WATERDRIVE

Waters, ecosystems and local communities are under stress in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR), affected by high nutrient loadings, eutrophication, drought and flooding. However, there are indications that more responsible water management practices in agricultural areas can reduce nutrient loadings by 30-50% and provide for healthier waters and more productive ecosystems. WATERDRIVE will enhance the opportunities and capacities for local authorities and rural communities in agricultural areas to reach such targets. Thus, the objective of WATERDRIVE is to implement new water management practices in agricultural landscapes of the Baltic Sea Region. This will be achieved through innovative means of collaboration across sectors and in a context of ecosystem productivity, rural development and resource efficient growth. The result is a change in attitudes and awareness among the target groups, emphasizing the need for more cross-sector collaboration to implement the locally most effective water management strategies. The change in attitudes will be achieved through working very closely with the target groups in selected case areas throughout the Baltic Sea Region.