MERLIN identifies restoration needs and potentials for all freshwater-related ecosystems in Europe and develops strategies for achieving societal and ecological transformation on a large scale using Nature-based Solutions (NbS). This includes mapping landscapes with high potential and priority for transformative restoration through European-wide data models such as SWAT+ and performing Cost-Benefit Analyses tailored to different regions and contexts. In our models, we focus on essential ecosystem services, biodiversity targets, and climate change mitigation and adaption. The results from these ground-setting works are synthesised and put to use in a comprehensive European Scalability Plan developed by MERLIN.

Achieving transformation on a large scale and predicting outcomes of interventions without extensive field work can be facilitated through digital twins of natural systems. MERLIN has worked with digital twins in four case studies and explored how Digital Twin technology could support future freshwater restoration efforts. These outcomes support EU and national strategic planning.