April - September 2010Work is progressing on the framework for the sustainable development of inland waterways drawing upon input from the pilot actions and thematic working groups. An analysis has been carried out to map the relationship between the multi-functional use of inland waterways and EU policy and funding. This work will be extended to national & regional levels in the next project period.
Specific pilot actions are under way in all partner areas related to business development, networking and clustering; the development of new water tourism offers and approaches; the creation and sustainable management of waterway focal/service points; the master planning of waterside regeneration and opening up of new waterway links; and the retention and development of freight transport on small dimension waterways.
Experiences and work developed through WfG is providing input to a project commissioned by the German Ministry of Transport (BMVBS), which focuses on concepts and models for the future organisation, staffing and financial management for improving water tourism in Germany.
October 2009 - March 2010 In the period from October 2009 to March 2010 pilot actions were commenced in relation to business development & entrepreneurship, waterside regeneration and the sustainable management & development of the waterway resource, following the agreement of these at the project meeting held in Emmen (NL). Actions so far started relate to:
- Business networking & clustering, together with business support activity;
- Development of new water tourism offers and products;
- Marketing & promotion of water tourism opportunities;
- Masterplanning of waterside regeneration and new waterway opportunities;
- Sustainable management & development of waterway destinations;
- Retention and development of freight opportunities on small dimension inland waterways.
The structure of the Framework for the Sustainable Development of Inland Waterways was agreed, which was developed in parallel to the revision of the Government policy for inland waterways in England & Wales (Waterways for Tomorrow).
The Waterways for Growth website www.waterwaysforgrowth.eu has now gone live. As well as providing an outline of the project and its aims and objectives, the website is also promoting forthcoming events and news items from partners.
April - September 2009
Waterways for Growth has successfully completed its start-off phase: The administrative arrangements for the project have been established and the first series of partnership meetings was organised. The branding for the project has been agreed and initial publicity material prepared. The project website has been developed over the period and is now about to go online.