Conceptual framework
RECHARGE is grounded in the concept of the “water battery” within a whole catchment approach. This framework recognizes that river systems cannot be managed in isolation from their social context, and that water flows must be understood and managed at the scale of the hydrological catchment. By integrating both biophysical processes and anthropogenic influences, the catchment is approached as a complex socio-ecological system.
To evaluate system dynamics, restored river sections where nature-based solutions (NBS) have been implemented will be compared with non-restored sections within the same catchment. This approach enables a robust assessment of river conditions before and after restoration interventions.
Project workflow
The RECHARGE workflow is structured into five interconnected work packages (WPs).
WP1 - Description of the geophysical foundation of the catchment: A comprehensive analysis of the natural, anthropogenic, and climatic context is conducted for each study catchment. This is particularly important in regions where water availability directly affects the stability of local actors and vulnerable communities.
WP2 - Spatial and temporal assessment of implemented NBS: Using a spatiotemporal approach, the effects of implemented NBS are assessed in relation to water physicochemical properties, water quantity, and ecosystem services, with a focus on their contribution to water security.
WP3 - Development of catchment level water battery analysis toolkit: WP3 develops indicators to assess how the water battery functions across catchments and how it supports ecosystem services under different landscape conditions. These indicators evaluate water storage, recharge, losses, use, and ecological impacts, while linking results to biodiversity and relevant EU directives.
WP4 - Collaboration and engagement with stakeholders: Stakeholder engagement is central to the project and involves actors from the private sector, government, conservation organizations, water managers, landowners, and local communities. Through participatory processes, a whole-catchment strategy is co-developed to guide the implementation of NBS, with particular emphasis on mitigating extreme hydrological events and optimizing water battery functioning.
WP5 - Project management, dissemination, and valorization: WP5 supports the effective coordination, communication, dissemination, and overall management of the project, ensuring the timely and high-quality delivery of all activities.