AQUA-RESTORE NET: Connecting Freshwater Living Labs for Knowledge Exchange, Harmonised Monitoring and Scalable Ecosystem Restoration

AQUA-RESTORE NET aims to strengthen international cooperation among existing and emerging Living Labs focused on freshwater ecosystem restoration. The initiative promotes networking, knowledge exchange, harmonised monitoring and the transfer of effective restoration practices across regions.

The focus is on rivers, lakes, ponds, wetlands and associated habitats affected by pollution, climate change and other environmental pressures.

Drawing on expertise in aquatic biodiversity, invertebrate ecology, molecular taxonomy, DNA barcoding, ecological monitoring, hydrochemical assessment and GIS, our team proposes to develop common approaches for evaluating freshwater ecosystem condition and restoration outcomes.

As a Coordination and Support Action (CSA), the initiative prioritises networking, methodological coordination, capacity building and knowledge transfer rather than large-scale experimental research.

1. Mapping and assessment of freshwater Living Labs

Identifying and mapping existing and emerging Living Labs, demonstration sites and restoration initiatives. Developing an inventory of ecosystem types, restoration objectives, environmental pressures, monitoring methods, stakeholder involvement and outcomes. Identifying potential sites and regions for expanding the network.

2. Harmonisation of ecological and hydrochemical monitoring

Developing common methodological recommendations for aquatic biodiversity assessment, invertebrate monitoring, DNA barcoding, hydrochemical analysis and habitat evaluation. Promoting comparable indicators, sampling protocols and reporting standards to facilitate data exchange and cross-site assessments.

3. Comparative evaluation of restoration practices

Collecting and synthesising results from participating Living Labs to compare restoration approaches and ecological outcomes. Identifying transferable practices and factors affecting restoration success, including biodiversity recovery, water-quality improvements and ecosystem resilience.

4. Knowledge exchange and data integration

Supporting shared databases, GIS-based information resources, methodological guidelines and accessible knowledge materials. Facilitating cooperation and data exchange among researchers, environmental authorities, water managers, conservation organisations and local communities.

5. Identification of implementation bottlenecks

Contributing ecological and methodological expertise to assessments of technical, institutional, financial and socio-economic barriers to restoration. Working with governance and social science partners to identify solutions for overcoming monitoring gaps, coordination challenges and other barriers to implementation.

6. Capacity building and scaling of restoration solutions

Contributing to training programmes, workshops and practical guidelines on biodiversity monitoring, hydrochemical assessment, ecological indicators and restoration evaluation. Supporting recommendations for adapting successful restoration practices to different freshwater ecosystems and regional conditions.

Expected Contribution to the Consortium

Our team can contribute to mapping freshwater Living Labs; harmonising biodiversity and hydrochemical monitoring; developing comparable ecological indicators; standardising aquatic invertebrate identification and DNA barcoding; integrating GIS-based information; comparing restoration outcomes; and preparing methodological guidelines and training materials.

We can also support the identification of methodological barriers and the development of practical recommendations for scaling restoration solutions.

Proposed Role in the Consortium

Scientific and methodological partner for freshwater Living Lab networking, harmonised biodiversity and hydrochemical monitoring, ecological data integration, knowledge exchange and capacity building.

We are interested in work packages addressing Living Lab mapping, methodological harmonisation, monitoring indicators, comparative restoration assessment, training and dissemination.

AQUA-RESTORE NET will help improve the comparability and practical application of ecological evidence, supporting the wider adoption of effective freshwater restoration solutions.