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OPTAIN D2.1 - NSWRM catalogue

Submitted by Ananda Rohn on
Short Description
This deliverable presents a comprehensive catalogue of Natural Small Water Retention Measures (NSWRM) identified and prioritized across the 14 OPTAIN case studies in Europe. Its main objective is to provide accessible, qualitative and quantitative information on each measure, supporting farmers, advisors, and other stakeholders in selecting, designing, and implementing NSWRM to improve water and nutrient management in small agricultural catchments.

Summary of Content
- Explanation of the NSWRM concept and its relevance for sustainable water and nutrient management in agriculture.
- Description of the systematic approach used to identify, prioritize, and select NSWRM in each case study, involving local stakeholders through Multi-Actor Reference Groups (MARG).
- Overview of the documentation process using the WOCAT (World Overview of Conservation Approaches and Technologies) database and integration with the NWRM (Natural Water Retention Measures) platform.
- Presentation of the final catalogue: 66 selected NSWRM, representing 29 categories, documented with technical details, implementation context, costs, and impacts.
- Analysis of similarities and differences between WOCAT and NWRM databases, ensuring harmonized and accessible information.
- Insights from MARG workshops, including challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations for effective stakeholder engagement.

What You Will Find
- A structured catalogue of the most promising NSWRM, each with a standardized factsheet (description, technical specs, costs, benefits, and context).
- Practical examples of NSWRM implemented or planned in diverse European regions.
- Guidance on how to use the catalogue to select suitable measures for specific local conditions.
- Tools and methods for documenting and evaluating NSWRM, adaptable to other projects.
- Reflections on the participatory process and the value of multi-actor collaboration.

Who Is It For?
- Farmers and land managers seeking practical solutions for water and nutrient retention.
- Advisors, consultants, and local authorities involved in agricultural and environmental management.
- Researchers and students interested in sustainable land and water management practices.
- Policy makers and NGOs looking for evidence-based measures to support resilient agriculture.

Why Download This Deliverable?
- To access a unique, harmonized resource on NSWRM, with detailed, field-tested examples.
- To benefit from practical recommendations and lessons learned from real-world case studies.
- To find inspiration and guidance for implementing or promoting NSWRM in your own context.
- To support decision-making with robust, standardized data and stakeholder-driven insights.

Practical Information
Publication date: May 31, 2022
Length: 114 pages