CNR-IRSA activities related to INHABIT

The use of hydromorphological and habitat information is considered to be essential for a characterization of river ecosystem that can help in understanding biological responses, as defined for WFD implementation. The explicit aim is to provide answers to the new regulatory address indicated by the WFD. In this regard, various hydromorphological methods could be put in place, in order to provide adequate answers to different needs. Among these needs, the following can be mentioned:

• Information collection for reference sites selection for rivers.
• Description of type-specific reference conditions.
• Classification in high/non-high status.
• Support to the interpretation of Biological Quality Elements (BQEs) data.
• Evaluation of pressures and impacts in river water bodies.
• Heavily Modified and Artificial Water Bodies designation.
• Risk estimation of failing scheduled quality objectives.
• Definition of protection and restoration measures.
• Support in the drafting of management and protection plans.