A biophysical parameter is a measurable characteristic that can help in defining a particular system. It can cover individual substances, groups of substances or be defined by its measurement method like turbidity or the mesurement of oxygen consumption like BOD5 or COD. It is generally expressed by a value and its unit.

Lakes are by definition water retention facilities; they store water (for flood control) and provide water for many purposes such as water supply, irrigation, fisheries, tourism, etc.ﾠ In addition, they serve as sinks for carbon storage and provide important habitats for numerous species of plants and animals, including waders.ﾠ In the past, lakes have sometimes been drained to free the land for agriculture purposes, or have simply not been maintained and have silted up.ﾠ Restoring lakes is re-introducing them where they have been in former times or revitalising them.
- Based on Stella definitions, adapted by NWRM project experts and validated by the European Commission

Early sowing refers to sowing up to six weeks before the normal sowing season.ﾠ This allows for an earlier and quicker development of crops and of a root network that leads to soil protection.ﾠ The period in which the soil lies bare is shorter and, therefore, erosion and run-off are less significant and water infiltration is improved.ﾠ Early sowing can also help to mitigate the extreme ETP rates typical of Mediterranean summers.ﾠ However, early sown plants are frost sensitive; therefore farmers run the risk of losing the crops because of the low temperatures.ﾠ In northern countries, temperature in spring (March) can be adequate but the risk of frost is still serious until May.ﾠ Therefore, early sowing requires specific tools (plastic tunnel covers, onsite green house, etc.) and cannot be applied by any farmers for any crops.
- Based on Stella definitions, adapted by NWRM project experts and validated by the European Commission

The suppression of lateral constraints consists in removing some bank protection in order to enhance lateral connection of the river, diversifying flows (depth, substrate, speed), diversify habitats but also capping floods in the mainstream.
- Based on Stella definitions, adapted by NWRM project experts and validated by the European Commission

Gently sloping vegetated strips of land that provide opportunities for slow conveyance and infiltration. Designed to accept runoff as overland flow from upstream and to slow the progress of this runoff.
- Based on Stella definitions, adapted by NWRM project experts and validated by the European Commission

AGR stores large quantities of water in underground aquifers to increase the quantity of groundwater in times of shortage.ﾠ It results in a lowering of run-off from surrounding land, and in an enhanced natural condition of aquifers and water availability.ﾠ The natural cleaning process of water percolating through the soils when entering the AGR improves water quality. Mechanisms used to undertake the recharge should be highlighted. In this respect one can envisage:(i) surface structures to facilitate/augment recharge (such as soakways and infiltration basins);(ii) subsurface indirect recharge - artificial recharge is undertaken through wells drilled within the unsaturated zone;(iii) subsurface direct recharge - artificial recharge is undertaken through wells reaching the saturated zone. The regulatory approach to be adopted for each of the above three mechanisms could differ considerably, due to the fact that the level of natural protection to groundwater is vastly different for each of the mechanisms

The cost per year of implementing a NWRM over its entire lifespan. EAC is used when comparing NWRMs of unequal lifespans. It is estimated through listing all capital expenditures and when they are incurred; calculating the net present value of expenditures, once discounted; and converting this net present value into an annuity

Rainfall that is stored on a vegetation canopy and later evaporated back to the atmosphere.

The sloping side of any hollow in the ground, especially when bordering a river. (Source: CED)

To ease the overall functioning of the river, some hydrographical network elements could be reconnected, including the so-called hydraulic annexes. This will allow for improvement of lateral connectivity, diversifying flows and habitats, but also cleaning the secondary arms that play a key role for retention in high water periods.
- Based on Stella definitions, adapted by NWRM project experts and validated by the European Commission