EUROLakes is a Mission Ocean project which main goal is to propose an innovative, holistic and science-based approach to safeguarding and restoring European natural lakes and their ecosystems.
Through establishing local communities of practice, EUROLakes will apply the principles of co-creation and inclusivity to develop and showcase novel, integrated protection and restoration solutions, focusing particularly on nature-based solutions (NBS).
Start – 01 September 2024
End – 31 August 2028
13 partners, 7 European countries
€ 3 819 768.75
48 Months
Horizon Europe (HORIZON-MISS-2023-OCEAN-01-04)
€ 3 911 193.75
Innovation Action (IA)
This project builds upon the 4 Returns Framework for Landscape Restoration – a practical methodology designed to seek sustainable, long-term solutions at the landscape level, with the aim of achieving four types of returns: inspiration, social benefits, natural restoration, and financial gains.
This holistic approach is implemented through five key elements: establishing a landscape partnership, fostering shared understanding, collaboratively envisioning the landscape, taking coordinated action, and continuously monitoring and learning.
These approaches will be complemented by modeling activities and the dissemination of knowledge regarding nature finance, contributing to a comprehensive adaptive management strategy aimed at restoring the ecological and chemical health of natural lakes to a “good” status.
Showcase the efficiency and effectiveness of management strategies and Nature Based Solutions in restoring water quality.
Demonstrate the replicability effectiveness of lake restoration as a nature-based solution, enhancing species conservation and water quality.
Strategic implementation of formally scattered actions to effective lake protection and restoration through a nature-based approach.
Showcase the efficiency and effectiveness of management strategies and Nature Based Solutions in restoring water quality.
Demonstrate the replicability effectiveness of lake restoration as a nature-based solution, enhancing species conservation and water quality.
Strategic implementation of formally scattered actions to effective lake protection and restoration through a nature-based approach.
Watch the official informational video of EUROLakes project. Learn the project’s objectives and the pathway to the innovative natural lakes’ protection and restoration measures we will apply.
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Learn the latest updates from EUROLakes’ partners work to promote the project and disseminate the results.
As EUROLakes enters its first full year of implementation, Work Package 5 (WP5) team has taken a major step forward: the Replication Call for Associated Regions has officially been launched
On 21 November 2025, the “Shaping Ideas: Shared Alternatives for the sustainable development of Lake Vico” EUROLakes project held a stakeholder engagement workshop in Caprarola at the Palazzo della Cultura,
Natural lakes are essential for ecological, cultural and economic reasons. They provide drinking water, support rich biodiversity, and offer countless opportunities for leisure. Yet, these ecosystems are facing numerous pressures
In mid-October 2025, the EUROLakes consortium gathered online for its second project management meeting, marking one year since the project’s official launch. Over two days, partners exchanged important updates from
