Mainstreaming Natural/Small Water Retention Measures in Europe – evaluation of drivers and hindrances with a dedicated SWOT framework

There is strong evidence that Natural/Small Water Retention Measures can be an important solution to problems associated with managing water quality and quantity, soil erosion, and nutrient loss. Moreover, they deliver multiple co-benefits such as increased biodiversity, climate change adaptation and mitigation, alongside aesthetic and recreational functions. Although there is a growing recognition of the importance of NSWRMs and a growing body of literature dedicated to this subject, the motivations behind their systematic implementation remain quite underexplored. To answer this question, we developed a comprehensive SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analytical framework and applied it to 14 case study locations in Europe with various soil and climatic conditions and agricultural systems. The framework consists of six Topics (Attitudes, Knowledge, Institutions, Financing schemes, Technology and Communication) with specific Factors that have been evaluated by 26 local experts. Ranking results reveal current strengths and weaknesses and future opportunities and threats for NSWRM implementation. A cluster analysis helps to better understand the relationships between the Topics and points to specific intervention areas to better utilize the strengths and opportunities and address weaknesses and threats.