Work packages

WP1: Mapping the status quo

Work package 1 will provide an overarching view on the status of knowledge and regulations regarding riparian zones; ask to what extent legislation, rules and regulations regarding riparian zones are known and understood, and ask to what extent there is exchange of knowledge between farmers, authorities, and scientists. Understanding the knowledge of existing rules and regulations amongst farmers can potentially reveal obstacles of information transfer and acceptance.

We will use a mixed methods approach and build upon existing projects and knowledge bases. Data collection will have a grounded theory approach and include workshops, document analysis, qualitative interviews, and survey methods.

WP2: Uncovering farmers' knowledge, values and needs

Work package two we will study farmers’ local knowledge, values and needs in light of historical, structural and cultural contexts, and how the complex interplay of these provide barriers or tractions to restoring riparian landscapes that support both environmental health and agricultural productivity. We will also will also investigate how farmers understand their influence and responsibility towards their land and the larger context they are part of (both above and downstream), practically, ecologically, and ethically.

We will combine walk-about ethnography, interviews, participant observation and document analysis.

WP3: Investigating regenerative agriculture to restore riparian zones

Work package 3 has an ecological emphasis aimed at exploring compromises and solutions to evaluate their agricultural and ecological potential. The amount of land riparian zones cover is unknown and will vary depending on the width used to calculate a “riparian zone”. Using geographic information system (GIS) models, we will estimate this area with 4 widths to provide a starting point for what scale trade-offs and/or synergies exist.

We will also explore whether, and how, different management strategies affect soil health and biodiversity on the farm and riparian zones. For this we will use comparative agronomy and biodiversity measurements on conventional, regenerative and organic farms and their riparian zones. In collaboration with WP2, interviews will be used to explore whether different management strategies on the farm affect farmers' approaches to managing their riparian zones.

WP4: Communication and recommendations

Work package 4 will synthesise findings and presentations, identify current needs and targets for recommendations and publications, facilitating acceptance, understanding and implementation of research findings into management of riparian zones. In WP4 we will also develop teaching material and didactical methods for teaching environmental ethics in agricultural high schools. By including stakeholders in all WPs, we will engage and involve the end users both in the knowledge producing processes and in summarizing and communicating the project results.