Introduction

MERLIN Project

The MERLIN (Mainstreaming Ecological Restoration of freshwater-related ecosystems in a Landscape context: Innovation, upscaling and transformation) is a European ecological restoration project that aims to bring European rivers and wetlands back to life.

Europe's aquatic ecosystems are in an alarming state. Habitat destruction or loss of biodiversity and ecosystem functions are reducing the services provided by river ecosystems, seriously threatening human well-being and economic prosperity. This situation will increase as a consequence of climate change. It is therefore urgent to restore aquatic ecosystems, improving their health and resilience.

In this context, MERLIN pursues new and widely applicable approaches to restore the functions of Europe's aquatic ecosystems, in turn promoting greener and more sustainable European societies and economies.

As specific objectives MERLIN aims to:

• Create models of successful ecological restoration
• Show how freshwater restoration produces ecosystem-wide benefits
• Make the economic case for the benefits of restoring Europe's rivers and wetlands
• Integrate ecological restoration into people's daily lives
• Supporting current and future freshwater restoration champions
• Promote a European community of river restoration practices.

To this end, within the MERLIN project, 18 ecological restoration projects are being developed throughout Europe, classified into 3 different themes: