Deliverable D4.7
Cross Sectoral Routemap for Mainstreaming Freshwater Nature- based Solutions in Europe (12/2025)
Key messages:
- This deliverable highlights the roles played by economic Sectors (groups of actors focussed on similar set of products or services) in implementing freshwater Nature-Based Solutions (NbS).
- In this deliverable, NbS cover natural water retention measures (or sponge landscapes); peatland and wetland restoration; floodplain restoration and reconnection and removal of barriers to free-flowing rivers. These measures are relevant to the forthcoming Nature Restoration Plans, Water Resilience Strategy and Climate Adaptation and Resilience Initiative.
- From an analysis of the MERLIN project and other examples of good practice, we have identified 19 different economic Sectors relevant to freshwater restoration. These can be different institutional types (e.g. public bodies, for profit companies, NGO organisations).
- The focus is on ‘cross-Sectoral working’ (coordination between these different Sectors) so that those benefitting from the NbS support those implementing the measures or managing the land on which they are situated.
- Cross-Sectoral working implements the EU integration principle and helps protect our environment through illustrating the risks to Sectors (from increased pressures on water quality and quantity) and benefits that could arise for business as well as society if appropriate NbS are supported through cross-Sectoral working.
- To reach the vision of NbS becoming part of all relevant policies, plans and practices by 2050, the deliverable proposes five strategic actions that can encourage more uptake of measures, illustrating what to maintain, what to create and what to disrupt.
- These actions are: o Legal & Regulatory actions (see recommendations Section 6.2)
- Values & Attitudes (see recommendations Section 6.3)
- Knowledge & Innovation (see recommendations Section 6.4)
- Economic & Financial (see recommendations Section 6.5)
- Collaborative Institutions (see recommendations Section 6.6)
- The Routemap builds on specific guidance on how our six focal Sectors (Agriculture, Hydropower, Insurance, Navigation, Peat Extraction and Water Supply & Sanitation) can support the mainstreaming of NbS and lessons from the MERLIN case studies. MERLIN Deliverable D4.7: Cross Sectoral Routemap for Mainstreaming Freshwater Nature-based Solutions in Europe