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:Video

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

Entsorgung von Arzneimitteln

Year 2025

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 Unpublished.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.

Research and Monitoring Activities on Litter in Groundwater, Rivers, Lakes, Transitional Waters and Soil

Interim Report

Year 2024

Publication:Article

screenshot article sitting in our own soup

Urban water management is facing new challenges due to climate change. Intensified precipitation is putting additional stress on stormwater systems, leading to increased flood risks, more frequent combined sewer overflows (CSOs), and resultant risks to public health and urban biodiversity. These topics are addressed in a new publication co-authored by Gregory Fuchs and McKenna Davis of Ecologic Institute entitled 'Sitting in our own soup? Combined sewers, climate change and nature-based solutions for urban water management in Berlin.'

Sitting in Our Own Soup? Combined sewers, climate change and nature-based solutions for urban water management in Berlin

Year 2024

Publication:Article

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.

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: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: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: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.

Sustainable Development in the European Union – 2023 Statistical annex

Statistical annex to the EU voluntary review

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.

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 Section

red cover of the Springer book "Novel Developments for Sustainable Hydropower"

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.

Public Acceptance of 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

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."

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."

Abschlussbericht

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.

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."

Passability of 20 and 10 mm Screens

Permeability for juveniles and adults of different fish species

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:Web Application

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.

Monitoring Report on 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. 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 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

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.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

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.

Return of Otter, Salmon and Spotted Crake at the Wümme

Year 2019

Publication:Video

This video introduces potential actors to river restoration. It includes interviews with project managers of river restoration measures across Germany.

Renaturierung von Fließgewässern in Deutschland

River Restoration in Germany

Year 2019

Publication:Website

This information platform provides information for potential actors of renaturation projects. The aim of river restoration is to return rivers and streams to their natural state and to improve their ecological status.

Information Platform on River Restoration

Year 2019

Publication:Report

Ecologic Institute and its partner EMVIS Consultant Engineers have supported The Nature conservancy (TNC) in the preparation of this report, by outlining the key water challenges in Europe and the types of Nature Based Solutions that are applicable for addressing these challenges in Europe. The report is available for download.

Investing in Nature for European Water Security

Year 2019

Publication:Article

There are numerous regulatory approaches at the international, regional and national level regarding the handling of plastic products and plastic waste. What they all have in common is their limited effectiveness. Linda Mederake, Stephan Gürtler and Doris Knoblauch argue that this is partly due to the fact that at the international level a large number of binding agreements and voluntary initiatives have developed independently of one another and are therefore not coordinated in terms of content. The Plastics Atlas 2019 is available online.

The book "Facing hydrometeorological extremes: a governance issue" collects field investigation from several EU research projects on hydrometeorological extreme events and the successful examples of multilevel governance in response to them. Scientists from Ecologic Institute led or contributed on three book chapters, summarizing the regulatory framework as well as focusing on specific case studies. In this chapter Rodrigo Vidaurre presents an analysis of drought governance in the Eifel‐Rur region of Germany.

Drought Governance in the Eifel‐Rur Region

The Interplay of Fixed Frameworks and Strong Working Relationships

Year 2019

Publication:Report

As hydromorphological aspects between the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the Floods Directive refer to the same fluvial processes, the issue of hydromorphology and flooding has been addressed several times within the Common Implementation Strategy (CIS) process. In this context, a workshop on hydromorphological measures under the Floods and Water Framework Directives – "Finding synergies and addressing challenges" took place on 4-5 December 2018, in Budapest (Hungary). After the workshop, this background paper was updated to include conclusions from the meeting. The background paper is available online.

Hydromorphological Measures under the Floods and Water Framework Directives "Finding synergies and addressing challenges"

Year 2019

Publication:Report

This brochure is a 'light' version of Eurostat's publication 'Sustainable development in the European Union – 2019 monitoring report on progress towards the SDGs in an EU context', conveying its main messages in a visual and concise way. The brochure provides an updated snapshot of the current situation concerning 100 indicators related to the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs). It thus provides a snapshot of the key trends related to sustainable development in the European Union. Ecologic Institute's authors covered the chapters on SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 15 (Life on Land) SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The publication is available for download.

As part of the EU H2020 RURECO project, Dr. Josselin Rouillard carried out a one-month research exchange with the University of Davis, California focusing on sustainable groundwater management in Europe, France and California. Seminars with academic staff at UC Davis and Stanford University were organised comparing European and Californian strategies for sustainable groundwater management. Workshops and meetings were organised with the State Water Resource Control Board and nine groundwater sustainable agencies across the state of California. The blogpost is linked in the article.

Groundwater and Agriculture: A Comparison of Managing Scarcity and Droughts in France and California

Year 2019

Publication:Report

The fifth Water Framework Directive Implementation Report of the Commission reveals significant improvements in knowledge and reporting on the Water Framework Directive compared to the previous cycle. More Member States reported in a timely manner, with more comprehensive, relevant and reliable information. As part of a consortium, Ecologic Institute supported the preparation of the report. The Commission report is available for download.

The Implementation of the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) and the Floods Directive (2007/60/EC)

Year 2019

Publication:Report

This final report contains the interim results of a project on communication strategies for reducing agriculture-related entry of veterinary pharmaceuticals into the environment.

Kommunikationsstrategien zur Verminderung von Tierarzneimitteleinträgen aus der Landwirtschaft in die Umwelt

Final Report

Year 2018

Publication:Document

Residues of veterinary pharmaceuticals may enter water and soil via manure and dung. Veterinarians can reduce this environmental impact through their practices. These teaching materials were designed for further veterinary training. They consist of lecture slides and accompanying background material. The teaching materials are available to teachers and learners for free use.

Umweltaspekte von Tierarzneimitteln in der tiermedizinischen Praxis

Lehrmaterialien für Tierärztinnen und Tierärzte

This discussion paper, edited by Ecologic Institute, presents the physicochemical investigation methods used in the research focus "Plastics in the Environment", in particular for the analysis of microplastics. Therefore, representatives of the joint research projects discussed methods and analytical approaches to identify validated methods and comparable results in the various projects. The discussion paper reflects the current state the debate within the research focus. It contributes to a pool of methods that are as standardised as possible for the relevant application fields in science, industry, and administration and is available for download.

Microplastics Analytics

Sampling, Preparation and Detection Methods

Year 2018

Publication:Document

The Working Group ECOSTAT of the Common Implementation Strategy (CIS) of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) held a workshop on classification on 29-30 May 2018 in Tallinn. The aim of this workshop with respect to hydromorphology was to facilitate a better common understanding on the use of hydromorphological quality elements for the overall assessment of ecological status and potential. This is part of a wider work item on classification in the ECOSTAT work programme focusing on the linkage between supporting and biological quality elements (BQEs). The Workshop Summary Report presents the main discussions that occurred during this meeting and is available for download.

ECOSTAT Classification Workshop: Summary Report on Hydromorphology

Year 2018

Publication:Report

Cover "Environmental offences in Germany 2016"

This publication provides a quantitative overview of the development and status of environmental crime in Germany between 2004 and 2016, 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. In addition, the publication contains data on administrative offences relating to trafficking of protected species. The report was prepared by a team from Ecologic Institute on behalf of the German Federal Environment Agency.

Environmental Offences in Germany 2016: a statistical analysis

Diffuse Water Pollution from Agriculture (DWPA) and its governance has received increased attention as a policy concern across the globe. Mitigation of DWPA is a complex problem that requires a mix of policy instruments and a multi-agency, broad societal response. In this article - to which Dr. Grit Martinez and Dr. Nico Stelljes of Ecologic Institute contributed as co-authors - opportunities and barriers for developing co-governance, defined as collaborative societal involvement in the functions of government, and its suitability for mitigation of DWPA, are reviewed using seven case studies in Europe, Australia and North America. The article is available for download.

Opportunities and Barriers for Water Co-Governance

A Critical Analysis of Seven Cases of Diffuse Water Pollution from Agriculture in Europe, Australia and North America

Year 2018

Publication:Document

Nature-based solutions (NBS) are increasingly being adopted as an effective tool to address urban challenges. But, to what extent do current policy frameworks support or hinder their implementation? This report examines if and how the concept of NBS is addressed in select EU and Member State policies and funding instruments. The report was published within the Horizon 2020 project NATURVATION and is available for download.

Nature-based Solutions in European and National Policy Frameworks

Year 2018

Publication:Document

Ecologic Institute supported the European Commission and the Ad-hoc Task Group on Hydromorphology in organising a Common Implementation Strategy (CIS) workshop. This CIS workshop on the subject of significant adverse effects was organized on 23 and 24 April 2018 in Brussels. The Workshop Summary Report presents the main discussions that occurred during this meeting. In addition, prior to the workshop, Ecologic Institute prepared a discussion paper providing background information to workshop participants on the topic. The discussion paper is available for download.

Significant Adverse Effects on Use or the Wider Environment from Measures – Workshop Summary Report

Publication:Report

The DEMEAU project followed a solutions-oriented approach using applied research and demonstration sites, and explored four promising technologies for emerging contaminants removal and/or degradation: Managed Aquifer Recharge, Hybrid Ceramic Membrane Filtration, Automatic Neural Net Control Systems and Advanced Oxidation Techniques.

AQUACROSS Case Study 8

Year 2018

Publication:Document

Kemper, Melanie 2018: Website-Konzept für die Einbindung der Plastikpiraten in die Website der Fördermaßnahme "Plastik in der Umwelt" www.bmbf-plastik.de. Berlin, unpublished.

Website-Konzept für die Einbindung der Plastikpiraten in die Website der Fördermaßnahme "Plastik in der Umwelt"

Year 2018

Publication:Article

Ecologic Institute contributed to a practical guide for local-level evaluations of changes in ecosystem services. The approach helps to associate such changes to specific water management measures and enables both monetization and qualitative appraisal of impacts. Possible links between WFD State parameters and specific ESS classes are proposed. The article is available for download.

Getting into the Water with the Ecosystem Services Approach

The DESSIN ESS evaluation framework

Year 2018

Publication:Website

The Ecologic Institute designed and developed the bilingual project website "Plastic in the Environment". It contains an interactive map, which gives an overview of all funded projects. Furthermore the website provides detailed information on the projects and related events as well as publications for download. User can also directly subscribe for the newsletter.

Plastic in the Environment

Year 2018

Publication:Website

This portal provides information on how veterinary medicines enter the environment, explains their environmental impact and points out ways to reduce the number of entries. It is aimed at farmers and veterinarians in the livestock sector, in particular for cattle, pigs and poultry. Particular attention is paid to disease prevention measures, as veterinary medicinal products which do not need to be administered cannot enter the environment.

Internet Portal on "Veterinary Pharmaceuticals in the Environment"

Year 2018

Publication:Infographic

This illustration visualizes the processes of degradation, runoff, accumulation, uptake and infiltration of veterinary drugs in the environment. Active substances from veterinary medicines behave very differently depending on the substance and location properties. While sulfonamides, for example, can be transferred to groundwater, tetracyclines tend to accumulate in the topsoil.

Tierarzneimittel in der Umwelt: Abbau, Verlagerung und Verbleib

Year 2017

Publication:Infographic

Care and hygiene help to minimise the direct entry of veterinary medicines into the environment. Carry-over of veterinary medicines is an unnecessary waste, can endanger the health of operators and have no therapeutic benefits for animals. Carry-over antibiotics can contribute to the development of resistance in humans, animals and the environment. This infographic illustrates five ways to reduce the carry-over of veterinary medicines in the barn.

Verschleppung von Tierarzneimitteln im Stall

Year 2017

Publication:Brochure

This brochure is aimed at farmers. It provides information on how veterinary medicines enter the environment and explains their environmental impact. It also identifies ways in which environmental aspects can be taken into account in the application of veterinary medicinal products and the use of fertilisers containing veterinary medicinal products. Precautionary health measures are of particular importance. Veterinary medicines that do not need to be administered in the first place cannot harm the environment.

Landwirtschaft – Tierarzneimittel – Umwelt

Wie kann die Tierhaltung Einträge vermindern?

Year 2017

Publication:Brochure

This brochure is aimed at veterinarians. It provides information on how veterinary medicines enter the environment, explains their environmental impact and shows how environmental aspects can be taken into account in daily veterinary work. The advisory role of veterinary medicine in relation to preventive health management is of particular importance.

This paper presents an integrated assessment of how EU policies influence aquatic biodiversity in order to determine how EU policies and laws contribute to achieving and/or hindering EU and international biodiversity targets. The authors from Ecologic Institute, IUCN, and ACTeon also discuss whether European policy has a synergistic or conflicting mix of instruments to address the main problems facing aquatic biodiversity, and whether there are any gaps in the existing policy framework. The article is available for download.

Protecting and Restoring Biodiversity Across the Freshwater, Coastal and Marine Realms

Is the existing EU policy framework fit for purpose?

Year 2017

Publication:Policy Brief

This brief aims to highlight the benefits to business of engaging with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and how the EU Horizon 2020 project Knowledge, Assessment, and Management for Aquatic Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Across EU Policies (AQUACROSS) can assist with the SDGs focused on managing aquatic ecosystems. The business brief is available for download.

The Business Benefits of Engaging with the Sustainable Development Goals

Aquacross Business Brief

Year 2017

Publication:Document

Stelljes, N., McGlade, K., Martinez, G., BONUS SOILS2SEA Deliverable 6.4. Results from stakeholder workshops on governance concepts. Ecologic Institute, Berlin, December 2017, www.soils2sea.eu

Guidance Document

Year 2017

Publication:Report

This report has been prepared as part of work-package 5 of the FIThydro project on Fishfriendly Innovative Technologies for Hydropower. It aims at investigating the regulatory landscape influencing actions relevant to environmental improvements in the context of planning and operating hydropower plants. Emphasis is given to the requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive, nature protection policies and policies on renewable energy and climate change adaptation, thereby outlining opportunities, barriers and challenges in reaching multiple environmental objectives. The report is available for download.

Review of Policy Requirements and Financing Instruments (for fishfriendly hydropower)

Deliverable 5.1 H2020 Research project FIThydro

Year 2017

Publication:Report

Introduction to the RISC-KIT Web Based Management Guide for DRR in European Coastal Zones

Year 2017

Publication:Document

Lehmann, Karl, Melanie Kemper 2017: Website-Konzept für die Fördermaßnahme "Plastik in der Umwelt" www.bmbf-plastik.de. Berlin, unpublished.

Website-Konzept für die Fördermaßnahme "Plastik in der Umwelt"

Year 2017

Publication:Document

Cover Website Concept River Restoration 2017

Kemper, Melanie, Georg Lamberty, Falko Wagner 2017: Informationsplattform Gewässerrenaturierung – Website Konzept, Berlin, September 2017, unpublished.

Informationsplattform Gewässerrenaturierung – Website Konzept

Year 2017

Publication:Book Section

In this chapter the authors, among them Ecologic Institute's Josselin Rouillard, examine how the Water-Energy-Food nexus is emerging at different scales and national contexts worldwide. The chapter presents empirical evidence of innovations in terms of policy instruments. Normative suggestions for theorizing future nexus governance are also presented.

Governing for the Nexus: Empirical, Theoretical and Normative Dimensions

Year 2017

Publication:Book Section

Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) as a promising nature-based solution are the focus of a new chapter, written by Ecologic Institute's McKenna Davis and Sandra Naumann. The authors utilize a range of case studies and evidence from across Europe to underline the potential of SUDS as a tool to reduce the negative effects of urban flooding and resultant water pollution. The diverse environmental and societal co-benefits are also presented as well as insights on the potential cost-effectiveness of SUDS as compared to grey infrastructure solutions.

Making the Case for Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems as a Nature-based Solution to Urban Flooding

Year 2017

Publication:Article

This study presents information about the storms in 1872 and 1904 that occurred along the coast of Scania that is analysed with respect to the evolution of risk awareness, vulnerability, and societies' resilience over time. The article, to which Dr. Grit Martinez from Ecologic Institute contributed, is available for download.

The Role of Historical Storm Events in Risk Analysis

A study of the coastal flood events in 1872 and 1904 along the South and East Coast of Scania, Sweden, Vatten.

Year 2017

Publication:Report

Stelljes, N, Albrecht, S, Martinez, G., McGlade, K. BONUS SOILS2SEA Deliverable 6.2. Proposals for new governance concepts and policy options. Ecologic Institute, Berlin, May 2017, www.Soils2Sea.eu

Proposals for New Governance Concepts and Policy Options

Year 2017

Publication:Policy Brief

This policy brief illustrates how SWITCH-ON supports globally-connected science, digital innovation, and the use of open data to help citizens, governments, and businesses in Europe and across the globe move towards a sustainable future. It shows how the 14 SWITCH-ON products are closely aligned to the SDGs by addressing several EU environmental policy objectives. The SWITCH-ON Policy Brief No.4 is available for download.

SWITCH-ON Opening Europe to the World to Achieve Sustainability

Year 2017

Publication:Policy Brief

This policy brief introduces the SWITCH-ON Virtual Water Science Laboratory, a digital platform for scientific research and collaboration built upon the principles of transparency, community and open access. The Virtual Lab implements Open Science by encouraging collaborative experiment definition and by facilitating the search and upload of open datasets. The SWITCH-ON Policy Brief No.2 is available for download.

As part its on-going participation to a framework contract with the European Commission on supporting the implementation of European water policies, Ecologic Institute led an assessment of how Member States' current Rural Development Programmes (2014-2020) address agricultural pressures on water bodies and promote measures that can contribute to protect and restore the water environment, reducing flood and drought risk. The report is available for download.

Key Descriptive Statistics on the Consideration of Water Issues in Rural Development Programmes 2014-2020

European level report

Year 2017

Year 2017

Publication:Postcard

For the project "A Taste of the Future of the Seas", Ecologic Institute designed some fact sheets as well as a project flyer in small postcard format. The flyer promotes the series of project events Science Sips as well as the Theme Day event. The postcards contain various facts about the sustainability of popular fish products and specific recommendations about sustainable consumption options. The postcards are styled according to the project style-guides and contain important event and contact information.

Geschmack der Zukunft der Meere – Postcards

Year 2017

Publication:Article

Participation in the adaptation processes of river basin planning is necessary for sustainable water management. The article supports this statement by providing an overview of the work carried out within the framework of the BeWater project. We illustrate the methodology applied in the project, which resulted in four river basin adaptation plans for catchments in Cyprus, Tunisia, Spain and Slovenia. Furthermore, the project's case studies are presented as well as the challenges that stakeholders identified within their respective river basins. We show how the project was initiated in the case study basins and how it influenced their river basin management processes. An overview of the prioritized measures is given as well as a summary of BeWater's contributions to future river basin management undertakings. We end the overview with an outlook on how stakeholder participation can improve river basin adaptation.

Supporting Stakeholder Participation in Adaptive River Basin Management

Year 2017

Publication:Brochure

Veterinary pharmaceuticals and their transformation products have gained increasing attention as environmental contaminants. A research team led by Ecologic Institute analyzed measures that contribute to reduce the input of veterinary pharmaceuticals into the environment. The publication compiles existing approaches and measures for reducing the entry of veterinary pharmaceuticals into the environment, and derives additional measures of relevance for the environment.Over 40 measures to reduce veterinary pharmaceutical input from agriculture into the environment were identified, their effectiveness assessed and given top priority. The publication is available for download.

Konzepte zur Minderung von Arzneimitteleinträgen aus der landwirtschaftlichen Tierhaltung in die Umwelt

Year 2017

Publication:Book

The Mediterranean Basin is extremely vulnerable to climate change. It is already experiencing the effects of higher-than-average temperatures and the increasing incidence of extreme events such as unprecedented heat waves, severe droughts, and major floods. A new book co-written by Ecologic Fellow Katriona McGlade examines the water-related impacts of climate and global change in the UNESCO Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve of the Mediterranean (IBRM) that straddles Spain and Morocco.

Policy brief 2 outlines the participatory approach developed within BeWater and presents recommendations targeting actors within European bodies and institutions dealing with adaptation planning and adaptation in water management. Aspects of EU policies that could pose a barrier to implementation of adaptation action are highlighted, and complemented with necessary actions to overcome such barriers. Policy brief 2 is available for download.

Supporting Participation in Adaptive River Basin Management

Policy Recommendations for the EU Level

Year 2017

Publication:Book

For many populations that are already socially marginalized, resource dependent, and with limited capital assets, human security will be progressively undermined by environmental change. A new book, co-edited by Katriona McGlade, Fellow and Coordinator of International Development at Ecologic Institute, examines interactions between environmental change and human security in the Middle East and Africa. The collected volume, published by Springer, demonstrates that global environmental change in general, and climate change in particular, are putting both human security and human rights at risk.

Environmental Change and Human Security in Africa and the Middle East

Year 2017

Publication:Policy Brief

This policy brief presents the SWITCH-ON toolbox that guides innovators to identify target markets and select a suitable business model consistently. This toolbox, called the Market Analysis Framework (MAF), has been applied by the developers of the 14 SWITCH-ON open data products and services, making it a tested and validated framework. By promoting demand-driven product development, the MAF can help European innovators increase their chances of achieving commercial success, ultimately contributing to the region's smarter, more sustainable, and more inclusive future economy. The Policy Brief No.1 is available for download.

The SWITCH-ON Market Analysis Framework

support to European innovators on commercialising water information products

Year 2016

Publication:Report

This report provides an overview of measures to reduce nutrient pollution from point and diffuse sources, as well as an analysis of the implementation of European policies for eutrophication abatement of inland, coastal and marine waters. Examples of eutrophication abatement strategies in eight case studies are presented and analyzed regarding different aspects such as governance issues, the role of research, stakeholder participation and the choice of measures and funding instruments. The report is available for download.

Publication:Book Section

Natacha Amorsi et. al. 2016: WaterDiss. Analysis and uptake of water research results. In: André Martinuzzi and Michal Sedlacko (eds.): Knowledge Brokerage for Sustainable Development. Innovative Tools for Increasing Research Impact and Evidence-Based Policy-Making. Routledge: London.

WaterDiss. Analysis and Uptake of Water Research Results

Year 2016

Publication:Document

Citizens from around the Mediterranean participated in adaptation planning for the management of their local river basins. Based on a novel approach developed over the course of the EU-funded BeWater project, stakeholders from four case study river basins were engaged in a collaborative process with experts and policy makers to draft River Basin Adaptation Plans. Ecologic Institute was also part of this collaboration.

Four River Basin Adaptation Plans

Year 2016

Publication:Website

A newly created atlas for fish protection and downstream fish migration ("Atlas Fischschutz & Fischabstieg"), designed and implemented by Ecologic Institute, is online since June 2016. The map indicates all the locations of measures for fish protection and downstream fish migration complemented by information taken from associated studies. Furthermore, the filter function highlights specific research and development projects as well as information regarding specific basics and activities. Stakeholders in terms of fish protection and downstream fish migration are invited to add new content to the atlas.

Atlas Fischschutz & Fischabstieg

Year 2016

Publication:Report

The DESSIN Ecosystem Services Evaluation Framework is a methodology used to systematically assess the impacts of innovative solutions to water-related challenges from the environmental, economic and social perspectives. The framework consists of the DESSIN Cookbook, a Companion Document, a Supplementary Material File and a Case Reporting Template. The framework is aimed at decision-makers, practitioners and technology developers who want to evaluate the potential impacts of new technologies and water management measures on freshwater ecosystems and their services. The documents are available for download.

Framework for Evaluating Changes in Ecosystem Services

Year 2016

Publication:Book Section

Bressers, Hans; Ulf Stein 2016: "Cross-cutting Perspective on Nature", in: Bressers, Hans; Nanny Bressers; Corinne Larrue (eds.): Governance for Drought Resilience. Land and Water Drought Management in Europe. Heidelberg: SpringerOpen, 231-244.

Cross-cutting Perspective on Nature

Year 2016

Publication:Book Section

Furusho, Carina; Rodrigo Vidaurre; Isabelle La Jeunesse 2016: "Cross-cutting Perspective Freshwater", in: Bressers, Hans; Nanny Bressers; Corinne Larrue (eds.): Governance for Drought Resilience. Land and Water Drought Management in Europe. Heidelberg: SpringerOpen, 217-230.

Cross-cutting Perspective Freshwater

Year 2016

Publication:Book Section

Özerol, Gül; Jenny Troeltzsch 2016: "Cross-cutting Perspective on Agriculture", in: Bressers, Hans; Nanny Bressers; Corinne Larrue (eds.): Governance for Drought Resilience. Land and Water Drought Management in Europe. Heidelberg: SpringerOpen, 203-2216.

Cross-cutting Perspective on Agriculture

Year 2016

Publication:Book Section

Bressers, Hans; Koen Bleumink; Nanny Bressers et. al. 2016: "The Fragmentation-Coherence Paradox in Twente", in: Bressers, Hans; Nanny Bressers; Corinne Larrue (eds.): Governance for Drought Resilience. Land and Water Drought Management in Europe. Heidelberg: SpringerOpen, 181-202.

The Fragmentation-Coherence Paradox in Twente

Year 2016

The Curious Case of Somerset, United Kingdom

Year 2016

Publication:Book Section

Vidaurre, Rodrigo; Ulf Stein; Alison Browne et. al. 2016: "Eifel-Rur: Old Water Rights and Fixed Frameworks for Action", in: Bressers, Hans; Nanny Bressers; Corinne Larrue (eds.): Governance for Drought Resilience. Land and Water Drought Management in Europe. Heidelberg: SpringerOpen, 67-82.

Eifel-Rur: Old Water Rights and Fixed Frameworks for Action

Publication:Infographic

The infographic explains the use of nematodes, bacteria and viruses for biological pest control.

Year 2015

Publication:Policy Brief

The RECREATE Policy Brief no.4 examines the case of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) in two different application areas: (1) coastal protection and (2) urban drainage systems. It is based on one of the detailed narratives carried out for the RECREATE project. The RECREATE Policy Brief no.4 is available for download.

Coastal Protection and Suds – Nature-based Solutions

Year 2015

Publication:Report

The German Federal Agency of Environment (UBA) published a synthesis report. The report summarizes major findings of the research and discussions undertaken in the German Forum on Fish Protection and Downstream Fish Migration in which the Ecologic Institute played a major role. The report highlights remaining research and development needs that require further investigation and discussion. It is available for download.

Forum "Fischschutz und Fischabstieg"

Empfehlungen und Ergebnisse des Forums

Year 2015

Publication:Document

Boteler, Benjamin et. al. 2015: Dissemination Plan – Strategy for disseminating AQUACROSS results and findings. Deliverable D1.1. Berlin, unpublished.

Dissemination Plan – Strategy for disseminating AQUACROSS results and findings

Deliverable D1.1

Year 2015

Publication:Document

Cover Kurzkonzept Website Forum Fischschutz

Kemper, Melanie 2015: Kurzkonzept für die Erweiterung des Informationsangebotes der Website des Forums "Fischschutz und Fischabstieg" – www.forum-fischschutz.de, Berlin, October 2015. Unpublished.

Publication:Website

The AQUACROSS website provides information on the AQUACROSS project, approach and case studies. Project outputs such as deliverables, policy briefs and publications are regularly promoted on the website. Ecologic Institute is responsible for the concept, design and programming.

AQUACROSS

Year 2015 - 2018

Publication:Book Section

The BACC II (Second Assessment of Climate Change for the Baltic Sea basin) is an updated assessment of ongoing climate variations in the Baltic Basin for the period 2009-2014. The book is an update of the first BACC assessment, published in 2008, and offers new and updated scientific findings in regional climate research for the Baltic Sea basin. The evidence collected and presented in BACC II shows that the regional climate has already started to change and this is expected to continue. Dr. Grit Martinez from Ecologic Institute is co-author of the article 'Climate Science and Communication for the Baltic Sea Region'. BACC II is a project of the Baltic Earth research network and contributes to the World Climate Research Programme.

Climate Science and Communication for the Baltic Sea Region

How do Scientist and Political Decision Makers Estimate Climate Change in the Baltic Sea Region?

Year 2015

Publication:Video

Is your drinking water clean? Is it safe to drink? In the last two decades, the presence of new chemical compounds called emerging pollutants has been detected in wastewater, aquatic environments, and drinking water. Emerging pollutants result from a variety of human processes and do not break down easily and therefore accumulate in our environment. The animation illustrates what emerging pollutants are, how they enter water sources, and what role individuals can take in improving the quality of their drinking water. Watch the animation, and please share it!

Dare to Drink? Emerging Pollutants in Our Water

Year 2015

Publication:Report

This Deliverable reports the results of the assessment of governance factors conducive to innovation uptake carried within the context of the FP7 DESSIN project. The research is based on the analysis of innovation uptake in the three DESSIN mature case-study sites (i.e. Aarhus, Emscher, Ebro) which had welcomed some successful transformation in urban water management. A number of recommendations are presented in the conclusion to inspire future "entrepreneurs" in promoting innovation uptake in urban water management. The report is available for download.

This manual focuses on the site specific evaluation of the efficiency of fish protection and bypass systems. Standardized evaluation principles are defined to promote significant, comparable studies. The manual constitutes a framework for an objective evaluation process. The developed planning, investigation and evaluation processes provide a base for consistent study results to improve the scientific knowledge and to optimize effective site specific solutions.

Arbeitshilfe zur standörtlichen Evaluierung des Fischschutzes und Fischabstieges

Year 2015

Publication:Document

Kemper, Melanie and Mascha Schacht 2015: Konzept Online-Informationsangebot "Umweltverträglicher Pflanzenschutz" – www.uba.de/pflanzenschutz-im-garten-startseite, Berlin, February 2015, unpublished.

Konzept Online-Informationsangebot "Umweltverträglicher Pflanzenschutz"

Year 2015

Publication:Report

This document provides a state-of-the-art review to support the conceptual and practical development of the DESSIN ESS Evaluation Framework. It briefly presents the state of affairs regarding the measurement of changes in ESS, including description of existing classification systems, analytical frameworks and economic valuation methodologies. The challenges associated with spatial and temporal variations of ESS are considered and an approach to define and measure sustainability is presented. Finally, the next steps in the work plan of Work Area 1 are outlined.

Water Status Related Changes in ESS, Economic Valuation and Sustainability Assessment of ESS

Internal state of the art report on ecosystem services evaluation (Deliverable 11.1, DESSIN)

Year 2014

Publication:Article

Today, water and sanitation services are organized very differently in Britain and Germany, with privatization at a regional level in Britain and municipal companies in charge of several public services in Germany. In this article, written by Founder and Director Emeritus of Ecologic Institute, R. Andreas Kraemer, and Bernard Barraqué, the history of water supply privatization and centralization in Great Britain and Germany is discussed.

As part of its work under the European Topic Centre on Inland, Coastal, and Marine waters (ETC/ICM), Ecologic Institute supported the European Environment Agency (EEA) in an assessment of public participation processes in the context of the Water Framework Directive (WFD). This resulted in a report covering theoretical aspects of public participation as well as an analysis of 8 case studies from across the EU. The report was reviewed by a series of WFD experts from various EU Member States. The article is available for download.

The Yearbook Ecology 2015 was published at the end of August 2014. This issue's focus is on re-naturation: society in harmony with nature, which is examined from economic, social, technical and ecological points of view. Ecologic Institute is one of the institutes supporting this yearbook and contributed three articles in the 2015 edition.

Davis, M; Rouillard, J; Lukat, E; Stein, U; Tröltzsch, J; Vidaurre, R. (2014). Compilation of best practice examples and experiences of adaptation plans. Deliverable D4.1, BeWater, FP7 project no. 612385 -SIS.2013.1.2-1 European Commission, 67 pp.

Compilation of Best Practice Examples and Experiences of Adaptation Plans

Year 2014

Publication:Video

What can consumers, medical staff, researchers, members of water boards and politicians do to reduce the input of pharmaceutical residues at the source? This short film illustrates how all involved stakeholders can contribute jointly to solutions.

Despite the legislation in place and the growing awareness of the need for full cost recovery and incentive pricing in the European water sector, Member States have not yet achieved the objective of integrating these key principles into their water policy. Through a comparative analysis of water pricing schemes and governance structures across selected European countries, a recent study in which Ecologic Institute participated provides practical information on the implementation of the key principles under Article 9 of the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD). The study is available for download.

Assessment of Cost Recovery through Water Pricing

Year 2013

Publication:Newsletter

The water and wastewater sectors face tremendous challenges to assure safe, cost-effective, and sustainable water supply and sanitation services. Detecting and treating emerging pollutants has become a critical need in these sectors. Innovative technologies could hold the key to solving these challenges. To support the market penetration and broader application of innovative methods and technologies in the water and wastewater sectors, DEMEAU cooperates with relevant policy makers, regulators, and standardisation bodies as well as with technology producers and users on the national and EU level. The DEMEAU newsletter delivers insights and shares developments within the DEMEAU FP7 project.

DEMEAU Newsletter

Year 2013 - 2015

Publication:Policy Brief

(2013). ELEEP Policy Recommendations For Water-Energy-Climate-Nexus. US Southwest Study Tour 7-12 July 2013. ELEEP Policy Brief. Ecologic Institute US, Atlantic Council, ELEEP.

ELEEP Policy Recommendations for Water-Energy-Climate-Nexus

US Southwest Study Tour 7-12 July 2013

Year 2013

Publication:Report

Climate change has and will continue to have far-reaching impacts on environmental, social and economic conditions. Increasingly, climate change and the associated increase in the frequency of extreme weather events such as floods, droughts and rising sea level is recognized as not only having humanitarian impacts, but also creating political and security risks that can affect national/regional stability and the welfare of people. This report presents a comprehensive regional assessment of these questions in the CLICO study area – the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Sahel – and is available for download.

Climate Change, Water Conflicts and Human Security

Regional Assessment and Policy Guidelines for the Mediterranean, Middle East and Sahel

Year 2013

Publication:Video

This video addresses the advantages and shortcomings of bioassays to tackle pollutants in water and waste water. It was produced as part of the DEMEAU project that Ecologic Institute was involved in.

Practical Experiences and Knowledge Exchange in Support of the WFD Implementation (2010-2012)

Year 2013

Publication:Video

You may have read in the press about medicines, like antibiotics and the pill, being found in rivers and lakes, and even in drinking water. Is this true? How do drugs get there, and do they have effects? Is there anything being done to address this? Can I do anything to help?

The Drugs We Wash Away: Pharmaceuticals, Drinking Water and the Environment

Year 2013

Publication:Conference Paper

Werde, Julia; Ulrich Braukmann and Ulf Stein 2013: "Untersuchungen der Auswirkungen von Klimaveränderungen auf die Lebensgemeinschaften wirbelloser Tiere in Fließgewässern im Nationalpark Kellerwald-Edersee (Hessen, Deutschland)", in: Ute Feit and Horst Korn (eds.): Treffpunkt Biologische Vielfalt XII. Aktuelle Forschung im Rahmen des Übereinkommens über die biologische Vielfalt vorgestellt auf einer wissenschaftlichen Expertentagung an der Internationalen Naturschutzakademie Insel Vilm vom 20.-24. August 2012. [BfN-Skripten 335]. Bonn - Bad Godesberg: Bundesamt für Naturschutz, 39-46.

Untersuchungen der Auswirkungen von Klimaveränderungen auf die Lebensgemeinschaften wirbelloser Tiere

In Fließgewässern im Nationalpark Kellerwald-Edersee (Hessen, Deutschland)

Year 2013

Publication:Article

In this journal article, the authors – among them Darla Nickel and Melissa Keeley, both Ecologic Institute alumnae – analyze the stormwater infrastructure of the two cities. The focus lies on the question of how green and grey infrastructure can most successfully be combined and integrated for rain-water management. While grey infrastructure refers to conventional piped drainage and water treatment systems, the term "green infrastructure" encompasses land and plant based ecological treatment systems and processes. The report can be purchased on the homepage of the publisher "Springer-Verlag".

Perspectives on the Use of Green Infrastructure for Stormwater Management in Cleveland and Milwaukee

Year 2013

Publication:Book Section

In a book chapter (in French), R. Andreas Kraemer of Ecologic Institute and Bernard Barraqué trace the historical development of modern water services in Britain and Germany. The chapter describes the different roles of municipalities and central government in the process.

Genèse des deux modèles nationaux d'industrie de l'eau : Angleterre – Allemagne

Year 2013

Publication:Report

Climate change will most likely impact the effectiveness and cost of measures to improve water quality. This must be taken into account in the future when selecting measures in accordance with the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD). Until now, the consequences of climate change have not been systematically incorporated into the economic analyses called for by the WFD. A new study in the RADOST focus topic "Water Management and Agriculture" evaluates analytical approaches used to date, thereby contributing to the necessary discussion on how existing and future programs could consider and integrate the consequences of climate change. The report is available online.

Integration des Klimawandels in die ökonomischen Analysen nach europäischer Wasserrahmenrichtlinie

Literaturrecherche und Analyse der Bewirtschaftungspläne von 18 deutschen und europäischen Flussgebietseinheiten

Year 2013

Publication:Report

This study investigates the importance ascribed to the actions taken by water providers to ensure the protection of water bodies and human health in current benchmarking approaches of drinking water utilities. New indicators to improve the representation of these services are also suggested. Additionally, light is shed upon the risks these measures may face should centralized economic regulation, such as that currently implemented in England and Wales, be introduced. Finally, the study summarizes the possible role benchmarking approaches can play in price oversight as well as in creating a transparent presentation of the actions taken to ensure the protection of water bodies and human health. The results of the study are available for download.

On the EU Water Blueprint Conference 2012 different stakeholders, member states, and the European Commission discussed the implementation of the policy proposals of the Blueprint to Safeguard Europe's Water Resources. The summary report of the conference is available for download. Also available are key findings in five other languages.

EU Water Blueprint Conference

Summary Report

Year 2013

Publication:Flyer

Ecologic Institute created an informative flyer in five languages that presented the EU-funded DEMEAU project. The project aimed to address challenges in water supply and wastewater treatment by promoting advanced technologies such as Managed Aquifer Recharge, Hybrid Ceramic Membrane Filtration, Hybrid Advanced Oxidation Processes, and Bioassays. With a strong consortium of research institutions, SMEs, and water suppliers from five EU countries, DEMEAU focused on innovation and partnership to effectively combat emerging pollutants.

Demonstrating Promising Technologies to Address Emerging Pollutants in Water and Waste Water – Flyer

Year 2012

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 and Green Infrastructure
Plastics
Public Diplomacy
Resource Conservation + Circular Economy
Trade
Water

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 and 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

Publications

Auswertung von Statistiken

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

Management und Werkzeuge

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

Insights from Barcelona, Berlin, and Rotterdam

Overview of Progress Towards the SDGs in an EU Context

Monitoring Report on Progress Towards the SDGs in an EU Context

ETC-BE Report 2025/1

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 C

GOVAQUA policy matrix Part B

GOVAQUA policy matrix Part A

Abschlussbericht

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

Statistical annex to the EU voluntary review

Monitoring Report on Progress Towards the SDGs in an EU Context

Ergebnisse der UBA Workshopreihe

Supporting cross-sectoral cooperation and coordination in water resources management

Recommendations for Policy Developments at EU Level

Umwandlung des dynamischen Portals in eine statische Archiv-Website

Atlantic, Arctic, Danube and Mediterranean lighthouses

Working Paper 10

Transitioning from Open to Regulated Access

Short version

Technisch-hydraulische Bewertung von Fischschutz und Fischabstieg an Wasserkraftanlagen

Overview of Progress Towards the SDGs in an EU Context

Monitoring Report on Progress Towards the SDGS in an EU Context