Introducing the OneAquaHealth Catalogue of Measures: A comprehensive guide to restoring urban freshwater ecosystems
Urban rivers and streams are among the most pressured ecosystems in European cities, yet they play a critical role in safeguarding both environmental resilience and human health. To support cities, practitioners, and policymakers in addressing these challenges, the OneAquaHealth project has released its Catalogue of Measures – a structured, science‑based compilation of best practices for the rehabilitation and restoration of urban freshwater lotic ecosystems.
The catalogue provides a clear and accessible overview of the main pressures affecting urban streams, followed by a robust set of measures that address their morphological, hydrological, chemical, ecological, and social dimensions. Each measure is designed to guide users toward restoring ecosystems to good ecological condition, reinforcing the One Health principle that healthy environments are essential for healthy communities.
A central focus of the document is on nature‑based and resilience‑oriented techniques. These approaches prioritise the reestablishment of natural structures and processes, ensuring long‑term sustainability and ecological integrity. The catalogue follows a hierarchical decision framework, ranging from essential interventions – such as pollution control and riparian vegetation restoration—to more complex structural solutions, social engagement measures, and complementary strategies tailored to the constraints of urban environments.
Each measure is presented with its objectives, application scenarios, ecological benefits, limitations, and its contribution to ecosystem services and human well‑being. This makes the catalogue not only a technical resource but also a practical tool for integrated planning and decision‑making.
To bridge the gap between theory and real‑world implementation, the deliverable includes case studies from cities worldwide, illustrating successful applications, challenges encountered, and lessons learned. A dedicated section addresses common limitations in urban settings and offers guidance for context‑specific adaptation – an essential component for practitioners working in diverse and complex environments.
Importantly, the catalogue strengthens the connection between ecosystem rehabilitation and human health, highlighting how restored freshwater systems contribute to climate resilience, biodiversity, mental well‑being, and overall urban quality of life. This perspective aligns with the OneAquaHealth mission to integrate environmental and health data into a unified One Health framework.
The Catalogue of Measures also provides foundational input for the development of the OneAquaHealth Decision Support System (DSS) and its Toolkit of Solutions, ensuring that scientific knowledge is translated into actionable, user‑friendly tools for cities and stakeholders.
You can access the OneAquaHealth Catalogue of Measures here.
Author(s): Maria Feio, University of Coimbra