As the EU Horizon-funded project MERLIN comes to an end, Aqua Publica Europea remains committed to continuing the work carried out in protecting our water resources and restoring the water cycle, notably through nature-based solutions.

Aimed at mainstreaming ecological restoration of freshwater-related ecosystems, this research and innovation project, which has lasted more than four years, has been a valuable opportunity for water operators to explore how the sector can contribute to transformative ecosystem restoration. This was achieved in particular through the organisation of roundtables and, most importantly, through the publication of the report Water Supply & Sanitation Sector Strategy - Mainstreaming Nature-based Solutions for Resilience in the Water Sector (2025).

A special thanks to Sebastian Birk, Kirsty Blackstock, Daniel Hering, Anna Bérczi-Siket, Fanni Nyírő, and all the partners for their work and cooperation.

The Water Supply & Sanitation Sector Strategy that we developed can be read here.

As MERLIN concludes, Aqua Publica Europea remains committed to promoting sustainable water management and the protection of water resources, including through initiatives such as our report Working with Nature to Restore the Water Cycle (2025), which highlights how nature-based solutions can strengthen resilience in the water sector. The full report can be read here.