WP2 focuses on understanding how nature-based solutions (NBS) influence biodiversity and ecosystem services (ES) within aquatic systems. The aim is to assess how ecological quality is shaped by interactions between social, ecological, and technological dimensions, with particular attention to key service providers such as aquatic vegetation and macroinvertebrates.
To achieve this, WP2 applies a spatiotemporal approach, combining field observations and existing data to evaluate conditions before and after NBS implementation. A common sampling framework is used across study sites to ensure consistent comparison between natural, restored, and degraded states.
The analysis includes the assessment of water quantity and quality, focusing on parameters related to water supply and water purification, as well as the evaluation of biodiversity patterns in aquatic communities. Special attention is given to macrophytes and macroinvertebrates as indicators of ecosystem functioning and ecological status.
In addition, WP2 investigates key ecological processes such as water use, nutrient cycling, and carbon dynamics, providing insight into how NBS contribute to ecosystem functioning. By integrating these different components, WP2 delivers a comprehensive understanding of how NBS affect both biodiversity and the delivery of ecosystem services across catchments.
The results of WP2 form a critical input for the development of indicators in WP3, supporting a more integrated assessment of the water battery concept and its role in sustainable water management.