Spatial Fit, from Panacea to Practice: Implementing the EU Water Framework Directive

摘要: Within the broad discourse on concept of fit and its relevance for governance social–ecological systems, problems spatial have attracted particular attention. Mismatches abound between geographical extent an environmental resource territorial scope institutions affecting use. Managing water resources around river basins is, perhaps, most prominent illustration attempts to reconcile boundaries with those respective institutions. Achieving perfect has, however, proved elusive task in practice. Beyond difficulties defining physical reordering institutional arrangements reflect these, improving can create new misfits other policy sectors upon which sustainable management is dependent. The paper explores way conceptualized, institutionalized, practised, using EU Water Framework Directive implementation one sub-basin Rhine as exemplar. develops from analysis a more differentiated context-sensitive understanding practical value makers.