NBS4DROUGHT

The NBS4Drought project aims to demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of wetlands as a nature-based solution for strengthening drought resilience. In addition, it develops tools, policies, and practices to support wetland-focused water management strategies. 

To achieve these objectives, the project has selected seven wetland showcases across five distinct bioclimatic zones in Europe  (Spain, Germany, Poland and Denmark) — including a wetland park in Barcelona, Spain, and small wetlands around Lake Constance, Germany. At these sites, water quality, carbon sequestration, biodiversity, as well as economic and social aspects are being assessed. 

Each showcase follows a collaborative co-creation and co-development process, involving local stakeholders and communities to ensure the long-term maintenance and sustainability of the sites. Citizen science initiatives and a multi-stakeholder approach are central elements of the project, helping regions across Europe make better use of wetlands for sustainable water management. 

EIFER’s task is to assess ecosystem services (ES). Therefore, we hold an expert workshop at each showcase to determine the site’s capacity to provide ecosystem services. As we collect data on ecosystem services capacity before and after the implementation of nature-based solutions via different measures, we can assess the impact of the solution (e.g. restauration measures) on ES. The results of our analysis will inform the cost-effectiveness analysis being conducted by Brandenburg University of Technology. 

Ines Imbert ines.imbert@eifer.org