INNOVATION IN WATER LEGISLATION IN ITALY : ECOSYSTEM PROTECTION AND STAKEHOLDERS PARTICIPATION

Review of the Italian water legislation development on water resources use, flood defence and pollution control indicating main links with European directives. Reform of municipal water services according to law 36/1994, definition of new criteria for water quality protection. Problems and perspectives in water planning and water services reform which is deemet too slow, particularly at regional level. Ecosystem protection. Access to information and citizen information in water planning and management.