Nature-based Solutions on existing
infrastructures for resilient Water
Management in the Mediterranean
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All public deliverables will be available for download below as soon as they are accepted by the EC.
The objective of this document is to identify the needs and characteristics of each region to co-design the most suitable FWC-NbS. To this end, an analysis of the water framework at different scales is carried out.
At Mediterranean scale, the area, climate, ecosystems and main water-related challenges are contextualized in a general way. The water management is developed in more detail for the five countries of NATMed project – Spain, Greece, Italy, Türkiye, and Algeria). The water management structure, main water sources and demand is defined.
At Case Study scale, water management aspects such as land and environment, demography and population, economics and investment, politics and legislative, social and governance, water infrastructure and local perception are described. In addition, a revision of the Ecosystem Services state is made based on the KPIs baseline made in WP3. The current and future Climate Change Scenarios are evaluated at Mediterranean, national and regional scale, when possible.
Based on the previous analysis, the main strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats of each Case Study are defined to support the FWC-NbS design and implementation. In this way, this deliverable is related to D1.2 NbS: technical, policy, legal and socio-economic definition and set the basis for T1.2 Case study implementation and T2.2 FWC-NbS co-design.
This document defines the main technical, political, social and economic characteristics of the solutions to be implemented in the five case studies of NATMed project. The objective is to support the co-design of the solutions, considering the context, challenges and opportunities of each area.
The document is divided into two sections. The first section includes the definition of main concepts within the context of sustainable water management: Ecosystem Services, Nature-based Solutions, Full Water-Cycle – NbS and societal challenges. The second section is the central part of the document, and describes the solutions that will be implemented in each Case Study, defining their main characteristics. To conclude, we present the main conclusions and next steps for the co-design and implementation of NbS.
This deliverable is the first report and output from T1.2 FWC-NbS co-design, submitted in M8 of the NATMed project. The main objective of this report is to define a Roadmap to guide the implementation of NbS in each project Case Study by defining the necessary steps and actions.
The tool used to create the Roadmap for each Case Study and its various sections and tables is Notion, and is described in section 2 of this document. The same structure has been created for all case studies. Section 3 includes an analysis of the completed roadmap of each region, defining the main implementation actions, partners involved, progress state, risks identified and the measures to minimize them. To facilitate the comprehension of the information provided by the Case Studies, the analysis incorporates informative tables that are interrelated, providing a global vision of the Case Study Roadmap. Finally, the conclusions of this document have been summarized in section 4. The final version of the roadmap will review the status of the actions, the problems that have arisen and how they have been solved.
This document represents the initial version of Deliverable 2.1 Report of the local stakeholders, developed within WP2. This document justifies the relevance of carrying out the engagement tasks within the project, describing the tasks performed for this purpose, their connection with other NATMed work packages and tasks, as well as a section on results and achievements and recommendations for future projects.
During the implementation of the different activities, D2.1 will be updated and completed in order to release the final document by the end of the project’s time execution in M36.
This document represents the Deliverable 2.2. 5 FWC-NbS Technical Specification, developed within WP2. This deliverable corresponds to the Technical Global report which includes the detailed technical specifications and designs of the nature-based infrastructures of the 5 FWC-NbS constructed and/or improved within the framework of Task 2.2. Case Study Implementation of NATMed project.
The Deliverable 2.2. constitutes the basis for the correct development and implementation of the following phases at the 5 demonstration areas (Case studies):
This document corresponds to Deliverable 2.3 Guidelines to the tendering process of 5 Case Studies, developed within WP2. Tendering represents one of the sub-phases of the construction and/or improvement of the 5 FWC- NbS within the framework of Task 2.2. Case Study Implementation of NATMed project.
The Deliverable 2.3. represents a synthesis document which summarises the 5 Case Studies, NbS subject to contract, kind of contracts carried out for the construction and/or improvements developed, main challenges arisen during the processes and some recommendations.
The 5 demonstration areas (Case Studies) are:
This deliverable is part of Task 3.1. Monitoring Programme and KPI selection of the WP3, Monitoring and evaluation. This report provides information about the selection of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) by all case studies and the development of common assessment framework for all cases according to the global and European standards in evaluating and monitoring Nature-based Solution implementations.
This deliverable is part of Task 3.2. Baseline of the WP3, Monitoring and evaluation. This report present baseline data from each case study concerning their selected KPIs and parameters to be monitored. This data will be used to compare post-intervention state of each case study. In this first version of the report, some case studies could provide only limited data since the baseline data collection has not finished yet. Therefore, this report will be updated in the 14th month of the project, namely May 2024.
This deliverable outlines the development of the NATMed decision-making tool under Work Package 4 (WP4), Task 4.3, aimed at supporting water management governance through FWC-NbS. Designed as a user-friendly, open-access platform, the tool will be freely available on the NATMed website. The tool draws on data from all the case studies of the project. These case studies provide diverse geographical and socio-economic insights, enhancing the tool’s adaptability to local water management challenges across the Mediterranean.
Following the initial design, a Beta version underwent early self-verification through internal testing and validation by Case Study leaders, ensuring its usability and effectiveness. Key risks and mitigation strategies, such as data privacy and long-term accessibility, are addressed to ensure the tool’s robustness. The next phase will invite external stakeholders to validate the tool further before its full launch, making it a valuable resource for integrated water management planning and FWC-NbS implementation across the Mediterranean.
The Replication Plan’s first deliverable is the roadmap of the replication strategies to successfully exploit innovative technologies and solutions in the framework of NATMed and for the five FWC-NbS. These strategies will be thoroughly addressed within WP5 “Replicability and Clustering”. This report corresponds to D5.1 Replication Strategy, which is the deliverable from WP5 and the first outcome from the work carried out so far within Task 5.1 (T5.1). Besides, it sets the framework for the replicability plan to boost social innovation and ensure continuous knowledge transfer of the main outputs and experiences of NATMed, mainly from WP4.
The planned replication activities for NATMed are presented, though modifications or adaptations might be undertaken during the project. This Replication Strategy for NATMed is designed to focus on developing replicable and up-scalable participative models for the solutions implemented by taking into account the analyses of the NbS diagnosis through co-design processes which will be the recipients of feedback mechanisms, contributed by the other tasks, analyses and tests in each case study.
This report is divided in four (4) main chapters:
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As Nature-based Solutions (NbS) become a valid alternative to grey infrastructures (hard, human-engineered structures) for coping with climate-related risks in urban and rural areas, the increasing success of NBS is explained as due to their capacity to foster the functioning of ecosystems and to generate additional environmental, economic and social benefits that are considered as essential backbones of actions for climate change mitigation and adaptation. The depth and forms of citizen engagement in nature-based solutions (NbS), and how such participation shapes their trajectories is also gaining increasing attention due to the fact that most literature demonstrates that physical barriers are less important than those related to governance, socio-institutional and economic dimensions. The low level of social acceptance and the collaboration barriers come out as the critical influences in NbS implementations. Thus, the effectiveness of participatory modelling exercises in facilitating stakeholder engagement in NbS design and implementation has been shown to be a critical and viable approach for overcoming these barriers. The Report, after an introduction to the relevant best practices in the field, suggests Steps to the establishing of a Participatory Governance Plan or rather a Guide to the construction of a Plan that should take shape upon the realization of the participatory process at each case site where NbS will be implemented.
Within NATMed, the process of knowledge creation is not intended to be unidirectional, but a mutual learning process in which actors of the local Case Studies exchange learning points and experience, to further upskill and reskill knowledge and capacity. Thus, project partners have initiated the establishment of a Mediterranean Community of Practice (MedCoP), to promote peer-to-peer learning, developing new relationships, innovative problem-solving, and collaboration or partnership on future projects. This deliverable presents the methodology used by NATMed partners to connect relevant local stakeholders in the 5 case study areas in order to take under consideration the traditional conservation practices of the area in the design, share and transfer of project activities and outputs. It also gives an overview of the activities carried out during the first 6 months of the project.
As Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are innovative approaches that use nature and natural processes to address societal challenges and promote sustainable development, clustering events (external and internal learning activities) will be organized to provide a platform for knowledge sharing, capturing innovative solutions and increasing capacity and effectiveness of NATMed case studies.
This deliverable summarizes the methodology developed for clustering events for knowledge and experience sharing. The clustering events are designed within two categories as external and internal learning activities. Since this report is the outcome of the T5.4, the external learning activities are especially highlighted. Internal Learning activities will be mentioned in D5.3 NATMed MedCoP and D5.5 FWC-NbS Training Programme and materials.
NATMed is developing a systematic and comprehensive Training Programme focused on the large amount of technical and non-technical knowledge produced about FWC-NbS and enriched by existing local knowledge. The FWC-NbS Training Programme and materials are based on the Key Exploitable Results of the NATMed project and the tools that are used for its successful implementation, like the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions and the project’s replication and upscaling methods.
This deliverable presents the structure of the NATMed FWC-NbS Training Programme and describes one of its components, i.e. the workshops and tutorials of the internal learning process. Those events will target the key local stakeholders from public and private sector of each case study area, aiming to qualify them to achieve optimal implementation and maintenance of the FWC-NbS to the specific water management considerations of each region. The events will run later at the project (late 2025-early 2026), when the final core NATMed outcomes will be completed.
This is the first version of the deliverable in M12 that is expected to be enriched in M21 and finalized in M36.
NATMed Policy guidelines stem from extensive research, practical implementation efforts in the case study areas, and stakeholder engagement within the first year of project implementation. By establishing a strong evidence base and demonstrating the viability of NbS, the project aims to persuade decision-makers and policymakers to integrate these solutions into the European policy framework. This integration will ultimately foster sustainable water management and enhance climate resilience in the Mediterranean region.
NATMed aims to address critical water management and climate resilience challenges in one of the most water-scarce regions of the world. The Mediterranean faces significant issues such as water scarcity, inefficient water management practices, and the impacts of climate change, exacerbated by high demand in agriculture, tourism, and other sectors. To mitigate these challenges, NATMed proposes integrating NbS with existing infrastructures to create sustainable and optimized responses, improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing climate resilience.
Furthermore, creating long-term business and financial plans is vital for ensuring the sustainability and scalability of NbS projects. Establishing clear roadmaps for implementation is necessary to maximize the effectiveness of NbS and facilitate stakeholder coordination, funding, and accountability. Promoting community participation and collaborative processes will support adaptive water resource management, ensuring that solutions meet local needs and are sustainable.
Technical and monitoring aspects are also crucial. Comprehensive monitoring and evaluation strategies are needed to track NbS performance and address potential adverse consequences. Understanding and incorporating social, cultural, and environmental drivers in NbS design will ensure that initiatives align with local needs and values, promoting biodiversity improvement and overall resilience.
Liaison with specific key actors in the policy community during the next phases of the project will create an actionable framework.
In order to communicate with the external environment and promote the project results and achievements, communication plays an important role during the NATMed project lifetime and beyond (legacy).
The NATMed Project Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation (CDE) Plan is dedicated to external and internal communication, in order to reach the project objectives in an effective and efficient way.
This plan is focused on informing / publicity activities and dissemination of the achievements and results to the project stakeholders and a wider relevant audience at local, regional, national, programme and EU levels, through local dissemination events with citizens and businesses, press and media, participation at EU events, as well as the Launch and Final Event of the project.
Dissemination of the results and achievements should be supported by produced information and communication materials, such as leaflets, brochures, posters, newsletters, press releases, photo & video recordings, as well as video clips on the project thematic priorities and the whole project.
A preliminary plan was developed in M3 (06.2023) and this is the updated version according to the project’s needs by M16 (07.2024) through its final version.
The Promotional Material includes communication material for internal and external use during and after the lifetime of the project. This contains branding material to effectively communicate content to the identified target audiences, graphic illustrations to accompany scientific outputs to better promote the project’s results and activities. The current deliverable includes all the tools to be used throughout the project’s lifetime according to its needs. This version is delivered in M8 but some material will be further developed and enhanced throughout the duration of the project.
In order to communicate with the external environment and promote the project results and achievements, communication plays an important role during the NATMed project lifetime and beyond (legacy).
The communication and dissemination of the NATMed project activities, advances and results play a crucial role for the overall success of the project. They set the ground for future exploitation and sustainability of the project results and develop a clear understanding of the value stemming from the project outputs. This document, D6.4 – D6.5 Communication & Dissemination Impact Report (first version), aims to detail all the dissemination, communication and outreach activities that have been implemented within the NATMed project from M1 until M18.
As described in D6.1 Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation (CDE) Plan which elaborates on the communication and dissemination strategy of the NATMed project, the consortium partners engage in several dissemination and communication activities throughout the project to ensure the visibility, dissemination and exploitation of the findings of NATMed across the project’s target groups. In order for the dissemination planning and methodology to be effective, a co-designed programme of activities has been implemented, based on the profiles of the target audiences, highlighting the benefits and results delivered to stakeholders, and ensuring their active involvement in the activities of the project. These activities include workshops, networking events, conferences, training sessions, press releases, newsletters, scientific publications, social media posts and more and they are presented in detail in the following chapters.
This version is delivered by M18 and will be further reviewed, fine-tuned and adjusted according to the project’s needs by M36 through its final version.
This document is produced within the NATMed project. D6.7 IPR management is a plan that covers the theoretical framework and is used as a basis for the consortium, to proceed to an agreement on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) during the project aligned with each partner’s organisation strategy. This allows the project’s consortium to be agile in further exploitation of its results. While specific IPR issues are mentioned in the Consortium Agreement (CA), from the proposal stage partners have agreed on basic rules. These are further described and analysed herein. Thus, this deliverable is delivered by M6 and shows the main bases of IPR knowledge and management as a strategy to be implemented during the lifetime of the NATMed project.
This document should be regarded only as a guide to help beneficiaries (the signatories of GA) with IPR management and protection activities. Only the rules for H2020, GA, and CA signed by the consortium are binding for the partners. This strategy will allow the consortium to produce D6.8 ‘’Project’s results and assets catalogue’’ where specific IPR issues will be defined and bound to the project’s outputs.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s PRIMA Research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No 2221.