FutureLakes’ Prioritisation framework
To ensure restoration efforts and investments are directed where they can have the greatest impact, FutureLakes have developed a structured prioritisation framework. The framework uses a two-layer approach to identify lakes with the highest potential to contribute to:
- Improved ecological status and biodiversity, supporting the objectives of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the Habitats and Birds Directives.
- Additional benefits to society, including ecosystem services such as water quality improvement, climate resilience, and recreational value.
The framework is designed to support strategic decision-making at regional, national, and European scales. Its overarching goal is to contribute to the recovery of freshwater ecosystems across the European Union by identifying lakes where restoration can deliver the greatest ecological gains while also supporting wider environmental and societal benefits.
By linking restoration priorities to key EU policy objectives, the framework provides a pathway for large-scale, transformative action that strengthens ecological networks, safeguards species, and improves resilience to climate change.
Data products supporting the upscaling framework are available through the eLakes data portal - futurelakes.eu/elakes
Read the full Prioritisation Framework in Deliverable D5.1. A Methodological framework for prioritising and upscaling lake restoration in Europe
Example from Danish lakes
More to come