Stronger Ties Between Scientists and Policymakers Needed First
Researcher in agricultural and food systems, Nina Valin, investigated the interaction between science and policymaking in European water management, focusing on the role and potential of expertise in driving meaningful policy change.
Over the past decades, governments and organizations like the EU have taken significant steps to address climate and environmental crises. Despite these efforts, ambitious policy measures such as the EU Water Framework Directive—which aims for a ‘good ecological status’ in all European water bodies by 2027—are falling short. Similarly, on January 22, 2025, a court ordered the Netherlands to drastically reduce nitrogen emissions by 2030, or risk a €10 million fine. This raises important questions: How does environmental policy evolve over time? Who influences these decisions, and how is policy interpreted and implemented in practice?
The Importance of Teamwork
One of the biggest issues with European water regulations (such as the Water Framework Directive) is that, while the ideas behind them were bold and ambitious, those responsible for implementing them were often unprepared (or sometimes unwilling) to handle such a shift in water management. The directive calls on various sectors—including agriculture, nature conservation, and water management—to work closely together. However, these partnerships have not been consistently established.
Valin emphasizes that scientists and policymakers must first build stronger connections. This would enable them to create smarter, more coordinated plans. Strengthening these ties is an essential step before involving additional sectors in the process.
Relevance to Urgent Issues
Valin’s research is directly relevant to pressing issues such as:
- Climate adaptation and water scarcity: As climate change worsens, innovative water management will be crucial.
- Balancing agriculture and the environment: Ongoing debates about nitrogen reduction and farming practices (e.g., in the Netherlands) illustrate these tensions.
- Evidence-based policymaking: There is a growing need to integrate scientific evidence and expertise when tackling complex environmental challenges.
Her work challenges traditional approaches to water management and highlights the potential for transformative change. Radical ideas should be considered—whether by the EU (during evaluation periods and management cycles) or by governments and local authorities (when managing water budgets, formulating policies, and integrating land-use planning with water policy).
Turning Crisis into a Long-Term Opportunity
Valin provides a compelling example:
"A drought-stricken region in Southern Europe faces severe water shortages. Traditional policies prioritize maintaining existing agricultural practices, even though farming consumes more than 80% of the region’s water. By applying my research findings, policymakers could use the Water Framework Directive’s evaluation cycle to propose innovative strategies—such as reallocating water budgets to prioritize ecological restoration or encouraging farmers to adopt drought-resistant crops. This could turn a crisis into an opportunity for long-term sustainability."
4oMore information on the thesis
