FLOODTRAIN advances Europe’s Nature Restoration Regulation (NRR) by translating floodplain science into practical, evidence-based training that accelerates policy-aligned, landscape-scale restoration. By focusing on floodplains – critical for biodiversity, flood retention, drought mitigation, carbon sequestration and ecosystem health – the project targets high-impact societal benefits. It closes the science-practice gap through guidance co-creation with practitioners, land users and local communities.
Based on the MERLIN Academy and web app, interactive tools will support evidence-based planning, financing and monitoring of restoration. Comprehensive meta-analyses synthesise best practices into actionable strategies, improving site selection, methods and success assessment. A training programme for ‘Floodplain Restoration Managers’ builds capacity across authorities and NGOs and supports consistent implementation across regions. The approach enhances compliance with EU policies and enables measurable progress towards NRR targets. Overall, FLOODTRAIN delivers policy relevance, societal impact and durable stakeholder collaboration to accelerate biodiversity recovery and climate resilience.
