A central and innovative element of OPTAIN is its harmonised approach across all 14 case studies (CS), which requires cooperation between all CS and work packages (WP) throughout the project. This harmonised framework has guided, for example, the establishment of a Multi-Actor-Reference-Group (MARG) in each CS, as well as activities related measure documentation, modelling, policy analysis and results presentation. More specifically, the following activities and results have been achieved in OPTAIN’s WPs so far:
WP1 identified relevant stakeholders, developed guidelines for the establishment of MARG and carried out MARG engagement activities in each CS. A CS management and information structure was established to facilitate timely contributions from the CS to each task.
WP2 identified existing and potentially suitable NSWRM in the CS and developed tailored environmental and economic performance indicators to assess NSWRM effectiveness in the CS context. Existing examples of OPTAIN’s NSWRM were documented in the WOCAT SLM catalogue.
WP3 collected, derived and harmonised data with outstanding spatial and temporal resolution for the CS to enable environmental and socio-economic analysis. Guidelines and scripts to derive missing soil and crop data were developed and can be used for any environmental study in Europe. OPTAIN’s pre-processing tools facilitate data compilation and help to adapt input data to the requirements of both the catchment and field scale modelling approaches.
WP4 developed two modelling protocols, including new approaches, to guide CS modellers in setting up their catchment and field scale models. The new version of the Soil & Water Assessment Tool (SWAT+) and the Soil-Water-Atmosphere-Plant model (SWAP) were used in a highly standardised approach to ensure quality and comparability of the results across all CS. The modelling results demonstrate the effectiveness of individual and combined NSWRMs and the impacts of climate change across the CS, while advancing modelling approaches for the benefit of scientific and professional communities.
WP5 supported WP2-4 to ensure that models, data and scenario design were compatible with OPTAIN’s optimisation approach. The developed models were then coupled with a genetic algorithm to optimise the combination and placement of NSWRM at the catchment scale, considering both environmental and economic objectives. Initial results show the benefits of a sound measure placement. The ParetoPick-R app was developed to help researchers and stakeholders to explore the resulting Pareto-optimal NSWRM implementation plans.
WP6 analysed local policy frameworks and conducted stakeholder surveys on legislation and governance arrangements. A policy brief was developed on legislative recommendations for the future harmonisation of water and agricultural policy. In addition, a synthesis of the project outcomes was prepared with a methodological framework for the cross-CS synthesis and NSWRM implementation guidelines.
WP7 developed OPTAIN’s communication/dissemination strategy and ensured the dissemination and uptake of OPTAIN’s outcomes through a combination of direct/traditional (e.g. summer school, regional dialogues, conferences, networking, MARG workshops) and digital methods and tools (e.g. website, social media, webinars, CS videos, ZENODO, WOCAT, scientific papers, reports). The Learning Environment is now accessible to OPTAIN partners and is in the final stages of development.
WP8 provided the necessary framework for efficient project coordination.
