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Strategies for Policy Harmonization

Submitted by Ananda Rohn on
Descriptive Fields

Natural/Small Water Retention Measures (NSWRM) contribute simultaneously to water quality, soil protection, agricultural sustainability and climate resilience. However, these objectives are often addressed through separate policy frameworks.

This fragmentation can limit the recognition of the multifunctional value of retention measures.

Policy harmonization does not require new legislation. It means improving coherence between:

  • Environmental objectives

  • Assessment methods and indicators

  • Funding mechanisms

  • Governance coordination

Within OPTAIN, harmonised modelling, optimisation and socio-economic analysis provide analytical support for understanding how better alignment can enhance the relevance of NSWRM across Europe.