FutureLakes at a glance
FutureLakes project is rethinking lake restoration by putting innovative solutions into action. By piloting nature-based approaches, circular blue economy practices, and biodiversity -focused approaches, the project is testing real-world solutions across six major European lakes and will deliver a blueprint for lake protection and restoration. This blueprint will include guidance on how to create enabling conditions for scaling innovations from niche applications to mainstream practices, including improved collaboration in water governance, advances in policy implementation, and the use of green financing mechanisms (for more information please visit https://futurelakes.eu/)
Delphi survey rationale
Scaling up lake restoration has become critical to meet EU and national goals on water quality, biodiversity, and climate adaptation. Yet, progress remains slow. Many restoration projects stall at the pilot stage due to short-term funding, fragmented efforts, limited coordination, and weak stakeholder alignment. The lack of long-term financing options and governance structures also makes it difficult to sustain and expand restoration efforts. At the same time, lake restoration represents a major but largely untapped opportunity within Europe's restoration economy. Realising this potential will require more stable and targeted funding, stronger coordination, and a shift in perspective - from viewing restoration as a niche activity to recognising it as a strategic investment in resilience, sustainability, and socio-economic value. This Delphi survey aims to help drive that shift by identifying practical solutions to overcome existing barriers, mobilise and align resources, and position lake restoration as a central pillar of Europe's restoration efforts.
The FutureLakes' Delphi study aims to explore how current constraints can be addressed and how resources for large‑scale lake restoration can be effectively mobilised and coordinated, positioning it as a key pillar of Europe's restoration economy. It will also examine how financial instruments and best practices from related sectors, such as freshwater management, forestry, and land restoration, can be adapted to the lake context.
Link: Join the dialogue: Financing Solutions for Lake Protection and Restoration
We welcome contributions from a broad range of experts, including finance and investment professionals, policymakers and public authorities, scientists with expertise in lake restoration, as well as practitioners, businesses, and NGOs. Your insights will help identify realistic, cross‑sectoral solutions for mobilising funding, attracting investment, and supporting long‑term lake restoration and protection efforts.
This study is conducted through a set of 2 rounds through the Welphi platform. Each round will take approximately 25-30 minutes. Your responses are saved automatically. We encourage you to complete the survey in one go, if possible, but you can always log out and return anytime using your access link while the Delphi round is active. Please kindly note that the first Delphi round will remain open until June 29, 2026.
There are no right or wrong answers. We greatly value your perspective and invite you to share your views based on your experience and professional judgement!
For more information, please contact: Valentina.Tartiu[at]niva.no and n.kamergi[at]semide.org
