Guidelines for optimal implementation of NSWRM and their combinations in the specific European biogeographic region of interest

Guidelines for optimal implementation of NSWRM and their combinations in the specific European biogeographic region of interest (Pannonian, Continental, Boreal) across various agro-ecosystems, terrain, soil and climatic conditions

OPTAIN Deliverable 6.3 explores which Natural/Small Water Retention Measures (NSWRMs) work best in Europe’s Continental, Boreal and Pannonian regions, considering environmental, economic and policy aspects. Nearly 30 key questions guided the analysis to understand where and how NSWRMs can make a real difference in small agricultural catchments.

A core strength of OPTAIN was its multi-actor approach. Farmers, advisors, water managers, policy-makers and researchers worked together through Multi-Actor Reference Groups (MARGs) across 14 case studies, sharing local knowledge and documenting good practices using the WOCAT NSWRM catalogue. This ensured that modelling reflected real-world conditions.

Using harmonised data and models such as SWAT+ and SWAP, OPTAIN built a strong evidence base on the impacts of NSWRMs on water, sediment and nutrients. These results were further explored with the CoMOLA optimisation tool, that helped to identify effective combinations of NSWRMs and key trade-offs.

The results showcases that no single measure fits all regions. Different measures performed best in the Continental, Boreal and Pannonian regions, depending on local conditions. Stakeholder surveys also revealed that better coordination, stable funding, simpler administration and continued engagement are essential for wider uptake.

Overall, D6.3 demonstrates that NSWRMs can support water quality, climate resilience and sustainable farming when backed by strong governance. Find out more by clicking thelink.

Photo: Grassed waterway in an agricultural catchment (Source: Anne-Grete Buseth Blankenberg),