Development of good/best practices
A strategic objective of the ECRR is to promote the translation from research oriented local river restoration activities to the elaboration and implementation of integrated larger-scale practical activities. As such, ECRR activities aim at increasing the knowledge base and common understanding of expectations among scientists, practitioners and decision-takers at the European level. The ECRR therefore emphasises the link between the strategic and operational levels, by improving the knowledge base of decision takers (awareness raising) and improving the understanding of scientists and practitioners on relevance and complexity at the policy level. It also provides scientists and practitioners with opportunities to exchange experiences and best practices of river restoration, based on a planning process.
The ECRR assessed the need for a best practices database and a guidance toolkit on river restoration & river management techniques, based on commonly accepted guidelines as to what can be considered as best practice and expert assessment of selected projects. This "wiki-tool" should be structured in accordance with the different fields of application, with both scientific and non-scientific evidence included and accessible in various ways. Improved communication at several levels of difficulty aims at targeting researchers, policy makers, practitioners and the public alike. The ECRR secretariat and the ECRR partners initiated therefore the ongoing LIFE+ Communication and Information project RESTORE – Rivers Engaging, Supporting and Transferring knOwledge on Restoration in Europe.