Funding Freshwater Restoration: an Off-the-Shelf Instruments (OTSIs) Portfolio (09/2025)

Key messages:

1. The MERLIN project has created a portfolio of Off- the-Shelf Instruments (OTSIs), providing flexible and scalable solutions to the funding challenges faced by restoration teams. Each OTSI is presented in an accessible way so that even those without a financial or business background can easily understand and apply the guidance.

2. Each of the instruments was developed in collaboration with experts to create a portfolio of cutting-edge approaches for funding freshwater restoration. The Off-the-Shelf Instruments are: Donation-Based Crowdfunding, Reward-Based Crowdfunding, Corporate Donations, Sponsorship for Natural Areas, Tourism and Agriculture Activities, Carbon Sequestration Credits, Biodiversity Offsetting, Grants, Debt Instruments, Credit Guarantees, Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs), and Green Bonds.

3. Each OTSI provides practical guidance, step-by- step methodologies, and real-life successful case studies, ensuring the financial instruments are accessible and actionable for practitioners from diverse professional backgrounds.

4. MERLIN’s approach provides replicable models of these financial mechanisms for nature-positive finance, supporting not only restoration managers but also policymakers, municipalities, NGOs, and private sector actors.