Development of catchment level water battery analysis toolkit
WP 3 aims to integrate the results from WP1 and WP2 into an overarching framework. The water battery functionality is further investigated taking into account the current NBS performance. The aim is to better understand the relationships between the geophysical-hydrological system and the NBS performance. A framework is developed to assess the causal links between the water battery and the NBS, in order to better select potential locations for additional NBS to address specific water related challenges and the trade-offs with other ES. The overall objective of WP3 is to demonstrate the water battery and the NBS it depends on as an overall strategy to address drought related challenges within the case studies. In this toolkit and throughout the tasks listed below, we will work with different scenarios: NBS as they are (2) all potential NBS implemented (3) most effective (combinations of) NBS implemented (using pareto principle 80% of benefit with 20 if costs).
Tasks:
Task 3.1. Data integration from WP1 and WP2. Integrated spatial databases with the results from WP1 and WP2 will be developed for each case study area. These databases will be used in subsequent WP3 tasks and will make it easier to combine different results from WP1 and WP2. Following up task 2.8 this also consist of the comparison of methodologies, strategies, policies, stakeholder involvement, risks and limitations of data.
Task 3.2. Indicator selection and development for NBS performance evaluation. Indicators and spatial data are combined to develop indicators to assess the effect of the NBS from WP2 on the water battery performance. Spatial and statistical analysis allow us to select the NBS and locations which are most effective within each case study. The effects and differences in climate and geophysical system are evaluated.
Task 3.3. Trade-off analysis between ES. Effects of current and proposed NBS are evaluated on their (positive or negative) impact on other ES, taking their locations within the case-study into account. Do NBS have overall positive effects, or does the type and location define the related ES?
Task 3.4. Ranking and selection of potential new and effective NBS in the catchment. Locations for additional NBS development are selected taking the geophysical-hydrological system account. Pressures from task 1.4 are used to select NBS and locations where they are most effective to improve the water battery performance. The effects of the selected NBS on the water battery performance are assessed and compared to the current situation. The DPSIR framework is used to assess the entire chain of effects.
Task 3.5. Implications of the findings on the Water Framework, Habitat and Birds Directives. Results from Task 3.3 and 3.4 are evaluated in light of the Water Framework, Habitat and Birds Directives. Can NBS help to reach European objectives which are threatened by increasing extreme hydrological events?
Deliverables:
D3.1 Report for end-users describing the indicators to assess NBS performance;
D3.2 Overarching report on the importance of the water battery and the implementation of NBS to increase its resilience;
D3.3 Case-study report on the selection of potential NBS and their impact on the local ecosystem services;
D3.4 Technical document reviewing the effects of NBS on the Water Framework, Habitat and Birds directives;
D3.5 Scientific papers: #8 multi-indicator analysis within the SETS framework, #9 catchment scale temporal reconstruction of water quantity and quality (surface and groundwater), biodiversity and geospatial descriptors (land use, temperature, precipitation).