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Management measures that work with nature and not against it, often result into a win-win situation. Multi-benefit measures serving nature conservation and water policy objectives (WFD) can be related to the protection of aquatic species listed in the Annexes of the Habitats Directive, such as the sturgeon, the eel or the salmon with high protection status. Prerequisite for such migratory fish species is the longitudinal continuity of the rivers and the connection to the sea. In addition, this is in line with targets of the Eel Regulation (EC, 2007) and the target of the new Biodiversity Strategy 2030 for 25 000 km free flowing rivers. Multi-benefit measures to recover longitudinal continuity for migratory fish species are for example the removal of dams and obstacles. To also ensure their reproduction in rivers and streams, habitat improvement is crucial by e.g. sediment improvement to restore spawning grounds.  

Natural Water Retention Measures (NWRM) can be used as measures to meet requirements of the WFD, the Floods Directive and climate adaptation. According to EC ( 2014) “Natural Water Retention Measures (NWRM) are multi-functional measures that aim to protect and manage water resources and address water-related challenges by restoring or maintaining ecosystems …”([1]). Within a recent EU project, about 45 NWRM with multi-benefits for urban areas, forests, rivers, and agricultural areas were identified and linked to ecosystem service benefits as well as illustrated in a number of European case studies ([2]).

[1] Source: http://nwrm.eu/concept/3857

[2] Source: http://eu-nwrm.eu