There is some evidence that planting trees on some Mediterranean hillslopes can assist in cloud formation and precipitation. The forests assist in "trapping" rising air and condensing atmospheric water vapour. This work has been pursued by Milan Milan, amongst others.
- Based on Stella definitions, adapted by NWRM project experts and validated by the European Commission

Collecting and storing rainwater for subsequent use ﾖ for example, using water butts or larger storage tanks.
- Based on Stella definitions, adapted by NWRM project experts and validated by the European Commission

In the past, various activities were undertaken to straighten rivers, such as the stabilisation of river banks with concrete or other types of retention walls.ﾠ Such actions limited riversﾒ natural movements, leading to degradation of the river, increased water flow, increased erosion and decreased biodiversity.ﾠ Natural bank stabilisation reverses such activities, allowing rivers to move more freely.ﾠ Where bank stabilisation is nevertheless necessary, such as in residential areas, natural materials such as roots or gravel can be used.ﾠ Natural materials are preferable as they allow water to infiltrate into the bank.ﾠ They also provide better living conditions for aquatic fauna.
- Based on Stella definitions, adapted by NWRM project experts and validated by the European Commission

The channel containing or formerly containing the water of a river. (Source: BJGEO)

The reconstitution of the alluvial mattress consists in leveling-up the river bed and/or reactivating the bank erosion in order to stop the incision of the river bed. It can allow better connection with side arms, level-up the water level at low flow periods, diversifying flows (depth, substrate, speed), diversify habitats and increase retention times.
- Based on Stella definitions, adapted by NWRM project experts and validated by the European Commission

Engineered ponds in peatlands that have been ditched to enhance forest production have the potential to retain water in the landscape and trap sediment without adversely affecting tree growth. Such measures have the potential to limit hydrograph peaks and potentially reduce flooding associated with snowmelt.
- Elaborated by NWRM project experts and validated by the European Commission

From the perspective of Natural Water Retention Measures (NWRM), maintenance is the set of actions or processes that are performed to keep an already existing natural process functioning in the best possible manner. Maintenance can include physical activities, the planning process and communication.

Excavations, typically filled with gravel, designed to store water and allow it to infiltrate into underlying soils or aquifers.ﾠ Soakaways would typically receive point-source inflow (e.g. from roof drainage).ﾠﾠ
- Based on Stella definitions, adapted by NWRM project experts and validated by the European Commission

1) Terrestrial areas where the vegetation complex and microclimate are products of the combined pressure and influence of perennial and/or intermittent water... and soils that exhibit some wetness characteristics. 2) Zone situated on the bank of a water course such as a river or stream. (Source: DUNSTE / GILP96)

Factor of proportionality that shows how much spending in a NWRM may induce direct or indirect changes in macroeconomic variables, such as income, employment, investment, etc. It is another way of referring to wider economic impacts of NWRM.