The programme

The follow up
Because it is ultimately a single drop that represents the difference between the threat of disaster and an actual flood, it is safe to assume that IRMA has considerably reduced the risk of unintended flooding. But we haven't reached the end of the story by any means, especially when we consider the climate changes that scientists have predicted. Although these changes are 'only' probable and may not happen at all, we cannot afford to wait and see. Any measures we require then will take too long to implement, and we'll end up with the kind of disaster that hit Germany in August 2002. It may cost much more to repair the damage than to take the necessary structural precautions. IRMA is not the final word in the Meuse and Rhine catchment areas when it comes to making a spatial investment in sustainable water management. Indeed, it is only a beginning. The follow-up to IRMA has three main aims.

The first is to continue to increase the level of transnational cooperation in the Meuse and Rhine catchment areas. As the Member States increasingly share in both the benefits and the costs of the other Member States, it will prove more and more beneficial to cooperate on water management. Water doesn't recognise national borders and the Member States must work together if we are to cope as a group with the consequences of climate change. By consulting one another and contributing to our shared successes, we can build a solid basis for mutual trust.

The second aim is to develop and complete a number of large-scale transnational model projects that innovatively combine creating new space for water with housing, working environments, recreational facilities, the landscape and nature conservation areas. High-profile model projects can introduce the general public to the idea of combining safety and spatial quality, and show them that water is the 'blue gold' of the 21st century. The context for such projects is INTERREG-III, which reflects and elaborates on the objectives of the IRMA programme. More in particular, INTERREG-III's North West Europe Programme is closely concerned with water and specifically looks at water quality and sea water.

The third aim is to develop the spatial and integrated approach to water management in more detail. The follow-up to IRMA in this respect is the Water Framework Directive (as interpreted and enforced by the Member States) and the European Spatial Development Perspective. The Water Framework Directive concerns practical integrated water management in catchment areas, whether national or transnational. By 2009, a plan must be ready for each catchment area stating specific measures and the periods in which they will be completed. As these plans are developed, the lessons learned in the IRMA programme will come in useful, particularly those pertaining to transnational cooperation. The Spatial Development Perspective, which is still under development, refers to water as an area of concern. The Perspective is an ideal context for relating the lack of space to water quantity and water quality. The task will be to fit the ebb and flow of water into spatial planning.

The programme