D2.2 Good practices of innovative legal and regulatory instruments

This report presents the case studies and assessments of good practices of legal and regulatory instruments in the project Governance innovations for a transition to sustainable and equitable water use in Europe (GOVAQUA). The good practices focus on approaches related to the implementation of ecological flows (e-flows) to maintain ecological integrity, water allocation to reconcile different water uses when addressing water scarcity situations, and the regulation of sustainable water use in international value chains. The good practices stem from Austria, England, Germany and France, with geographical applicability ranging from regional to EU levels (one even with global applicability), and the levels of water governance from catchment to national level (and extending to value chains). Notably, the value chain regulations described have a broader focus than just water-related issues, since the legislation targets due diligence by large enterprises.