From knowledge to action: Empowerment and training of floodplain restoration managers

Nature restoration has moved to the centre of public attention as new European rules aim to bring damaged ecosystems back to life. Healthy ecosystems are essential for all of us: they reduce flood risks, improve water quality, support wildlife and help society cope with climate change. Floodplains – the natural areas along rivers that are regularly flooded – play a particularly important role. Yet restoring them is complex, and people working on the ground often lack practical tools and training. This is where FLOODTRAIN comes in. The project focuses on floodplain restoration and brings together scientists, river managers, planners, land users, authorities and the wider public. Its goal is simple but ambitious: to turn the best available scientific knowledge into practical skills that can be used directly in real restoration projects across Europe. FLOODTRAIN develops a comprehensive training programme that helps practitioners plan and implement floodplain restoration at the landscape scale. It asks key questions such as: How can scientific findings be translated into clear, usable guidance? What kind of training really helps bridge the gap between research and everyday practice? And how can working together with local stakeholders improve acceptance and long-term success? The answers shape both the training content and the way stakeholders are involved throughout the project. The training materials are based on the latest scientific knowledge and are made freely available through an online learning platform, linked to initiatives such as the MERLIN Academy. In addition, digital tools support restoration managers in planning projects, finding financing options and monitoring success, enabling informed and transparent decision-making. At its heart, FLOODTRAIN aims to support a real transformation in how floodplains are restored across Europe. By combining science, practical guidance, training and ongoing dialogue with communities and authorities, the project helps ensure that restoration measures are effective, widely accepted and scalable. In doing so, FLOODTRAIN contributes to healthier rivers, safer landscapes and more resilient ecosystems for everyone.