Recommendations for Advancing River Basin Governance in Viet Nam

Technical Assistance on Strengthening the Regulatory Framework of the Water Sector: real-time multi-basin operations in Viet Nam Activity Recommendations for Advancing River Basin Governance in Viet Nam An overview of the Italian River Basin Authority System AUBAC’s case study The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) is pleased to introduce this technical report, developed by the CIMA Research Foundation in close collaboration with the Department of Water Resources Management (DWRM), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of Viet Nam. The report is part of the project “Technical Assistance on Strengthening the Regulatory Framework of the Water Sector: Real-Time Multi-Basin Operations in Viet Nam,” funded by the Italian Cooperation and implemented by CIMA over the past two years. This document provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing dialogue between Italian and Vietnamese institutions on integrated water resource management. It presents an overview of Italy’s River Basin District Authorities, with particular reference to the Central Apennines Basin Authority (AUBAC), and shares insights that may support Viet Nam’s efforts to implement its 2023 Law on Water Resources - drafted with technical support from AICS Hanoi in specific provisions - and to strengthen the role of River Basin Organizations. Italy and Viet Nam, despite their geographical distance, face similar challenges in water resource management. Both countries are marked by complex topographies, densely populated river basins, and growing exposure to hydrogeological risks such as floods, landslides, and droughts, increasingly intensified by climate change. These common challenges highlight the importance of basin-scale governance, multi-sectoral coordination, and data-driven planning. Italy’s experience - built over decades of legal reforms and alignment with European Union directives - offers useful lessons for Viet Nam’s institutional development in this sector. As the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, AICS is proud to support initiatives that promote resilience, sustainability, and inclusive governance. We commend the technical expertise and commitment demonstrated by CIMA and DWRM throughout this project, and we trust that the recommendations contained in this report will make a meaningful contribution to Viet Nam’s path toward integrated water resource management and climate resilience. We extend our sincere thanks to all partners involved in this initiative, particularly DWRM and CIMA Research Foundation, for their dedication, expertise, and collaboration. It is our hope that this document will serve both as a technical reference and as a foundation for continued dialogue and cooperation between our two countries. Mrs. Margherita Lulli Head of Development Cooperation AICS Hanoi Preface Authors Isabel Gomes CIMA Research Foundation Sabrina Meninno CIMA Research Foundation Francesca Munerol CIMA Research Foundation Lorenzo Alfieri CIMA Research Foundation Nguyen Thu Phuong Department of Water Resources Management, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of Viet Nam Scientific Revision: Marco Casini Professor and Head of the River Basin District Authority of the Central Apennines (AUBAC) Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 7 1. Legal and institutional framework for water resources management in Italy ...................................................................................8 1.1 Legal framework .......................................................................................................................................8 European level...........................................................................................................................................9 State level ......................................................................................................................................................9 1.2 Institutional framework .................................................................................................................... 11 Roles and responsibilities ...............................................................................................................12 1.3 Coordination mechanisms ............................................................................................................14 2. River Basin District Authorities in Italy .............................................................................. 16 2.1 Legal status and territorial organization .............................................................................16 River basin districts .............................................................................................................................17 Governance bodies ..............................................................................................................................18 Transboundary water cooperation .........................................................................................18 2.2 Planning tools of River Basin District Authorities.......................................................19 2.3 Stakeholder engagement and public participation ................................................ 21 3. River Basin District Authority of Central Apennines - AUBAC ........................ 22 3.1 Organizational Structure ................................................................................................................23 3.2 AUBAC’s Financial Model..............................................................................................................24 3.4 AUBAC’s Innovation and Digitalization ............................................................................. 24 4. Progresses and challenges of River Basin District Authorities in Italy ......26 5. Comparative insights between Italy and Vietnam ..................................................28 5.1 Introduction ..............................................................................................................................................28 5.2 The Role of River Basin Organizations under the 2023 Water Law .............29 5.3 Comparative insights .......................................................................................................................30 Key Observations .................................................................................................................................32 6. Recommendations for advancing Viet Nam’s River Basin Governance .................................................................................... 33 Final Event: National Dialogue on Water Scenario Development to Enhance Water Security in Viet Nam ................................................................................36 Sources of Law in Italy ...................................................................................................................................38 References .............................................................................................................................................................40 Table of Contents Technical Assistance on Strengthening the Water Sector Regulatory Framework: Real-Time Multi-Basin Operations in Viet Nam The project “Technical Assistance on Strengthening the Water Sector Regulatory Framework: Real-Time Multi-Basin Operations in Viet Nam” was a two-year initiative funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and implemented by the CIMA Research Foundation in collaboration with the Department of Water Resources Management (DWRM), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) of Viet Nam. The project aimed to strengthen the regulatory and operational framework for water resource management in alignment with the newly enacted Law on Water Resources. This objective was pursued through non-structural actions, including the exchange of knowledge and best practices with Italian experts in water governance and disaster management. One of the highlights of this exchange was a dedicated study tour to Italy, enabling direct engagement with institutional counterparts and technical specialists. Other key achievements were: 1. Water governance and legal framework support The project identified and analyzed key priorities in Viet Nam’s water governance landscape and provided access to legal and operational reference materials from the Italian River Basin Authorities regarding water and disaster risk management. These resources were tailored to support the ongoing piloting phase of the River Basin Organizations in Viet Nam. 2. Seasonal forecasting for the Dong Nai Basin A pilot initiative was carried out to produce seasonal water forecasts for the Dong Nai River Basin. These forecasts aimed to enhance DWRM’s ability to manage water allocation and may serve as a model for replication in other basins across the country. 3. Deployment of the myDewetra decision support system The project facilitated access to myDewetra, a decision support platform developed by CIMA and endorsed by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The platform allows for real-time data integration and visualization, and can support both water resource management and disaster risk reduction activities - particularly valuable now that both sectors fall under the jurisdiction of MAE. Project Overview 76 This document is intended to provide the Vietnamese Department of Water Resources Management (DWRM), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, with an overview of the institutional and operational structure of River Basin District Authorities (RBDAs) in Italy, with particular emphasis on the functioning of the River Basin District Authority of the Central Apennines (AUBAC). It builds on the DWRM delegation’s visit to AUBAC in May 2025, conducted as part of a study tour organized within the project “Technical Assistance on Strengthening the Regulatory Framework of the Water Sector: RealTime Multi-Basin Operations in Viet Nam”, funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and implemented by CIMA Research Foundation. Viet Nam has been proactively advancing its river basin governance to address increasing challenges related to water security, flood risk management, climate change and sustainable development. In recent years, the country has implemented substantial legal and institutional reforms aimed at decentralizing water resource management and strengthening inter-provincial coordination. A major milestone in this trajectory is the 2023 Law on Water Resources, which lays a legal foundation for integrated, basinscale governance and for the enhanced role of River Basin Organizations (RBOs), enabling them to support water planning and allocation, monitor resource conditions and coordinate with a wide range of stakeholders. In this context, the Italian experience may offer valuable insights as Italy’s River Basin District Authorities function as institutional platforms for multilevel coordination, aligning European and national environmental objectives with regional water/land-use and risk reduction planning and strategies. This comparative experience can help inform Viet Nam’s ongoing efforts to consolidate the institutional design, and operational capacity of its RBOs, contributing to the development of a more effective water governance system. Introduction Quang Nguyen Vinh 8 9 Water resource governance in Italy is articulated through a complex legal and institutional framework that integrates national priorities with the strategic orientations of the European Union. This structure is designed to support an integrated and sustainable approach to water management, primarily organized at the river basin scale. While the system aims to overcome administrative fragmentation and ensure operational coherence across territorial jurisdictions, it must also accommodate the plurality of actors and jurisdictions that characterizes the Italian institutional landscape. The governance of water resources is structured according to a system of “shared competence” between the State and the Regions. This institutional arrangement reflects a multilevel legal architecture, wherein the State defines the overarching principles through framework legislation – most notably the Legislative Decree No. 152/2006 (Environmental Code). Within this framework, the Regions are entrusted with legislative and administrative responsibilities, implementing policies that adhere to national standards while responding to the specificities of their respective territories and managing the integrated water service in practice. This distribution of responsibilities is grounded in Article 117 of the Italian Constitution, the core regulatory provision, which attributes exclusive jurisdiction to the State in matters such as environmental protection and the determination of essential service levels. In parallel, the Regions exercise concurrent competence over land use planning and the regulation of local public services, thereby contributing to a differentiated yet coordinated model of water governance. Over time, this legal system has evolved through a combination of national laws and European regulations, creating a strategy designed to ensure coordination across sectors and administrative levels, while safeguarding the hydrographic integrity of each river basin district. Below are the key legislative instruments that define Italy’s water 1. Legal and Institutional Framework for Water Resources Management in Italy 1.1 Legal Framework management system, limited to those explicitly related to the river basin scale, and neglecting complementary and sector specific laws. European Level EU Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC): • Establishes a common approach to water resource management across all Member States. • Introduces the concept of river basin scale management, surpassing administrative boundaries. • Creates an obligation for Member States to prepare River Basin Management Plans (River Basin Management Plans), updated every six years. • Establishes an involvement of the public and stakeholders in decision-making processes. • Transposed into Italian law through Legislative Decree No. 152/2006, Part Three. Floods Directive (2007/60/EC): • Establishes a common framework to reduce and manage the risks that floods pose to human health, the environment, cultural heritage, and economic activities. • Promotes a coordinated and integrated approach to flood risk management at the river basin level, including cooperation between Member States and third countries. • Creates an obligation for Member States to prepare: • Preliminary flood risk assessment: identify areas potentially at risk. • Flood hazard and risk maps: depict flood extent and exposed elements. • Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs): include measures for prevention, protection, and preparedness, updated every six years • Foresees the active involvement of citizens and stakeholders in planning and consultation processes. • Transposed in Italy through Legislative Decree No. 49/2010, in coordination with Legislative Decree No. 152/2006 (Environmental Code). EU Directive 2020/2184 – Quality of Water Intended for Human Consumption: • Revises and updates Directive 98/83/EC, introducing key innovations to ensure safe and accessible drinking water. • Promotes the protection of human health from the adverse effects of water contamination. • Improves universal access to drinking water, including for vulnerable groups. • Introduces a risk-based approach across the entire water supply chain, including risk assessment for domestic distribution systems (e.g., Legionella, Lead). • Transposed in Italy through Legislative Decree No. 18/2023. EU Regulation 2020/741 – Water Reuse for Agricultural Irrigation: • Sets minimum requirements for the safe reuse of treated wastewater, promoting circular economy and climate resilience. • Ensures environmental and public health safety • Promotes the reduction of pressure on freshwater resources. • Encourages reuse of reclaimed water in agriculture, defining reclaimed water and its quality classes (A, B, C, D). • Sets minimum quality parameters (e.g., Escherichia coli, turbidity, BOD5). • Mandates a Risk Management Plan for each reuse system, with monitoring and reporting obligations every 6 years (and annually for noncompliance). • Applicable since 26 June 2023 (implementation underway). State Level Legislative Decree No. 152/2006 (Environmental Code): • Incorporates the EU Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) and, as amended by Legislative Decree No. 49/2010 (see below), the EU Floods Directive (2007/60/EC) into national legislation. • Introduces River Basin Management Plans, addressing water quality, quantity, and ecological status in an integrated manner and promoting public participation. • Entrusts the River Basin District Authorities with planning responsibilities at river basin level, 10 11 including River Basin Management Plans and Flood Risk Management Plans. • Assigns the Regions the responsibility of drafting Water Protection Plans, adapting strategies to local conditions. • Regulates the Integrated Water Service, which includes water abstraction, conveyance, distribution, sewage collection, and wastewater treatment for civil uses. • Encompasses key dimensions such as: - Climate change adaptation - Biodiversity and habitat protection - Flood risk and coastal zone management - Pollution prevention - Coordination with land use planning Law 28 December 2015, n. 221 - modifies some parts of the Legislative Decree 152/2006, especially regarding basin planning and water body protection. • Establishes the new setting of the River Basin District Authorities, whose personnel, instrumental and financial resources are defined through the guidelines contained in Ministerial Decree no. 294 of 25 October 2016. • Introduces innovative measures to strengthen environmental safeguarding, like River Contracts, which are voluntary participatory governance tools for integrated management of river basins, involving local authorities, citizens, and associations. • Addresses several aspects of the Integrated Water Service, which include abstraction, conveyance, distribution, sewage, and wastewater treatment. Legislative Decree No. 49/2010 (Flood) • Transposes the EU Floods Framework Directive into national law. • Requires Flood Risk Management Plans for each river basin districts. • Defines the Competent Authorities for Flood Risk as the administrative bodies and organizations tasked to enforce the laws within the administrative division of each river basin districts. • Tasks River Basin District Authorities to coordinate and draft the Flood River Management Plans. Legislative Decree 39/2023 – Law n. 68/2023 (Drought Decree): • Contains specific measures to mitigate drought risk, by increasing the resilience of hydraulic systems to climate changes. • Establishes a “control room” for the water crisis, under the Presidency of Council of Ministers to coordinate and monitor efforts at a national level. • Appoints an Extraordinary Commissioner to handle urgent interventions related to water scarcity. • Includes specific provisions for facilitate reuse of wastewater for agriculture, desalination plants, reservoir management. • Establishes the Permanent Observatories for the water uses for each River Basin District Authority, to support the integrated management of the water resources. Legislative Decree No. 1/2018 (Civil Protection Code): • Identifies primary risks affecting the country, including seismic, volcanic, tsunami, hydrogeological/hydraulic, extreme weather, droughts and forest fires • Defines the Civil Protection Service as a public utility service that safeguards life, physical integrity, property, settlements, animals, and the environment • Assigns duties related to civil protection among national, regional and local authorities, emergency services and volunteer bodies, all coordinated by the Civil Protection Department under the Presidency of the Minister’s Council. 1.2 Institutional Framework Water governance in Italy is structured across territorial levels, enabling both centralized strategic direction and localized implementation. This multilevel system ensures coherence with EU obligations while allowing flexibility to address diverse hydrological and socio-economic contexts. Governance Level and Principal Bodies Responsibility State • Defines national policy and strategic goals • Transposes and monitors compliance with EU directives • Allocates funding • Provides scientific and technical guidance through the Ministry of the Environment and the Energy Safety and other Ministries, supported by agencies such as the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research and the Italian Regulatory Authority for Energy, Networks and Environment • Coordinates water-related risk preparedness and response via the Civil Protection Department. River Basin District Authorities • Operate at the river basin district level. • Oversees the development and update of River Basin Management Plans and related sub-plans, coordinating with other competent authorities (administrative regions, reclamation and irrigation consortia, etc.) and facilitating integrated water resource management across administrative boundaries. • Collate and harmonize monitoring data on water bodies supplied by the Regions within their river basin district for planning reasons. Administrative Regions • Implement national policies, adapt them to local needs, and align regional water protection plans with River Basin Management Plans objectives. • Oversee regional environmental agencies that monitor water bodies and other environmental parameters. • Establish the administrative framework (Optimal Territorial Areas – ATO) and corresponding consortium of Governing Entities for domestic water services, including water abstraction, conveyance, and domestic supply, as well as for wastewater collection and treatment (Integrated Water Service, SII). Municipalities /Provinces and governing entities of the optimal territorial areas for the water services (EGATO) • Within each Optimal Territorial Area (ATO), Municipalities are grouped into a consortium of Governing Entities called EGATO, which tender the Integrated Water Service and supervise the Operator that manages drinking water supply and wastewater treatment. In some cases, Provinces take on the role of EGATO, while in a few cases individual Municipalities continue to directly manage parts of the water network. Municipalities are responsible for local flood risk preparedness and emergency response. 12 13 Roles and Responsibilities Ministry for the Environment and Energy Security (MASE) Role: Strategic policy direction, legal oversight, and national coordination • Ensures EU directives transposition (e.g., Water Framework Directive and Floods Directive) and compliance with EU standards. • Coordinates the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA, in Italian “VAS”) procedure at the national level for River Basin District Authorities and Regional territorial planning documents, organizing consultations among relevant stakeholders including Ministries and issuing the reasoned opinion that precedes final approval. • Submits River Basin Management Plans and Flood Risk Management Plans developed by River Basin District Authorities to the Council of Ministers for adoption by Decree of the Prime Minister, once the Strategic Environmental Assessment is finalized. • Collaborates with Regions and River Basin District Authorities to promote integrated water cycle management and coherence between national and local policies. • Provides technical guidance through the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection (ISPRA). • Oversees the integrated water service, which includes abstraction, purification, distribution, and treatment. Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MIT) and Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests (MASAF) Role: Complementary to MASE in water resource management, and in water infrastructures planning and coordination. • MIT is responsible for the management of large dams and reservoirs, as well as the National Reservoir Plan. It plans, manages and monitors water sector investments, for ordinary and extraordinary interventions. • MASAF collaborates in planning the agricultural use of water, promoting efficient and sustainable irrigation techniques, and safeguarding water resources for agriculture • Both contribute to the objectives of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan River Basin District Authorities Role: Planning and coordination at the river basin district level • Act as a coordination hub among different levels of government, ensuring that national and regional policies are complementary. • Prepare, update and implement the River Basin Management Plans and Flood River Management Plans, as required by EU Water Directive and Italian legislation. • Provide opinions on the environmental impact of land-use changes, spatial planning, and projects affecting hydraulic safety, including risk reduction measures, as well as on water permits, in line with their River Basin Management Plans and Flood River Management Plans. • Coordinate data collection from Regions, utilities and consortium on water-availability/exploitation for planning purposes. • Chair Permanent District Observatories on water uses, which publish drought assessments and propose temporary mitigation measures jointly defined with the stakeholders. • Facilitate stakeholder consultations and public participation through different instruments, including the Permanent District Observatories on water uses. • Collaborate with scientific institutions and contribute to EU reporting obligations. Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA) Role: National-level scientific and technical support • Develop standardized indicators, methodologies, and datasets. • Coordinate with Regional Environmental Protection Agencies (ARPAs) and provide guidance for harmonized environmental assessments. • Support MASE and River Basin District Authorities with technical analyses Regional Governments and Autonomous Provinces Role: Territorial implementation of environmental policy and monitoring • Enforce and implement River Basin Management Plans/Flood River Management Plans measures within their jurisdiction. • Regulate land use and manage water resources. • Operate Regional Environmental Protection Agencies for monitoring water status and environmental parameters. • Manage early warning activities through their functional centres • Fund and execute risk reduction measures like prevention and restoration projects • Adopt and enact regional civil protection plans. • Organize administrative, territorial, and operational aggregation for the Integrated Water Service (covering domestic water abstraction, conveyance, and supply, as well as wastewater collection and treatment). • Designate governing entities (EGATO) that tender and supervise the integrated water service operators Reclamation and Irrigation Consortia Role: Local operational management of water in agricultural/rural areas • Operate and maintain drainage and irrigation networks. • Contribute to flood protection and hydrogeological defense. • Align local infrastructure projects with districtlevel planning. Italian Regulatory Authority for Energy, Networks and Environment (ARERA) Role: National - level regulation on water service provision • Defines appropriate service quality standards, both general and operator-specific, for water abstraction and distribution throughout Italy. • Establishes clear, transparent pricing systems based on predefined criteria. • Promotes the protection of users’ and consumers’ interests. • Holds legislative power and can impose sanctions, Department of Civil Protection Role: Risk management and emergency preparedness • Leads national coordination on preparedness and response activities of flood risk and on water crises across all administrative levels • Coordinates and ensures the functioning of the network of Functional Centers dealing with early warnings for hydrometeorological risks. • Cooperates with regional and River Basin District Authorities on defining risk reduction measures plans • Develops national-level risk scenarios and contingency plans • Establishes mandatory national guidelines and oversees the receipt, validation, and cataloguing of regional civil-protection plans. • Takes part in relevant national committees for risk reduction. Is a member of the Permanent District Observatories on water uses led by River Basin District Authorities, coordinates the Technical Group for Monthly and Seasonal Forecasts that gives a national overview on water availability, and chairs the Crisis Coordination Panel during water crises to align emergency measures. Stakeholders and Civil Society Role: Participation and local knowledge integration • Include local authorities, universities, businesses, and citizens. Participate through public consultations and voluntary agreements like River Contracts. • Offer critical input for sustainable planning, aligning interventions with community needs. • Local authorities manage territorial planning and civil protection activities within their own jurisdiction, by enacting municipal protection plans and disseminating early warnings. 14 15 1.3 Coordination Mechanisms Italy’s multilevel water governance system relies on continuous coordination among national, regional, and district-level institutions. The River Basin District Authorities serve as central coordinating bodies at the river basin district level and work closely with a range of actors across administrative boundaries. However, the implementation of water policies and measures is largely carried out by regional and local authorities, who are closer to contexts of their areas. The system is supported by both common funding and technical coordination frameworks, which help maintain coherence while allowing for local adaptation. Regarding water related risk, civil protection authorities at all territorial levels play a key role in ensuring preparedness and coordinated responses during emergencies, such as floods and water crises. Below we illustrate the key coordination mechanisms through which River Basin District Authorities collaborate with the main actors in water governance, noting that these mechanisms cover only a part of each institution’s broader mandate. European Union → National and subnational actors: The EU shapes water governance in Italy by issuing legally binding directives (e.g., Water Framework Directive, Floods Directive) and offering technical coordination frameworks (e.g.: Common Implementation Strategy for the Water Framework Directive), which Italy’s central government transposes in national laws, subsequently overseeing their implementation. Furthermore, the EU co-finances water-related initiatives (e.g.: LIFE, Horizon Europe). MASE →River Basin District Authorities and Regions: The Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security plays an important role in supervising the seven River Basin District Authorities, it allocates national/EU co-funding. It chairs the “Permanent Institutional Conference” of five of the seven River Basin District Authorities, where Regions and River Basin District Authorities negotiate River Basin Management Plans/Flood River Management Plans contents and terms for their adoption, and coordinates the Strategic Environmental Assessment of the River Basin Management Plans/ Flood River Management Plans, issuing the final opinion that precedes their formal approval by the Council of Ministers. ISPRA → River Basin District Authorities and Regional Environmental Protection Agencies and Regions: ISPRA coordinates the System for Environmental Protection (SNPA) that federates the 21 Regional Environmental Protection Agencies. It provides scientific guidance, standardized methodologies, and technical indicators that support consistent and comparable environmental assessments across districts. It works closely with both the River Basin District Authorities and regional authorities, and, on behalf of MASE, submits to the EU key data they produce such as ecological status, abstractions, wastewater. River Basin District Authorities → Regions: River Basin District Authorities define strategic planning documents for water management priorities for each river basin district. These frameworks are operationalized by regional authorities through specific actions. Additionally, they provide binding opinions to Regions and Reclamation and Irrigation Consortia on river works and large abstractions, either prior to or following the granting of the concession. River Basin District Authorities chair Permanent Observatories on Water Uses that, during dry spells, propose coordinated restrictions and mitigation measures to Regions and key actors for formal enactment. Regions → River Basin District Authorities: Regional governments are responsible for implementing the objectives outlined in districtlevel plans, such as River Basin Management Plans, through regional Water Protection Plans and other sector plans affecting water resources (water-service plans, rural-development plans, etc.), that must align with the goals set by River Basin District Authorities. They are also responsible for supervising the water monitoring activities carried out by Regional Environmental Protection Agencies, for ensuring environmental quality control, and for supervising the provision of water services. Additionally, they play an essential role in managing flood risk, civil protection, and early warning systems, by operating the decentralized Functional Centers for real-time hydro-meteorological alerting in coordination with the Civil-Protection Department, elements that are included in the part B of the Flood River Management Plans drafted by River Basin District Authorities. Regional Environmental Protection Agencies → River Basin District Authorities: Regional Environmental Protection Agencies provide validated technical data on water quality/ quantity, ecological status, and pollution levels. These inputs are important for both planning and monitoring and reporting activities led by the River Basin District Authorities. Furthermore, their data feed Functional-Centers for early warnings. Department of Civil Protection → All Levels: The Department of Civil Protection collaborates with River Basin District Authorities, regions, and municipalities to develop emergencypreparedness plans, early warning systems, and risk mitigation strategies. It plays a key role in coordinating responses to flood events, landslides, and water crises, ensuring alignment with national disaster resilience goals. 16 17 The River Basin District Authorities in Italy are public entities established under national legislation to ensure integrated, coordinated, and sustainable water resources management at the river basin district level. Their creation and functions are governed primarily by Legislative Decree No. 152 of 2006 (Environmental Code) which transposes the principles and requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) into national law. Under Article 63 of the Environmental Code, River Basin District Authorities are assigned technical, planning, and decision-support responsibilities, particularly for the development, review, and implementation of River Basin Management Plans and Flood Risk Management Plans, the latter one as defined in the Legislative Decree No. 49/2010. These instruments form the legal and operational backbone of water governance in Italy at river basin level, aligning with EU directives on water quality and water-related risk reduction. River Basin District Authorities function as interinstitutional coordination platforms, facilitating collaboration between national, regional, and relevant stakeholders. Their mandate is to ensure coherence across environmental planning, spatial development, and hydrogeological risk management, especially in areas where administrative boundaries intersect with natural hydrological systems. River Basin District Authorities operate under the guidance (ex-ante) and supervision (ex-post) of the Ministry for the Environment and Energy Security. They act as the principal coordinating authorities for: • Strategic planning at the basin scale, including the integration of water resource management with land-use and civil protection policies. • Data collection across Regions and stakeholders that are part of the river basin district for planning and reporting purpose, in line with the technical standards defined by ISPRA, and via the Permanent District Observatory for water 2. River Basin District Authorities in Italy 2.1. Legal status and territorial organization uses to monitor criticalities. • Stakeholder engagement and public participation at river basin level, as mandated by both national law and the EU Framework Directives. River basin districts Italy is divided into seven river basin districts, each managed by a dedicated River Basin District Authority. These districts typically encompass multiple sub-basins and include various regions, water utilities, and reclamation and irrigation consortia, all coordinated through bodies such as the Permanent Institutional Conference and the Permanent Observatory on Water Uses. A single administrative region may be split between two river basin districts. In such cases, the regional government must ensure its water-management and land-use comply with the requirements of each district for the corresponding territory. A special case applies to the main islands, Sicily and Sardinia, where the administrative boundaries aling with those of the respective river basin districts. Each River Basin District Authority is responsible for strategic management of both surface and groundwater systems within its district. The planning approach is based on natural hydrological boundaries, rather than administrative borders, ensuring a more coherent and effective approach to water governance. The districts areas are as follows: 1. Eastern Alps 2. Po River 3. Northern Apennines 4. Central Apennines (AUBAC) 5. Southern Apennines 6. Sardinia 7. Sicily Figure 1: River basin districts and their sub-basins 30 31 Vietnam and Italy provide two distinct yet comparable models of river basin governance. Both countries share geographic diversity, multiple administrative levels, and the need to balance water for agriculture, environment, and socioeconomic development, ensuring i water security, ecosystem health, and sustainable growth. Italy’s experience - developed over several decades through alignment with the EU directions and national priorities - offers valuable lessons for Vietnam as it operationalizes its 2023 Law on Water Resources and establishes River Basin Committees under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. The following comparative analysis examines legislative, institutional, financial, and participatory dimensions to identify areas of convergence and opportunities regarding River Basin Organizations. 5.3. Comparative insights Vietnam River Basin Organisation System 2023–2025 Italy River Basin District Authorities System Legislative Framework Law on Water Resources (No. 28/2023/ QH15) – effective July 2024 – consolidates water protection, allocation, and restoration serves as the legal foundation for the establishment of RBOs, which is detail regulated by Decree 53/2024/ND-CP Legislative Decree 152/2006 – transposing the EU Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) – regulates water protection and management across multiple territorial levels, establishes River Basin District Authorities for basin-level management. Institutional bodies in the Water Governances Intersector body regulated under the Decision 23/2023/QĐ-TTg (issued 18 Sep 2023; effective 10 Dec 2023) on intersectoral coordination bodies in which assist the PM in studying, directing, and coordinating solutions to important crosssector issues regarding water; they do not exercise state management functions. Ministry for the Environment and Energy Security (MASE): Integrated management of water, environment and energy. Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport: dams and extraordinary interventions Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests: irrigation and rural systems Civil Protection Department: full disaster-risk management cycle Institutional Leadership at River Basin level River Basin Organizations (RBOs) monitor, coordinate the activities related to protection, regulation, distribution, development, extraction and use of water resources, prevention and mitigation of harmful effects caused by water. Departments of Agriculture and Environment (DAEs) manage at the province implementation. Seven River Basin District Authorities oversee integrated water resource management planning under MASE’s oversight and technical coordination of ISPRA; Regions implement programs and organize water services, ARPAs carry out monitoring. Planning System Multi-tiered: (1) National Water Resources Plan, (2) River Basin Plans, (3) Provincial and Thematic Plans (drought, salinity, quality). Integration with socio-economic and land-use planning is required. Hierarchical structure consistent with the EU WFD: (1) River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) and Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs) with thematic plans, (2) Regional Water Protection Plans (for water resources) and Civil Protection Plans (for flood and other risks), (3) Optimal Territorial Areas Plans for water services. Integration with socio-economic and land-use planning is required at different territorial levels Planning Integration MAE ensures inter-sectoral alignment in water use, allocation, protection and preventing the water risks of prevention and combat across agriculture, environment, and climate adaptation policies. All plans integrate ecological status, risk management, and sustainable development as mandated by EU law. RBD plans directly influence land-use and development policies in line with climate change adaptation strategies. Sources of Finance Primarily state budget allocations of MAE, provincial levels. Support by international donors etc. RBDAs are funded through national and regional transfers and EU funds. User-based fees (water tariffs, abstraction charges, discharge taxes), collected by Regions and Water Service Operators, sustain water services and water interventions. Financial Management Centralized through MAE. RBDAs have administrative and financial autonomy, though MASE oversights annual budgets through the Boards of Auditors; transparent budgets ensure operational sustainability. Stakeholder Involvement and coordination RBOs institutionalize participation through committee operational mechanisms. Civil society and private actors have advisory roles. Public participation at river basin level is mandatory at every planning stage, involving relevant stakeholders, including industry and NGOs. Coordination among administrative levels occurs through institutional boards composed of representatives of national, regional, and local administrations. Permanent Observatories for Water Uses serve as technical and coordination hub for monitoring water use, especially during drought and water scarcity conditions Role in disaster risk management Under the Law on Water Resources (2023), MAE has a role in the prevention of disasters of natural origins, with the DWRM department being responsible for formulating and implementing plans for water resource regulation and allocation in cases of drought and water scarcity. In the prevention phase, RBDAs are responsible for preparing FRMPs (EU Floods directive 2007/60/CE), containing flood hazard and risk maps and risk reduction measures, developed in collaboration with Civil Protection Authorities. Measures addressing water scarcity and drought risks are incorporated into the RBMPs. During water-related emergencies, RBDAs coordinate with Civil Protection to provide data, analysis, and technical support for response and recovery actions. Standing Offices / Basin Secretariats MAE/DWRM plays roles as a standing office. Each River Basin District Authority maintains a permanent secretariat with technical, administrative, and legal divisions. Information and Monitoring Systems National Water Resources Information System (NWRIS) centralizes real-time data collection and forecasting. Supported by MAE’s digital dashboards and provincial data networks. National Environmental Information System (SINA), managed by ISPRA, centralises data on environment and water bodies collected by ARPAs/regions. Each RBDA maintains basin-specific monitoring and information systems (see AUBAC). Real-time data collection and forecasting, including meteorological and hydrometric data, are performed by the decentralized functional centres, part of the national civil protection system. MyDEWETRA (developed by CIMA and used by the Civil protection department) centralizes these data for hydrometeorological risk management. Policy Orientation Emphasizes integration, climate resilience, transparency, and equity. Phase (2023–2030) focuses on institutional consolidation and financing diversification. Prioritizes ecological status improvement, sustainability, and efficiency. Guided by precautionary and polluter-paying principles. 32 33 Institutional Integration: Italy’s River Basin District Authorities operate with greater functional autonomy and have longestablished coordination mechanisms across ministries and administrative regions. Financial Mechanisms: Italy’s RBDAs rely on a combination of central and regional transfers and project funding representing a partially mature and diversified financing model. In contrast, Vietnam’s evolving system is still reliant on state budgets and external funding. Stakeholder Participation: Both frameworks emphasize participatory governance. Vietnam’s 2023 Law embeds consultation requirements; Italy’s model ensures deep-rooted, legally binding participation aligned with the EU Water Framework Directive, complemented by institutional boards and Permanent Observatories on Water Uses. Data and Monitoring Systems: Vietnam’s National Water Resources Information System (2024 onward) parallels Italy’s data frameworks (SINA, ARPAs, myDEWETRA). Both focus on transparency and real-time management, with Italian system related to the civil protection services more institutionalized. Planning and Policy Alignment: Italy’s established RBMPs and FRMPs offer a mature example of linking basin plans to broader climate, land, and biodiversity objectives. Vietnam’s ongoing reforms aim to achieve similar coherence by 2030. Key Observations Italy’s experience with River Basin District Authorities offers valuable insights for the Government of Viet Nam as it advances efforts to strengthen integrated water resources management. This experience is the result of a long and ongoing institutional process shaped by the challenges of coordinating across diverse geographic, climatic, and administrative contexts— conditions that closely parallel those found in Viet Nam. The following integrated recommendations and lessons draw from Italy’s institutional and operational practices and are intended to support the development and enhancement of River Basin Organizations (RBOs) under Viet Nam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) framework. 1. Institutional and Legal Framework Building on the 2023 Water Law and implementing regulations that already define the functions and mandates of RBOs, it is advisable to develop a clear and efficient coordination mechanism with well-defined procedures, decision rules, and explicit accountability for all stakeholders. Such a framework should prevent overlap, strengthen vertical coordination between central, provincial, and basin institutions, and establish measurable indicators for performance and compliance. Recommendation Autonomy and Accountability: Gradually increase operational and financial autonomy for River Basin Committees. Each committee should have an empowered technical secretariat and clear accountability lines to MAE. 2. Integrated and Adaptive Planning Develop robust coordination and monitoring instruments to support the implementation of River Basin Management Plans and Flood Risk Management Plans that integrate water quality, quantity, risk management, and land-use coordination. These plans should be binding, data-driven, and periodically updated to reflect evolving climatic and socio-economic conditions. Integration with Viet Nam’s broader goals on climate adaptation, 6. Recommendations for advancing Viet Nam’s River Basin Governance Saigon River Viet Nam - Vietnam 34 35 disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development is essential. Recommendation Basin-level plans should adopt adaptive management cycles similar to Italy’s six-year EU planning framework, ensuring continuous monitoring, review, and stakeholder participation. 3. Multi-Level and Cross-Sectoral Coordination Foster effective coordination among central, provincial, and local governments, as well as between sectors such as domestic water supply, agriculture, energy, industry, and ecosystems. Instruments similar to Italy’s “Permanent Observatory for Water Uses” could be established for each RBO to facilitate dialogue and conflict resolution. Additionally, consider forming inter-ministerial working groups and a national steering mechanism, to guide coordinated responses to droughts, floods, and other basin-wide emergencies. Recommendation Stakeholder Permanence: Institutionalize basin observatories or multi-sectoral forums to ensure continuous stakeholder engagement and accountability beyond project cycles. 4. Stakeholder Participation Design inclusive mechanisms for public participation, ensuring meaningful engagement of service providers, scientific institutions, local communities, and civil society throughout the planning and implementation process. Stakeholders should be involved in the diagnostic and planning phases through implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Recommendation Public consultation in basin planning should be mandatory and transparent, with published responses to feedback, similar to Italy’s formal consultation under the EU Water Framework Directive. 5. Financing and Cost Recovery Diversify funding sources beyond central government allocations. Viet Nam’s RBOs can explore co-financing mechanisms involving international organizations, public-private partnerships (PPP), and user contributions (utilities, industries, and irrigation users) to enhance financial autonomy and stability. The system should encourage reinvestment of collected fees into basin protection, monitoring, and restoration activities. Recommendation Cost Recovery and Incentives: Introduce equitable water-use and discharge fees, applying the “polluter pays” and “user pays” principles. Ensure that revenues directly support basin management and data infrastructure. 6. Technical Capacity and Data Infrastructure Strengthen institutional capacity at both national and basin levels by adopting real-time monitoring platforms, scenario planning tools, and interoperable databases. A centralized, MAE-led National Water Resources Information System (NWRIS) should harmonize data from provinces, RBOs, and other sectors to enable transparent, evidence-based decisionmaking. Recommendation: Data Integration: Strengthen interoperability between MAE’s systems and provincial monitoring networks to achieve transparency and accountability. Capacity and Partnerships: Foster partnerships with universities, research institutes, and international partners for training, modeling, and technology transfer. 7. Governance and Long-Term Sustainability Institutionalize basin-level governance through permanent secretariats and cross-sectoral observatories, ensuring that coordination mechanisms are not dependent on individual projects or donors. Long-term sustainability depends on maintaining technical expertise, continuity of data collection, and predictable financial flows. Recommendation: Stable basin governance requires legal permanence and dedicated funding streams, ensuring that RBOs remain functional and effective across political cycles. Quang Nguyen Vinh 36 37 8:30 – 9:00 Participants registration 9:00 – 9:30 Welcoming Session and event orientation Mr. Chau Tran Vinh, Director General of the Department of Water Resources Management Prof. Luca Ferraris, President, CIMA Research Foundation Mrs. Margherita Lulli, Head of the Italian Cooperation for Development - Viet Nam Office 9:30-10:00 Water scenario development, water-related risk management: experience from Italy and application of the myDewetra platform Prof. Luca Ferraris, President, CIMA Research Foundation 10:00 - 10:20 Current status and forecast of water demand for agricultural production in the Midlands and Red River Delta, especially in the Winter-Spring crop Department of Management and Construction for Hydraulic Works Ministry of Agriculture and Environment 10:20 – 10:40 Current situation of water level decline and degradation and proposed solutions to ensure water supply security of the irrigation system on the mainstream of the Red River National Key Laboratory of River and Sea Dynamics, Vietnam Academy for Water Resources 10:40 – 11:00 Power system dispatching and the role of large hydropower reservoir systems in the Red River basin for the safe operation of the national power system National Power System and Market Operation Company - Ministry of Industry and Trade 11:00 -11:20 Water security for urban and industrial water supply in the Red - Thai Binh River Delta Department of Construction Infrastructure - Ministry of Construction 11:20-12:00 Question and Answer 12:00 – 12:20 Remarks by H.E Italian Ambassador Mr. Marco Della Seta 12:20 - 12.30 Group photo 12:30 – 13:30 Lunch break 13:30 – 13:45 Technical Assistance between Italy-Vietnam Overview of the activities conducted as part of the AICS-funded initiative 2023-2025, in the water governance sector Mrs. Isabel Gomes, Project Manager, CIMA Research Foundation 13:45 – 14:00 River basin governance: experiences between Italy and Viet Nam Sharing the institutional model, components and function of River basin authorities in Italy Mrs. Sabrina Meninno, Researcher, CIMA Research Foundation 14: 00 - 14:25 AUBAC Case Study (ONLINE) Presentation of the River District Basin Authority of the Central Apennines (Italy) Professor Marco Casini, Head AUBAC Italy 14:25 – 14:45 Transboundary water resources information management: challenges and solutions for sustainable development Dr. Trinh Tuan Long 14:45 - 15:10 Seasonal forecasting for water resources variability: case study in Dong Nai river basin Mr. Lorenzo Alfieri, Senior Researcher, CIMA Research Foundation 15:10 - 15:30 Tea and cocktail reception 15:30 – 16:15 Group Discussion - DWRM facilitators with National and International Stakeholders 16:15 – 16:30 Closing remarks - AICS - DWRM As part of its concluding activities, the project hosted its final event in Ha Noi, bringing together a wide range of national and international stakeholders to review progress and explore opportunities for future collaboration. The event presented the project’s main milestones and outcomes to representatives from government institutions, research bodies, civil society, and development partners active in the fields of water management, disaster risk reduction, and climate change adaptation. The application of seasonal water forecasting was also showcased, using the Dong Nai River Basin as a case study for integrating forecast products into planning and decision-making. The event provided also the occasion to hear from national experts who presented ongoing research and challenges related to water demand for agricultural production, water level decline and irrigation security in the Red River basin, hydropower management for power system operation, and water security for urban and industrial supply in the Red-Thai Binh River Delta. Discussiong among experts focused on current challenges and emerging opportunities in Viet Nam’s water sector, with a particular focus on the implementation of the new Law on Water Resources and the piloting of River Basin Organizations as mechanisms for integrated governance. Final Event (23 October 2025): National Dialogue on Water Scenario Development to Enhance Water Security in Viet Nam Final Event Agenda: The definitions and terms provided below aim to foster a shared and consistent understanding of the topics addressed in the present document, in particular the hierarchy of normative sources within the Italian legal system. Superior Sources • Supreme Principles of the Constitution: Fundamental and non-derogable values that guide the entire legal system (e.g., human dignity, democracy, equality). • Primacy of European Law: The principle that European Union law takes priority over national laws of member states. If a national law conflicts with EU law, the EU law must be followed. Constitutional Sources • Constitution: The fundamental law of the Italian State, which came into force in 1948. • Constitutional Laws: Provisions that amend or supplement the Constitution; they require a special legislative procedure for approval. • European Law: Norms originating from the European Union, such as: • Primary law: • Treaties: Agreements between member states that define how the EU operates. • Secondary law: • Regulations: Legal acts that are binding in all member states. • Directives: Legal acts that set goals all member states must achieve. However, each country can choose how to implement them through its own national laws. • Decisions: Legal acts that apply directly to specific individuals, companies, or member states and are fully enforceable without needing national implementation • Recommendations and Opinions: nonbinding legal acts that express a suggest a course of action, but do not have legal force and do not create obligations for member states or individuals. • International Law: Norms derived from international treaties and customs accepted by the international community. State Sources • Primary Sources: • Ordinary Laws: Approved by Parliament, they regulate matters not reserved to the Constitution. • Law Decrees: Legislative acts issued by the Government in urgent situations, with immediate effect but must be converted into law within 60 days. • Legislative Decrees: Acts issued by the Government under delegation from Parliament, which sets criteria and limits. • Primary Sources, on matters not within the exclusive legislative power of State: • Implementing Legislative Decree: A decree issued by the Government to apply a framework law, based on specific delegation from Parliament • Statutes of Ordinary Regions: Fundamental laws adopted by ordinary regions in Italy, defining their organization and functions, within constitutional limits • Regional Law: Legislative acts passed by regional councils, regulating matters within the region’s legislative competence. • Autonomous Province Laws: Laws enacted by the autonomous provinces (e.g., Trento and Bolzano), with enhanced legislative powers granted by the Constitution and special statutes. • Secondary Sources (Administrative Law) • Government Regulations: Rules adopted by the Government to implement laws. • Ministerial Regulations: Issued by individual ministries to regulate technical or sectorspecific matters. • Regulations of Public Bodies: Rules adopted by local or public entities for their internal organization. Customary Law • Custom: Behaviour repeated over time with the belief that it is legally binding. It is a residual and non-exclusive source of law. Sources of Law in Italy SOURCES OF LAW IN ITALY Superior Constitutional State Supreme Principles of the Constitution Primacy of European Law Constitution Constitutional Law European Law -Primary law: Treaties -Secondary law: Regulations, directives, decisions, recommendations, and opinions International Law Law Legislative Decree Decree-Law PRIMARY SECONDARY (ADMINISTRATIVE LAW) INTERNAL EXTERNAL INTERNAL EXTERNAL Implementing Legislative Decree Statutes of Ordinary Regions Regional Law Autonomous Province Laws on matters not within the exclusive legislative power of the state Regulations Statutes of local authorities and public bodies Ordinances Customs Main regulations as reported in the document • Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy [EN]. Link: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/ dir/2000/60/oj/eng • Directive 2007/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2007 on the assessment and management of flood risks (Text with EEA relevance). [EN]. Link: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2007/60/oj/eng • Directive (EU) 2020/2184 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2020 on the quality of water intended for human consumption (recast) (Text with EEA relevance) [EN]. Link: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/ eli/dir/2020/2184/oj/eng • Regulation (EU) 2020/741 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 May 2020 on minimum requirements for water reuse (Text with EEA relevance) [EN]. Link: https:// eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2020/741/oj/eng • Legislative Decree No. 152/2006 – Environmental Code [IT]. Link: https://www.normattiva.it/urires/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:decreto. legislativo:2006-04-03;152. • Relevant articles in: Part III “Regulations on Soil and Water Protection, Desertification Mitigation, and Water Resource Management”, which include Section I (Arts. 64–65): River Basin Districts and Basin Plans; and Section III (Arts. 141–147): Management of Water Resources and Integrated Water Service. • Law 28 December 2015, n. 221 – Article 51 establishing new “Rules on River Basin Authorities,” completely replacing Articles 63 and 64 of Legislative Decree 152/2006 [IT]. Link: https://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/ N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:legge:2015-12-28;221 • Ministerial Decree no. 294 of 25 October 2016 – Structure and organization of the River Basin District Authorities [IT]. Link: https://www. gazzettaufficiale.it/eli/id/2017/02/02/17A00772/ sg • Legislative Decree No. 49/2010 – Flood [IT]. Link: https://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/ N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:decreto.legislativo:2010;49 • Legislative Decree 39/2023 (turned into Law n. 68/2023) – Drought Decree [IT]. Link https://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/ N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:decreto.legge:2023-04-14;39 • Legislative Decree No. 18/2023 - Implementation of Directive (EU) 2020/on the quality of water intended for human consumption [IT]. Link: https://www.normattiva.it/ uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:decreto. legislativo:2023-02-23;18 • Legislative Decree No. 1/2018 - Civil Protection Code [IT]. Link: https://www. protezionecivile.gov.it/it/normativa/decretolegislativo-n-1-del-2-gennaio-2018--codicedella-protezione-civile/ Further references • River Basin District Authority of Central Apennines (AUBAC) [IT]: https://aubac.it/ • Ministry for the Environment and Energy Security (MASE) • Water [IT]: https://www.mase.gov.it/portale/ web/guest/acqua-1 • Governance and coordination at RBD level and coordination with River Basin District Authorities [IT]: https://www.mase.gov.it/ portale/web/guest/governance-di-bacinoe-coordinamento-delle-autorità-di-bacinodistrettuali • Coordination with River Basin District Authorities [IT]: https://www.mase.gov. it/portale/autorit%C3%A0-di-bacinodistrettuali References • Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MIT) • Directorate General for Dams and Water [IT]: https://trasparenza.mit.gov.it/index. php?id_oggetto=13&id_cat=0&id_doc=14300 • Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests (MASAF) [IT]: https://www.masaf. gov.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/IT/ IDPagina/202 • Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA) [EN]: https://www. isprambiente.gov.it/en • Italian Regulatory Authority for Energy, Networks and Environment (ARERA) [EN]: https://www.arera.it/en/ • Department of Civil Protection [EN]: https:// www.protezionecivile.gov.it/en/ • Integrated Water Service in Italy • Federation of utilities in the water sector [IT]: https://www.utilitalia.it/ • The water sector in Italy - Executive summary of the Blue Book2025 [EN]: https:// utilitatis.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ BLUE-BOOK-2025-EXS-ENG.pdf • EU Water Strategies [EN]: https://environment. ec.europa.eu/topics/water_en • Water resilience strategies: https:// commission.europa.eu/topics/environment/ water-resilience-strategy_en ; https://eur-lex. europa.eu/legal-content/EN/T/?uri=CELEX% 3A52025DC0280&qid=1750857768458 • Drinking water: https://environment. ec.europa.eu/topics/water/drinking-water_ en • Water scarcity and droughts: https:// environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/ water-scarcity-and-droughts_en • EU information on Water Status and EU Policy Implementation • General Reporting [EN]: https:// environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/ water/water-framework-directive/ implementation-reports_en • Report on the implementation of the Water and Flood Directive – 2025 [EN]: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/ EN/T/?uri=COM%3A2025%3A2%3AFIN&q id=1738746144581 • State of Europe’s Freshwater [EN]: https:// water.europa.eu/freshwater Scientific references • Fasoli, E., Bastiani, M., Puma, F. (2021). Public Participation in the Implementation in Italy of the Water-Related Directives. In: Turrini, P., Massarutto, A., Pertile, M., de Carli, A. (eds) Water Law, Policy and Economics in Italy . Global Issues in Water Policy, vol 28. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/9783-030-69075-5_19 • Rossi, G. (2020). Institutional Framework of Water Governance. In: Rossi, G., Benedini, M. (eds) Water Resources of Italy. World Water Resources, vol 5. Springer, Cham. https://doi. org/10.1007/978-3-030-36460-1_4 Technical Assistance on Strengthening the Regulatory Framework of the Water Sector: real-time multi-basin operations in Viet Nam Cover Photo Credit: Quang Nguyen Vinh