CREATE (Cross-REalm modelling and assessment of Aquatic ecosystem services: Towards a science-based design of Nature-based solutions to tackle Eutrophication) is an EU-funded Water4All project coordinated by the University of Eastern Finland and involving partners from Finland, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania and Poland. The project launched in March 2024, and is now heading towards its first year of activities, focused primarily on building the scientific and stakeholder foundations for prioritising nature-based solutions to tackle eutrophication across freshwater, coastal and marine realms.
In its first year, CREATE has reached several milestones:
- A shared metadata database of key datasets for modelling eutrophication and aquatic ecosystem services has been developed.
- SWAT+ nutrient flow models are being developed for the case studies in Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, providing the basis for testing and prioritising nature-based solutions.
- A broad stakeholder and public consultation on water quality, eutrophication and possible solutions was launched across all partner countries.
Over the next two years, CREATE will develop cross-realm eutrophication and ecosystem service models and use them to prioritise nature-based solutions in its case studies, supporting practical decision making in water management and spatial planning.
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For further information, please contact Miguel Villoslada ([email protected]).