The Water Framework Directive sets the basis for a new water management regulatory perspective, which is of immediate relevance to wetlands. Up to recently, these were perceived solely as marginal habitats, fulfilling a specific role in the conservation of rare and protected species. The principles established by the Directive for the evaluation of the ecological status of significant water bodies relate directly to the relevance of the hydromorphological elements which are part of them, including ecotonal and riparian habitats, as well as other humid habitats connected to the main network. By recognising the moderation role played by wetlands in relation to the impacts affecting the river basin, a new interesting opportunity opens up. This new perspective welcomes forms of management which maximise the environmental quality of riparian areas, of small ponds and of all those situations which are conducive to the restoration of natural processes leading to the control of discharge and pollution loads.