Publication:Report

The white paper brings together evidence and recommendations from seven EU-funded projects, including RESTORE4Cs. The paper highlights the urgent need to accelerate wetland conservation and restoration across Europe, as degraded wetlands continue to drive biodiversity loss, weaken water resilience, and turn ecosystems that can store carbon into sources of greenhouse gas emissions.

Prioritising Wetland Conservation and Restoration in Europe

United voices for more policy impact

Year 2026

Publication:Article

In this article Dr. Stephan Sina provides an overview of the key provisions of the Directive, with a focus on water protection offences, and examines, based on the planned implementation in Germany, the extent to which the Directive facilitates the prosecution of water crime. This is also of interest to Switzerland, as the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of the Environment through Crime Law, adopted in 2025, is modelled on the Directive.

Year 2026

Publication:Report

This publication provides a quantitative overview of the development and status of environmental crime in Germany between 2013 and 2024, based on data from the police crime statistics ("Polizeiliche Kriminalstatistik") and the Federal Statistical Office's criminal prosecution statistics ("Strafverfolgungsstatistik"). The report provides both an overview of general trends and an in-depth account of individual environmental offences. The report was prepared by a team from Ecologic Institute on behalf of the German Federal Environment Agency.

Umweltdelikte 2024

Auswertung von Statistiken

Year 2026

Publication:Report

The aim of the analysis is to assess stormwater management measures not only in terms of their hydraulic performance and costs but also to systematically capture their additional ecological, social and economic benefits.

Sozioökonomische Bewertung für Maßnahmen zum Management von Regenwasser: Kosten und Nutzen blau-grüner Infrastrukturen

Year 2026

Publication:Report

This pilot roadmap is designed to support national authorities and stakeholders in Romania in develo ping a strategic framework for planning coastal wetland restoration, for example in the context of National Restora tion Plans. It draws on the latest scientific data, tools and methods developed by the EU-funded project RESTORE4Cs.

Restoring Coastal Wetlands in Europe – Romania

Pilot roadmap on coastal wetland restoration in Romania

Year 2025

Publication:Report

This report presents a strategic, evidence-based approach to support the upscaling of freshwater restoration and implementation of Nature-based Solutions across Europe. Central to the approach is the MERLIN Upscaling Workflow, a flexible decision-support tool that uses Europe-wide datasets to identify high-impact restoration areas.

Scaling up Freshwater Restoration and Nature-based Solutions in Europe

An evidence-informed workflow

Year 2025

Publication:Report

This pilot roadmap is designed to support national authorities and stakeholders in Portugal in developing a strategic framework for planning coastal wetland restoration, for example in the context of National Restoration Plans.

Restoring Coastal Wetlands in Europe – Portugal

Pilot roadmap on coastal wetland restoration in Portugal

Year 2025

Publication:Report

"RESTORE4Cs Restoring Coastal Wetlands in Europe – Implementation Roadmap to Guide National Action" is a practical guidance document, designed to support national authorities and stakeholders in developing or strengthening strategies for coastal wetland restoration, helping countries meet these and other related obligations. The Implementation Roadmap builds on the latest scientific knowledge and integrates key RESTORE4Cs findings, tools and methodologies into a coherent decision-support framework.

Restoring Coastal Wetlands in Europe

Implementation Roadmap to Guide National Action

Year 2025

Publication:Article

Coastal wetlands deliver critical ecosystem services but remain highly degraded by anthropogenic and climatic pressures. This study presents an integrated structural, functional, and socio-economic assessment of Marjal dels Moros, a managed Mediterranean brackish marsh in eastern Spain, to evaluate restoration effectiveness and inform climate-based management. Six subsites representing well-preserved, altered, and restored conditions were analyzed for water and sediment properties, microbial community composition, and greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes, alongside a multi-criteria socio-economic evaluation of restoration scenarios.

Marjal dels Moros: a model site for the structural, functional, and socioeconomic assessment of managed Mediterranean marshes

In this Policy Brief of the EU-funded NICHES project, Benjamin Kupilas (Ecologic Institute) and David Alejandro Camacho Caballero (UAB) examine how cities like Barcelona, Berlin, and Rotterdam can shape the transition to sustainable urban water systems through Nature-based Solutions (NBS). The core question is which governance models, participatory processes, and methodological approaches are needed to embed NBS effectively into urban storm- and wastewater management strategies.

Transitioning to Sustainable Urban Water Systems

Insights from Barcelona, Berlin, and Rotterdam

Year 2025

Publication:Policy Brief

In this policy brief, Ida Meyenberg and Evgeniya Elkina analyze which governance approaches enable the successful implementation of nature-based solutions (NBS) for managing combined sewer overflows (CSO) in cities. The central question is what institutional, procedural, and financial enabling conditions municipalities and water authorities need, to integrate NBS effectively into urban stormwater management strategies. The Ecologic Institute was project lead in the NICHES project and chiefly responsible for the governance and best-practice analysis in five European and North American cities, deriving from it practice-oriented recommendations.

Year 2025

Publication:Video

Pharmaceutical substances from creams and gels can enter wastewater when washed off after application. However, this can be reduced by first wiping your hands with a paper towel, disposing of it in the household waste, and only then washing your hands.

Umweltfreundliche Anwendung von Arzneisalben

Year 2025

Publication:Video

This animated video visualizes the different methods of disposal throughout Germany.

Entsorgung von Arzneimitteln

Publication:Postcard

Liquid pharmaceutical leftovers are more often disposed of incorrectly in waste water than solid ones. For this reason, a German-language postcard in DIN A6 (10 x 15 cm) has been developed on this topic, which can be given to customers when liquid medicines are handed in at the pharmacy.

Der Umwelt zuliebe: Hausmüll statt Glascontainer

Year 2024

Publication:Report

Kemper, Melanie; Elisa Thomaset und Jennifer Reck 2024: Von Niederungsmanagement bis Versumpfung: Kommunikation zur Umsetzung von Moorschutz. Medienresonanz- und Kommunikationsanalyse in den moorreichen deutschen Bundesländern. Ecologic Institut, Berlin. Unpublished.

The report, "Overcoming policy, financial, social, and economic barriers to pondscape NBS for climate change mitigation and adaptation", has been released as part of the PONDERFUL project. Commissioned under the European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme, this synthesis report refines and presents the final PONDERFUL framework – a comprehensive strategy for scaling up pondscapes as effective nature-based solutions (NbS).

Overcoming Barriers to Pondscape Nature-Based Solutions

Key Insights from PONDERFUL

Year 2024

Publication:Document

Pharmacies can order this decorative wall calendar free of charge and give it as a promotional gift to their customers. The calendar is designed as a year-independent birthday calendar in DIN A4. Each month, attractive, large photo motifs and short texts focus on a different aspect of pharmaceuticals and the environment.

Geburtstagskalender: Arzneimittel und Umwelt

Year 2024

Publication:Article

A seven-year citizen science study with schoolchildren on German riversides found stable litter density, mainly plastic and cigarette butts, with wider rivers showing higher litter levels, stressing the need for policy action.

On 15 October 2024, the European Environmental Agency (EEA) published their landmark report on the state of water in the EU, the most comprehensive assessment of the status of European groundwater, rivers, lakes and coastal waters to date. Supported by Ecologic Institute through its coordination of the contributions from the European Topic Center for Biodiversity and Ecosystems, the publication analyses various European data flows relevant to water management, with a particular focus on data reported by the Member States under the EU Water Framework Directive.

Europe's State of Water 2024

The need for improved water resilience

Year 2024

Publication:Policy Brief

As Europe faces increasing droughts and water shortages, it is crucial to rethink how we manage water resources. A new policy brief explores strategies to improve ecological flows and water allocation, offering vital insights for policymakers and stakeholders. Discover how these measures can safeguard ecosystems and support sustainable water use in the face of climate change.

Building Water Resilience

Towards better implementation of ecological flows and water allocation in Europe

Year 2024

Publication:Brochure

Cover of the "Ponderful: Ponds for Climate" technical guide. The top section shows a serene pond surrounded by lush greenery and a large tree in the foreground. Below, the title "Ponds and Pondscapes" appears on a blue background, followed by the subtitle: "A technical guide to the use of ponds and pondscapes as nature-based solutions for climate change mitigation and adaptation." The bottom section features an underwater image of a colorful newt among aquatic vegetation.

The technical handbook of the PONDERFUL project shows how ponds and pond landscapes can be used as Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to tackle societal challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and water scarcity. The PONDERFUL handbook provides practice-oriented guidelines for dealing with these valuable ecosystems and shows how ponds can be integrated into existing landscapes so that nature and people benefit equally.

Ponds and Pondscapes: A technical guide to the use of ponds and pondscapes as nature-based solutions for climate change mitigation and adaptation

Year 2024

Publication:Brochure

The recently published guide "Using ponds and pondscapes as nature-based solutions" is a practical guide for policy makers. The guide provides detailed recommendations on using ponds and pondscapes as nature-based solutions, in particular to adapt to climate change and promote biodiversity. In addition to the policy dimension, it contains practical suggestions for monitoring, management and restoration of ponds.

This poster provides a detailed insight into the new project "Water Stewardship" on behalf of WWF, which focuses on promoting water retention, water quality and biodiversity in German agriculture. The aim of this project is to strengthen resilience to climate change and improve ecosystem services through sustainable practices. The poster also refers to the conceptual background of the study as well as the future goals of the project, including the extension of the measures to other regions and political scales.

Water Stewardship in German Agriculture

Application-oriented measures to increase water retention, water quality and biodiversity

Year 2024

Publication:Report

Cover page of an interim report entitled 'Research and Monitoring Activities on Litter in Groundwater, Rivers, Lakes, Transitional Waters and Soil', text number 30/2024. The report was written by Gregory Fuchs and Eleftheria Kampa of the Ecologic Institute in Berlin and published by the German Environment Agency.

The report "Research and Monitoring Activities on Litter in Groundwater, Rivers, Lakes, Transitional Waters, and Soil" discusses the results of a questionnaire that was distributed to European countries via the German Federal Environment Agency. The report focuses on current and planned research and monitoring activities as well as strategies to control litter in different environmental compartments.

Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), their metabolites, and transformation products often act as pollutants in the environment, impacting both human health and ecosystems. To tackle this issue, an efficient, long-term prevention strategy involves designing APIs with reduced environmental impact – greener APIs. This involves incorporating environmental parameters into the Research and Development (R&D) process. This article explores the feasibility of designing greener APIs, drawing insights from drug design experts in major research-based pharmaceutical companies.

Healthcare professionals increasingly want to ensure the best medical care, but also consider the environmental impact. To provide pharmacists and healthcare professionals with quick and effective information, core elements for environmentally friendly prescribing and dispensing practices have been compiled in a checklist.

Environmental Checklist for Prescribing and Dispensing Medications

Year 2023

Publication:Article

Recognizing the European Union's (EU) influential role in shaping NBS conceptualization, we undertook a qualitative content analysis of 38 EU policies to discern opportunities and limitations in implementing ponds and pondscapes as nature-based solutions (NBS). While our primary focus is on these aquatic habitats, their ubiquity and diverse benefits enable extrapolation to broader implications for NBS in the EU.

Opportunities and Limitations for Nature-Based Solutions in EU Policies

Assessed with a focus on ponds and pondscapes

Year 2023

Publication:Policy Brief

This paper analyses the role of the UNCCD in the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, linking the UNCCD's key objective of achieving land degradation neutrality (LDN) with the concerns and objectives of the UN Decade.

Die Rolle der Konvention zur Bekämpfung von Wüstenbildung (UNCCD) in der UN-Dekade zur Wiederherstellung von Ökosystemen

Year 2023

Publication:Website

Ecologic Institute designed and developed the MoorNet website and embedded peatland protection database. In addition, the website offers a filterable list of peatland-related events as well as quick access to the overview of already gained knowledge. Stakeholders in peatland protection are invited to add content to the database.

MoorNet – Website and Database

moor-net.de

Year 2023 - 2026

Publication:Policy Brief

This policy paper addresses the restoration of freshwater ecosystems. It delves into a policy milieu where the UN Decades of Ecosystem Restoration and the Water Decade emerge as pivotal, particularly bolstering SDGs 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and 14 (Life Below Water). The paper offers policy recommendations that advocate for the integration of specific measures into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), alongside the proposal for a binding international water treaty and the appointment of a UN special representative for water.

Die Wiederherstellung von Süßwasserökosystemen

Year 2023

Publication:Infographic

Illustration of multifunctional measures for urban infrastructure that combine water retention and greening. It shows green roofs, green facades, photovoltaic systems, permeable pavements, deep beds with retention space, multifunctional retention areas and a cistern for rainwater utilization. Benefits include improved air quality, noise reduction, heat reduction and resource conservation. Source: Ecologic Institute and Baden-Württemberg Ministry of the Environment.

Ecologic Institute conceived and designed several infographics for the update of the Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change in Baden-Württemberg. These visualise some of the thematised climate impacts on the various fields of action and support the understanding of the content. The infographics are designed in accordance to the project's style guidelines.

Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change in Baden-Württemberg – Infographic Series

Year 2023

Publication:Report

Cover of the report "Implementation of ecological flows in the EU" for the European Commission

This report elaborates the main challenges faced by water management institutions in implementing e-flows in EU Member States, presents country progress in developing relevant good practices and presents relevant implementation examples.

Implementation of E-flows in the EU

Year 2023

Publication:Report

This report analyzes how innovative, sustainable infrastructure solutions can be successfully disseminated through specific mechanisms and under certain conditions. It emphasizes the importance of cooperative networks and suitable framework conditions for the dissemination of innovations at municipal and regional level.

Verbreitungswege nachhaltiger Infrastrukturlösungen

Drei Beispiele auf kommunaler und regionaler Ebene

Year 2023

Publication:Document

Kemper, Melanie 2023: MoorNet: Concept for Website and Database. Berlin, unpublished.

MoorNet: Concept for Website and Database

Year 2023

Publication:Report

Cover Forum Fischschutz Abschlussbericht 2023

The issue of fish protection and downstream fish migration is discussed intensively - even controversially - between and within the individual disciplines and areas of competence, both from a technical and an environmental policy perspective. The German Participatory Forum on Fish Protection and Downstream Migration has been dedicated to this discussion since 2012. This report, which concludes the German Participatory Forum on Fish Protection and Downstream Migration summarizes a selection of key issues from the forum's workshops across six central topics.

This publication provides a quantitative overview of the development and status of environmental crime in Germany between 2010 and 2020, with a supplementary presentation for the year 2021, based on data from the police crime statistics ("Polizeiliche Kriminalstatistik"), as well as statistics from the Federal Statistical Office's criminal prosecution ("Strafverfolgungsstatistik"). The report provides both an overview of general trends and an in-depth account of individual environmental offences. Additionally, the publication contains data on administrative offences relating to the trafficking of protected species. The report was prepared by a team from Ecologic Institute on behalf of the German Federal Environment Agency.

Umweltdelikte 2021

Auswertung von Statistiken

Year 2023

Publication:Document

Lehmann, Karl, Melanie Kemper, Rebecca Noebel & Jennifer Reck 2023: Kommunikationskonzept MoorNet - Kommunikation zur Umsetzung der nationalen Moorschutzstrategie und Vernetzung der Akteure in Deutschland. Ecologic Institut. Berlin. Unpublished

Kommunikationskonzept MoorNet

Kommunikation zur Umsetzung der nationalen Moorschutzstrategie und Vernetzung der Akteure in Deutschland

Year 2023

Publication:Report

Cover of the report " zur Verankerung der Thematik Arzneimittelrückstände in der Umwelt in der Lehre medizinischer und pharmazeutischer Berufe"

This report presents a work plan for incorporating the issue of pharmaceuticals in the environment into the education of the medical and pharmaceutical professions in Germany. It first presents an overview of the relevant German structures in the education and training of medical and pharmaceutical professions. In a second step, it provides concrete recommendations for the integration of the topic into teaching (studies and vocational training), continuing education and training.

Arbeitsplan zur Verankerung der Thematik Arzneimittelrückstände in der Umwelt in der Lehre medizinischer und pharmazeutischer Berufe

Year 2023

Publication:Flyer

Do not dispose of unused pharmaceuticals in the toilet or sink, as this is how they end up in water, soil and groundwater. This leaflet explains in various languages how to dispose of old pharmaceuticals correctly and why this is important.

Do NOT Dispose of Drugs in the Toilet or Sink

Year 2023

Publication:Book

Cover of "Sustainable development in the European Union Monitoring report on progress towards the SDGs in an EU context 2023 edition"

The 2023 publication is Eurostat's seventh regular report monitoring progress towards the SDGs in an EU context. Ecologic Institute's authors covered the chapters on Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Climate Action (SDG 13), Life Below Water (SDG 14), Life on Land (SDG 15) and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17). The publication is available for download.

Sustainable Development in the European Union – 2023

Monitoring Report on Progress Towards the SDGs in an EU Context

Year 2023

Publication:Book

Cover of "Sustainable development in the European Union. Statistical annex to the EU voluntary review. 2023 edition"

The 2023 edition of the EU SDG indicator set consists of 100 indicators structured along the 17 SDGs and covering the social, economic, environmental and institutional dimensions of sustainability as represented by the 2030 Agenda. Ecologic Institute's authors covered the chapters on Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Climate Action (SDG 13), Life Below Water (SDG 14), Life on Land (SDG 15) and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17). The publication is available for download.

This report summarizes the results of the Hydromorphology workshop series (2008, 2012, 2016, 2021) of the German Federal Environment Agency in the form of a synthesis.

In der Diskussion: Hydromorphologie.

Ergebnisse der UBA Workshopreihe

Year 2023

Publication:Article

This article reviews the role of ponds and pondscapes in delivering Nature's Contributions to People and provide an overview of the challenges and opportunities for their broader implementation as Nature-based Solutions. The authors, among them Manuel Lago (Ecologic Institute) propose a conceptual framework that can help the implementation of pond Nature-based Solutions, and that outlines future research needs.

Challenges and Opportunities in the Use of Ponds and Pondscapes as Nature-based Solutions

Year 2023

Publication:Article

This article written by Dr. Ulf Stein and Benedict Bueb from Ecologic Institute together with researchers of the French National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRAE) presents insights of two case studies, in Paris and Berlin, which investigated the potential of two mobile applications to make urban water management visible to the public and thus increase awareness about certain water management aspects.

Making Urban Water Management Tangible for the Public by Means of Digital Solutions

Year 2023

Publication:Infographic

This animated graphic informs visitors to the Forum Fischschutz und Fischabstieg website about the end of the project.

Das Forum Fischschutz & Fischabstieg ist vorbei

Year 2022

Publication:Policy Brief

This policy brief highlights the importance of a high degree of river connectivity for healthy and biodiverse water bodies that can provide key ecosystem services such as water supply for different human uses and resilience to climate change impacts. The policy brief presents evidence and data on the decline of river connectivity due to human interventions, in particular river barriers and floodplain degradation, and the benefits offered by measures to restore free-flowing rivers.

Year 2022

Publication:Book

In this open access book, Dr. Josselin Rouillard together with Christina Babbitt (Environment Defense Fund, U.S.), Edward Challies (University of Canterbury, New Zealand) and Jean-Daniel Rinaudo (BRGM, France) compile an international account of water allocation policies supporting a transition to sustainable water use in regions where agriculture is the dominant water use.

Water Resources Allocation and Agriculture

Transitioning from Open to Regulated Access

Year 2022

Publication:Book

This open access book presents (selected) new and innovative developments for sustainable and fish-friendly hydropower. It offers unique insights into the challenges, practices and policies of hydropower developments across 8 European countries, providing examples from on-site studies and European-wide analyses. The case studies throughout the book are practical "real-world" examples, which are intended to serve as inspiration for anyone who would like to know more about how solutions for more sustainable hydropower production can be designed and implemented. The book was co-edited by Ecologic Institute's Dr. Eleftheria Kampa. Authors of the Ecologic Institute contributed to the chapters on "Policy Framework for Hydropower Mitigation" and "Public Acceptance of Hydropower."

Novel Developments for Sustainable Hydropower

Year 2022

Publication:Book Section

Hydropower is at the cross-road of different policies on renewable energy, climate change, water and nature. Knowledge of current policies and regulations at different levels is crucial for understanding the framework conditions for more sustainable hydropower. In this chapter, Ecologic Institute's Dr. Eleftheria Kampa examines the role of policy in planning and implementing mitigation actions for European hydropower. The chapter is available for download.

Policy Framework for Hydropower Mitigation

Year 2022

Publication:Book Section

This chapter provides an overview of public perception of hydropower projects, describes methods for studying public acceptance and presents an application of the Q-methodology in four Europe case studies from hydropower-intensive regions. The chapter, written by Mandy Hinzmann, Holger Gerdes (both Ecologic Institute) and Terese E. Venus is available for download.

This table provides an overview of fish protection screens in Germany with the highest discharge per screen panel. The infographic is part of the fact sheet "Technical Functionality of Large Fish Protection Screens Confirmed in Practice."

Publication:Conference Paper

Cover conference proceedings Plastik in der Umwelt

Plastic pollution in the environment is a global problem with unforeseeable ecological consequences. Despite numerous activities and approaches, there are only a few reliable findings on the input and distribution pathways and the effects on humans and animals. In order to close these knowledge gaps, the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research established the major research focus "Plastics in the Environment - Sources - Sinks - Solutions" in summer 2017 and funded 20 innovative collaborative projects. The aim of the research was to obtain an overall picture of the environmental impact of plastics along their entire life cycle, from production and use to disposal. The aim is also to identify opportunities for improvement as well as options for action, thus creating the scientific basis for holistic strategies and measures. This conference proceedings present the research of the joint projects and work results in the cross-sectional topics.

Plastik in der Umwelt – Conference Proceedings of the Final Conference

Year 2021

Publication:Article

front cover of Korrespondenz Wasserwirtschaft journal with blue and green design and a photo of a lotus flower in water

Drinking water protection in North Rhine-Westphalia is based on mandatory requirements as well as voluntary measures agreed on between farmers and water suppliers. A study conducted by Ecologic Institute and HYDOR Consult for the Ministry of the Environment, Agriculture, Nature Conservation and Consumer Protection in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) evaluated the outcomes of drinking water protection within the framework of the cooperative water protection model in NRW. The results were summarised in two articles in the journal “Korrespondenz Wasserwirtschaft”.

Wirkung von Maßnahmen zur Verringerung von Stickstoffeinträgen aus der Landwirtschaft: Analyseergebnisse für das dezentrale Kooperationsmodell in NRW

Year 2021

Publication:Brochure

The current issue of the journal KW Korrespondenz Wasserwirtschaft (03/2021) focuses on plastics in the environment. The thematic issue contains articles from the collaborative projects PLASTRAT, RUSEKU, SubμTrack, MikroPlaTaS and PlastikBudget.

KW Korrespondenz Wasserwirtschaft 3/2021

Thematic Focus "Plastik in der Umwelt"

Year 2021

Publication:Flyer

As part of the project "Drought and Water Use Conflicts in Germany (WADKlim)", Ecologic Institute developed a promotional flyer based on visual style and template of the German Environment Agency. The flyer contains relevant general information about the project – its theme, focus, aims, activities and contact information.

WADKlim : Auswirkung des Klimawandels auf die Wasserverfügbarkeit

Anpassung an Trockenheit und Dürre in Deutschland

Year 2021

Publication:Infographic

This schema shows the three functions of a fish protection system: blocking, guiding, transferring. The infographic is part of the fact sheet "What makes a screen to a fish protection screen? The functional components of a fish protection system."

Functions of a Fish Protection System

Year 2021

Publication:Infographic

Table, displaying the permeability for juveniles and adults of different fish species

This infographic shows the permeability for juveniles and adults of different fish species on 20- and 10 mm screens. The infographic is part of the fact sheet "What makes a screen to a fish protection screen? The functional components of a fish protection system."

Ecologic Institute has recently launched the Diagnostic Water Governance Tool, which is aimed at both water governance practitioners and researchers around the world. The tool provides a diagnosis of case-specific water governance as well as recommendations for appropriate instruments, with a focus on coordination and cooperation improvement.

The STEER Diagnostic Water Governance Tool

Year 2020 - 2025

Publication:Video

This video gives a short introduction to the Diagnostic Water Governance Tool, a comprehensive diagnostic tool to support an integrated management approach in watersheds. Based on the data users enter for their particular case, they not only receive a diagnosis, but also case-specific recommendations for instruments to improve coordination in water management. Practitioners from water administration and management as well as development cooperation and consultancy, but also researchers are the target group of the tool and are invited to try it out.

Introducing the Diagnostic Water Governance Tool

Year 2020

Publication:Report

Evaluation of The Impact of the CAP on Habitats, Landscapes, Biodiversity

Year 2020

Publication:Document

Titelseite Nutzerhandbuch Runder Tisch Meeresmüll

This user manual supports the members of the German Roundtable on Marine Litter in using the internet platform https://muell-im-meer.de. In the internal area of the platform, members have various possibilities to present their organization and its activities for reducing marine litter as well as to participate in working groups. Distribution list maintenance and communication within the Roundtable on Marine Litter is also handled and documented via the platform.

The completed governance analysis shows that coordination in the Emscher catchment area is already effective. There is room for improvement when it comes to involving citizens and planning processes should also be characterised by a higher degree of flexibility. The analysis provides recommendations. This paper constitutes one of six analyses of cross-sectoral challenges in water governance. These have been conducted as part of the STEER research project and results are published in separate analyses and position papers.

Coordination and Cooperation of Water Management, Nature Conservation and Open Space Development in the Emscher Restoration

Year 2020

Publication:Article

In a new scientific article published in Agricultural Water Management, Dr. Josselin Rouillard, Senior Fellow at Ecologic Institute, and co-author Dr. Jean-Daniel Rinaudo (Brgm) examine strategies to manage the overexploitation of water by agriculture. The research focused on innovative water allocation regimes involving strong collaborative approaches between regulators and water users.

From State to User-based Water Allocations

An empirical analysis of institutions developed by agricultural user associations in France

Year 2020

Publication:Article

In this paper the authors, among them Ecologic Institute's Ulf Stein, focus on the governmental bottlenecks in the Implementation of the European Water Framework Directive. The lack of horizontal, inter-sectoral communication; the insufficient land reserves; human resources and; the lack of financing were the areas that emerged as the most pressing issues. Further evidence suggests that the interaction of the WFD with other policy areas regulated at the European level might require closer inspection.

Overview of Progress Towards the SDGs in an EU Context

Year 2020

Publication:Video

The ocean is a source of life for human beings. "Understanding human influence on the Ocean and the Ocean's influence on people" is at the core of ocean literacy. Supported by the European Commission, the EU4Ocean Coalition connects three large communities of organisations, projects, people and schools that contribute to ocean literacy and the sustainable management of the ocean: The EU4Ocean Platform is the hub for organisations and initiatives to connect, collaborate and mobilise efforts on ocean literacy.

EU4Ocean

Year 2020

Publication:Report

The project examined the effects, processes and support options for implementing innovative infrastructure coupling. The present volume examines development paths, success factors and barriers as well as the contribution of infrastructure couplings to sustainability transformation and design options. Implementation processes are often complex, breaking new ground and requiring the cooperation of actors in completely new constellations and responsibilities. Whether sustainability transformation is successful on the local level depends on numerous factors that can also be shaped on local level in a systematic way. Innovations promote new structures, networks, new behaviour and knowledge.

Infrastrukturkopplungen als Beiträge zur Nachhaltigkeitstransformation: Einflussfaktoren und Handlungsmöglichkeiten

Year 2020

Publication:Report

The project examined the effects, processes and support options for implementing innovative infrastructure coupling. Current developments, the associated transformation processes including supporting and hindering factors as well as potential sustainability effects of coupled infrastructure solutions were examined. The focus is on innovative, i.e. not established, couplings (understood as niche innovations) in the transport, energy, water, wastewater, waste management and information and communication technologies (ICT) sectors. The present volume provides a summary of the results, which are available in three sub-reports.

Transformation hin zu nachhaltigen, gekoppelten Infrastrukturen – Synthese der Ergebnisse

Year 2020

Publication:Report

The project examined the effects, processes and support options for implementing innovative infrastructure coupling.The present volume analyses the effects of innovative couplings on performance, resilience, resource efficiency, and social and economic compatibility. A "sustainability check" with 26 criteria was developed and tested in an expert survey. Coupling infrastructures does not automatically lead to greater sustainability, but coupled infrastructure systems have the potential to contribute to resource conservation and security of supply. This requires a differentiated consideration of the effects on sustainability.

Nachhaltigkeitspotenziale von innovativen, gekoppelten Infrastrukturen

Year 2020

Publication:Report

The project examined the effects, processes and support options for implementing innovative infrastructure coupling. The present volume examines local innovation processes in four case studies. Especially when it comes to innovations, there are no standard solutions. The technical systems must be embedded in supportive organisational structures, be economically feasible and implementable, function in a social context and encounter a enabling political and legal framework. Local actors, especially public utilities, are able to take the new, often uncertain paths, if the right framework conditions are in place.

Erfolgsbedingungen und Prozessbegleitung für eine nachhaltige Umgestaltung von Infrastrukturkopplungen

Year 2020

Publication:Report

This study analysed the effects of the agricultural water protection measures implemented in the collaborative approach, e.g. with regard to their potential for reducing nitrogen leaching into groundwater and regarding the level of acceptance among farmers. The study area consisted of 18 drinking water cooperations covering 20 drinking water protection zones.

Überprüfung der Auswirkungen des kooperativen Gewässerschutzes in Nordrhein-Westfalen

Year 2020

Publication:Article

Cover of the German journal Korrespondenz Wasserwirtschaft 4/2020

This article introduces the German Federal Environment Agency's online information platform on river restoration. It was designed, compiled and implemented between 2017 and 2020 by Ecologic Institute, Planungsbüro Zumbroich and IGF Jena. The information platform provides basic knowledge on the restoration of rivers and serves to gain acceptance for restoration measures. It addresses towns and municipalities, water management authorities, water bodies associations, fishing associations and citizens' groups.

Mehr Aufmerksamkeit für gewässerökologische Maßnahmen

Umweltbundesamt startet Online-Informationsplattform zu Renaturierung von Fließgewässern

Year 2020

Publication:Article

In the European Union, hydropower represents an important component of a renewable energy transition, in part due to its existing infrastructure. A large share of future European hydropower projects will be run-of-the-river schemes. To understand the potential for RoR hydropower development and modernization of the technology as an opportunity for sustainable decentralization, this report uses the Q-methodology to compare public values about RoR hydropower in German, Portuguese and Swedish case studies.

A framework of analysis

Year 2020

Publication:Video

The "Masterplan Fuldaaue" is an example of good cooperation between the Hessian municipalities of Bebra, Rotenburg and Alheim. The Fulda was restored near-naturally and flood protection was improved. Financing was provided by different funding sources and the costs were kept low by creative solutions.

Naturnaher Hochwasserschutz an der Fulda

Natural Flood Protection on the Fulda River

Year 2019

Publication:Video

In the urban area of Rastatt, river bank protection of the Murg was removed in order to create near-natural hydromorphological structures. Out of town, floodplains were reactivated for flood protection. The Yellow-bellied Toad and the Crested Newt also benefit from the restoration measures.

Verbesserung der Gewässerökologie an der Murg in Rastatt

Improving Water Ecology of the River Murg in Rastatt

Year 2019

Adaptation
Agriculture
Arctic
Biodiversity
Bioeconomy
Cities
Climate
Climate Foreign Policy
Coastal + Marine
Communication
Consumer Policy
Culture + Ecology
Digitalization
EU
Economics
Education
Energy
Environmental Law – Ecologic Legal
Evaluation
Events
Finance
Food
Foreign Policy
Governance
Health
Indicators
Industry
International Cooperation
Land Use
Mobility
Nature-based Solutions + Green Infrastructure
Plastics
Public Diplomacy
Resource Conservation + Circular Economy
Trade
Water

Article
Book
Book Section
Brochure
Case Study
Conference Paper
Document
Fact Sheet
Flyer
Infographic
Newsletter
Podcast
Policy Brief
Postcard
Poster
Report
Thesis
Video
Web Application
Website

Adaptation
Agriculture
Arctic
Biodiversity
Bioeconomy
Cities
Climate
Climate Foreign Policy
Coastal + Marine
Communication
Consumer Policy
Culture + Ecology
Digitalization
EU
Economics
Education
Energy
Environmental Law – Ecologic Legal
Evaluation
Events
Finance
Food
Foreign Policy
Governance
Health
Indicators
Industry
International Cooperation
Land Use
Mobility
Nature-based Solutions + Green Infrastructure
Plastics
Public Diplomacy
Resource Conservation + Circular Economy
Trade
Water

Publications

United voices for more policy impact

Machbarkeitsstudie zur Etablierung eines pharmazeutischen Umweltinformations- und Klassifikationssystems in Deutschland

Informations- und Lehrmaterialien für einen umweltbewussten Umgang mit Humanarzneimitteln

Insights from project on ponds and pondscapes

A Systematic Literature Review From a Sustainability Transition Perspective

Auswertung von Statistiken

Pilot roadmap on coastal wetland restoration in Romania

An evidence-informed workflow

Pilot roadmap on coastal wetland restoration in Portugal

Implementation Roadmap to Guide National Action

The RESTORE4Cs Spatial Decision-Support Toolbox

RESTORE4Cs Policy Brief

Resource efficiency, nature-based solutions, and systemic transformation as responses to the complexity of the triple planetary crisis

Management und Werkzeuge

RESTORE4Cs Policy Brief

Aligning with the Barcelona Convention and International Commitments Through a Common Evidence-Based Strategy

A proposal for monitoring policy processes across space and time

How can agricultural policies support the uptake of water resilient farming practices?

Insights from Barcelona, Berlin, and Rotterdam

ETC-BE Report 2025/1

Monitoring Report on Progress Towards the SDGs in an EU Context

Overview of Progress Towards the SDGs in an EU Context

Lessons from the MERLIN project

Ergebnisdokumentation zur BfN-Fachtagung am 18. April 2024

Information platform

Kampagnenkonzept und -plan

Basisfoliensatz und Begleittexte mit freien Materialien

Empfehlungen und Handreichungen

Medienresonanz- und Kommunikationsanalyse in den moorreichen deutschen Bundesländern

Key Insights from PONDERFUL

A long-term assessment by schoolchildren as citizen scientists

The need for improved water resilience

Towards better implementation of ecological flows and water allocation in Europe

Guidance for policy makers

GOVAQUA policy matrix Part A

Abschlussbericht

GOVAQUA policy matrix Part B

GOVAQUA policy matrix Part C

Overview of Progress Towards the SDGs in an EU Context

Monitoring Report on Progress Towards the SDGs in an EU Context

Application-oriented measures to increase water retention, water quality and biodiversity

Interim Report

Insights from the pharmaceutical industry into drug discovery and development

Assessed with a focus on ponds and pondscapes

moor-net.de

Drei Beispiele auf kommunaler und regionaler Ebene

Abschlussbericht

Auswertung von Statistiken

Kommunikation zur Umsetzung der nationalen Moorschutzstrategie und Vernetzung der Akteure in Deutschland

Monitoring Report on Progress Towards the SDGs in an EU Context

Statistical annex to the EU voluntary review