Result description
Harmonised, Europe-wide catalogue of Natural/Small Water Retention Measures (NSWRMs) providing a clear, standardised overview of available solutions. Measures are grouped into biophysical, management and infrastructural categories and documented through WOCAT (https://wocat.net/en/database/list/?project=1074), the global SLM database and official UNCCD reference. Each NSWRM is described in concise technical factsheets covering functions, impacts and implementation conditions. The catalogue also integrates practical examples and references from OPTAIN case studies, so users can filter and access information by objectives, regions or measure types.
By centralising knowledge, it supports selection of appropriate measures and decision-making by farmers, advisors and policy-makers. It tackles fragmented information, inconsistent terminology and poor comparability between datasets, offering a user-oriented resource linking science, policy and practice. Integration into WOCAT and the NWRM.eu platform keeps the catalogue accessible and usable beyond OPTAIN for sustainable land and water management in Europe and beyond.
Addressing target audiences and expressing needs
- To raise awareness and possibly influence policy
- Grants and Subsidies
- Help in technical expertise
Various stakeholders’ groups, especially practitioners interested in applying the NSWRM framework, in local and regional planning, and feedback from end-users for improving usability and impact.
- Public or private funding institutions
- International Organisations (ex. OECD, FAO, UN, etc.)
- Academia/ Universities
R&D, Technology and Innovation aspects
The catalogue has been developed, structured and integrated into the WOCAT database and the OTAIN learning environment, making it accessible to users beyond the project lifetime. The current stage focuses on dissemination, uptake and long-term maintenance. Next steps include continuous updates, integration of additional case studies and further alignment with EU policy frameworks.
- Standardised format: WOCAT factsheets ensure comparable documentation, supporting transfer across regions.
- Regional diversity: 14 case studies show adaptability to varied soils, climates and systems.
- Linkage to other platforms: Connections enable ongoing replication and wider uptake.
- Standardised documentation: Harmonised WOCAT factsheets ensure structured, comparable and transferable information.
- Adaptability across contexts: Insights from 14 case studies show measures can fit varied soils, climates and systems.
- Interoperability of data: WOCAT API enables integration with other platforms.
- Long-term foundation: Embedded in the long-standing WOCAT framework.
- Continued accessibility: Linked to the OPTAIN Learning Environment and global WOCAT SLM database beyond the project.
- Community of practice: Supported by WOCAT’s global network for ongoing updates and sharing.
- Europe
- Global
