Content
Stakeholder involvement in OPTAIN primarily occurred through structured consultation and dialogue mechanisms, notably within Multi-Actor Reference Groups (MARGs). Their role was not to implement measures in the field, but to contribute to the design, interpretation, and evaluation of modelling and optimisation activities.
Farmers and Agricultural Representatives
Provided practical knowledge on farming systems, feasibility constraints, and locally relevant measures. Their input informed the selection of NSWRM to be modelled and supported interpretation of optimisation results.
Environmental Organizations
Contributed perspectives on environmental priorities and acceptable trade-offs between objectives. Their feedback supported discussion of scenario outcomes and environmental indicators.
Policy Makers and Public Authorities
Helped identify policy-relevant questions, governance constraints, and incentive structures to be reflected in modelling assumptions and evaluation criteria.
Researchers and Technical Experts
Developed and applied hydrological and nutrient transport models (e.g., SWAT+, SWAP), conducted scenario simulations, and performed multi-objective optimisation analyses. They synthesised results into comparable indicators across case studies.
General Public and Wider Stakeholders
Engaged primarily through dissemination activities, educational materials, and the Learning Environment, contributing to awareness and dialogue on sustainable water and nutrient management.