Waterways Forward
The main objective of the project is to improve the management of regional inland waterways and the regions adjacent to these waterways by promoting  an integrated, sustainable and participatory approach. The project aims at developing recommendations for improved and state of the art governance models that will create a sound basis for more integrated regional policies to boost the socio/economic development of inland waterways and adjacent areas in a balanced way, through respecting nature and environment (e.g. by cross fertilising WFD River Basin Management with land based management of the regions adjacent to regional inland waterways).There is an increased recognition of the contribution that regional inland waterways make to tourism development, sustainable transport,  economic growth and the quality of life of the inhabitants of adjacent areas. As a result waterways are being restored and revitalised throughout Europe as a focus for economic & social development.
The increased multifunctional use of regional waterways (including for freight transport, supporting the Naiades initiative for main transport arteries) can have negative impacts on the quality of the environment (e.g more pollution and waste water problems affecting aquatic ecology, unique habitats & drinking water resources). Climate change requires specific policies and approaches to manage regional waterways to tackle problems linked to periodic surplus and shortage of water.   
The socio/economic benefit of being a region adjacent to regional  waterways is an opportunity which requires up to date governance structures and models and management that takes into account the environmental impacts and climatological effects of the increased multifunctional use of regional inland waterways. The project involves an intensive
transfer of know-how on management strategies and regional policies concerning how to deal with the conflicting interests that will arise from an increased mf-use, with a focus on aspects for which local/regional authorities are responsible or play an important role in the policy cycle (Governance & environmental policies). By creating better conditions for a mixed use of regional waterways, taking into account environmental constraints, WFD, and the effects of climate change, the project will support the sustainable development of waterway regions. Although not the main goal of the project, Waterways Forward will also contribute to the EU sustainability goals on transport.The partnership, including partners from old & new Member States, is balanced.Each partner has specific expertise & knowledge of great importance for the others, and these complementarities guarantee a maximisation of results. All partners have the capacity to define and/or influence regional policies.