The EU Directorate General Environment promotes the use of nature-based green infrastructure solutions (official website) and this is progressively included in a range of policies of which for water. A range of activities and related relevant information portals are also available on climate change (Climate Adapt), on biodiversity (BISE), on forest (FISE).
As detailed on DG Environment official webpage, "Natural Water Retention Measures (NWRM) support Green Infrastructure by contributing to integrated goals dealing with nature and biodiversity conservation and restoration, landscaping, etc."
The current platform gathers information on NWRM at EU level. NWRM are green infrastructures applied to the water sector, which permit to achieve and maintain healthy water ecosystems, and offer multiple benefits.
From this page you can find out more about NWRM definition, browse NWRM related concepts, look for individual NWRMs or select them by benefits, access the practical guide that will help you find your way to implement NWRM, or directly access the different products: synthesis documents, catalogue of measures, catalogue of case studies. For easy navigation, please consult the user's guide. If ,you would like to have an overview on what this website could bring you, you can Access all main documents and datasets
You can also join us on LinkedIn and access the NWRM community of practice gathered on our discussion forum, and you can submit a case study...
NEW: Access new French case studies
Collecting and storing rainwater for subsequent use ﾖ for example, using water butts or larger storage tanks.
- Based on Stella definitions, adapted by NWRM project experts and validated by the European Commission
In the past, rivers flows have been modified through channelisation, embankments or modification of river beds. Those modifications were aiming at flood prevention or supporting changes of agricultural practices for example. This has led to uniformed flows in the rivers and often having effect on the water time transfers. Current practices for revitalisation of flowing waters are trying to create the conditions for diversifying the water flows, inducing more diversity in habitats for fauna but also increasing the water time transfers in order to prevent flash floods in the downstream areas for example.
- Based on Stella definitions, adapted by NWRM project experts and validated by the European Commission
Shallow, broad and vegetated channels designed to store and/or convey runoff.
- Based on Stella definitions, adapted by NWRM project experts and validated by the European Commission
Natural Water Retention Measures are multi-functional measures that aim to protect water resources and address water-related challenges by restoring or maintaining ecosystems as well as natural features and characteristics of water bodies using natural means and processes. […]
Measures have been implemented in the field.
To see examples of implementation see the catalogue of case studies or click directly on the map below.
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Information on benefits, costs, effectiveness, financing etc. included in the three following categories:
