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:

X
logo Merlin

Click on the buttons to deactivate/activate a specific case study cluster.

Ibilbideak
 
Mapa Grisa
Orain
Mapa
Mapa Grisa
Orain
06
05
03
17
12
14
01
17
16
11
13
18
02
15
04
10
07a
07b
08
09
+−
Draw a polylineDraw a polygon
    Leaflet | © Contributors, © CartoDB
     

    In Gipuzkoa, MERLIN will enable the permeabilisation of 10 unused dams located along the main axis of the Deba river (from Arrasate to Mendaro). The effects of the removal of these dams on the structure and functioning of the river ecosystem, including the fish community, greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient retention, are being measured.

    .

    Basic Project Factsheet:

    Total budget: 22.034.617,50 €

    H2020 funding: 21.245.938,88 €

    Duration: 48 months (October 2021 to September 2025)

    No. of participating organisations: 44

     

    Field of action in Gipuzkoa: Deba river basin

    Partners: University of the Basque Country and the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa

    Budget: 1.027.500 €, financed entirely by the European Union.