NSWRM(Sections)

The Natural Small Water Retention Measures (NSWRM) Catalogue, integrated into the OPTAIN project's learning environment, is a key resource aimed at improving water and nutrient management in agricultural landscapes, particularly in headwater catchments. It compiles practical strategies derived from various case studies across Europe, addressing a broad range of biogeographical conditions.

NSWRM, a subset of Natural Water Retention Measures (NWRM), are designed to tackle water management challenges such as drought, floods, and nutrient runoff while enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem services. These small, easy-to-implement measures are tailored to agricultural and forestry lands, with the goal of retaining, recovering, and reusing water, nutrients, and sediments.

The measures in this catalogue were identified through surveys and consultations with stakeholders involved in the 14 case studies of the OPTAIN project. The Multi-Actor Reference Groups (MARGs) played a central role in selecting the most relevant measures for each local context. These measures were documented using the WOCAT (World Overview of Conservation Approaches and Technologies) SLM questionnaire, ensuring a standardized and structured data collection process. The catalogue links NSWRM to the broader NWRM framework, incorporating specific practices for agriculture and water efficiency.

Accessible through the WOCAT Global SLM Database and the NWRM platform, the NSWRM catalogue offers detailed qualitative and quantitative information on each measure, providing the basis for selecting, designing, and implementing solutions suited to specific regional needs.

In addition to being a practical tool for improving water and nutrient management, the catalogue fosters collaboration among different stakeholders, ensuring the effective and sustainable application of these solutions. Through this effort, OPTAIN contributes to European goals for water protection, biodiversity preservation, and climate change adaptation.