NENUPHAR D5.3. Lessons learnt and recommendations to the main regional clusters (first version)

This deliverable, D5.3 "Lessons Learnt and Recommendations to the Main Regional Clusters (First Version)," builds on the NENUPHAR project's previous work, mostly D2.4 "Best Practices for the Implementation of Governance Models" (Boy & Febrer, 2025), in developing sustainable solutions for nutrient management. Based on the practical experience of NENUPHAR partners gained during tasks 5.1 ("Roll-out of solutions in pilot sites") and 5.2 ("Monitoring and validation of solutions at field level"), this report analyses recommendations for optimizing nutrient management governance across three European river basins: Ebro, Lielupe, and Danube. Task 5.2 involves implementing and monitoring NENUPHAR solutions, gathering data using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and engaging with stakeholders. This practical experience directly informed the evaluation and analysis of recommendations from D2.4 Qualitative data from demonstration sites in Spain, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, and Hungary was analysed using a methodology that included feasibility assessment elements to determine the priority and feasibility of each recommendation, identify potential obstacles and solutions, and propose prioritized implementation sequences. The Ebro river basin analysis highlights the need for integrated governance, data platforms, and stakeholder engagement to address nitrate pollution. The Lielupe river basin analysis emphasizes the importance of transboundary cooperation, a basin-wide monitoring system, and stakeholder engagement. The Danube river basin analysis focuses on collaborative governance, policy coherence, and investments in research and innovation in both Slovakia and Hungary. Each regional analysis includes prioritized implementation sequences and policy recommendations. While this first version of the report (July 2025) provides valuable insights for the ongoing implementation of NENUPHAR, it will be further refined at the conclusion of the project. The report is intended as a resource for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders committed to effective nutrient pollution management strategies. Crucially, the insights and recommendations presented here can directly inform ongoing discussions and actions within the NENUPHAR regional Communities of Members (CoMs) in each region and country, thereby supporting their efforts to implement sustainable nutrient management strategies.