FutureLakes

The overarching objective of FutureLakes is to demonstrate innovative solutions needed to transform lake restoration. This includes piloting innovations in nature-based solutions, circular blue economy solutions and biodiversity-focused solutions. FutureLakes will demonstrate integration of these solutions in operational lake basin management in six large European lakes (Demo Basins) and, through doing so, deliver a tested blueprint for lake protection and restoration. The FutureLakes blueprint will incorporate a catalogue of innovations and guidance on the enabling environment needed to turn promising technical innovations from niche measures to become mainstream approaches in lake basin management planning. This includes demonstrating more effective and inclusive collaboration in water governance and showcasing innovations in policy implementation and green financing.

FutureLakes will also develop a roadmap for upscaling European lake restoration in support of the Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters deployment and upscaling phase. Upscaling of measures across Europe will be tested through activities aimed at replicating the FutureLakes approach in three associated regions. FutureLakes will not only contribute to delivering to the three objectives of the Mission (to protect and restore freshwater ecosystems and their biodiversity; to reduce pollution; and to build a sustainable carbon-neutral and circular blue economy) but it includes specific objectives to develop the Mission’s two enablers: creating a European Lakes Digital Innovation Hub and demonstrating innovative approaches to enhancing public engagement and mobilisation in lake restoration.

FutureLakes is a project contributing to the European Union’s “Mission Restore our Ocean & Waters” and is funded under the call, HORIZON-MISS-2023-OCEAN-01-04.

More info about the project: https://projects.au.dk/futurelakes/