MERLIN has also developed six inspiring visions of how economic activities can integrate Nature-based Solutions — six unique action plans that have the potential to transform business-as-usual. Read the individual strategies here

Focus Sectoral Strategies for mainstreaming freshwater restoration (01/2025)

Key messages:

1. The six MERLIN Sectoral Strategies provide a vision for integrating Nature-based Solutions (NbS) into key economic sectors (Agriculture; Hydropower; Insurance; Navigation; Peat Extraction; Water Supply and Sanitation).
   
   
2. Economic sectors both depend on and impact freshwater ecosystems—NbS align private benefits with public goods like flood risk mitigation.
   
   
3. The business case for NbS includes cost reduction, risk management, regulatory compliance, sustainability commitments, and brand value.
   
   
4. The Strategies promote not only freshwater measures but also a shift toward recognizing natural capital as a business priority.
   
   
5. These Strategies aim to foster Communities of Practice (CoPs), engaging businesses, policymakers, financial institutions, and sectoral associations. as well as other civic and financial institutions.
   
   
6. Actions cover 'why,' 'what,' 'when,' and 'who'— starting with evidence gathering, followed by knowledge sharing, capacity building, policy shaping, and securing funding.
   
   
7. Collaboration is key, requiring cross-sector partnerships at catchment, national, and EU levels, alongside policy support from non- environmental sectors.
   
   
8. An enabling policy environment is essential, with non-environmental sectors (e.g., Agriculture, Energy) needing to support NbS.
   
   
9. With rising economic competitiveness concerns, sectors show interest in NbS, but further work is needed to turn strategies into action.