment (EIA)".

2nd generation targeted at specific sectors: Directive 91/271/EEC on the " Urban Wastewater Treatment", Directive 91/676/EEC on the "Protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural source".

3rd generation with an integrated and holistic view of environmental issues: Directive 96/61/EC on "Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control", Directive 2000/60/EC on the "Framework for Community action in the field of water policy", Directive 2001/42/EC on the "Assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment (SEA".