Preparation of a joint project application on lake restoration in the Baltic states.

About this project

<p style="text-align: justify"><span style="font-size: 12pt"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif"><span style="font-size: 11pt">The aim of the current project is to involve researchers from all partner institutions in preparing a joint application on the overreaching topic of lake restoration planning and practical testing. The expected result is a ready for submission project proposal (at least one) to “Horizon Europe” or other relevant source of funding.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: 11pt">We have planned to realize 5 project activities: 1) Kick-off meeting in Estonia; 2) online meetings; 3) preparation of joint project application for funding; 4) communication of project activities on social platforms; 5) project publicity.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif">The project has 4 partners: Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology (Latvia), The State Scientific Research Institute Nature Research Centre (Lithuania), The Chair of Hydrobiology and Fishery of Estonian University of Life Sciences (Estonia), Norwegian Institute for Water Research (Norway).</span></span></p>

Bilateral cooperation results

The preparation of the project application was realized within the framework of an existing cooperation network between partners: the Latvian Institute of Hydroecology, the Nature Research Centre, the Estonian University of Life Sciences and the Norwegian Institute for Water Research. The project partners from the Baltic States are the leading freshwater research centres in the respective countries. Despite this, the partners of the Baltic States lack experience in the planning and implementation of lake restoration. The Norwegian partner, on the other hand, has a lot of experience in these matters. Thus, the project team proved that it has the necessary skills to prepare a competitive project application while simultaneously strengthening cooperation between the Baltic States and Norway. Stakeholders also benefited from the implementation of the project by participating in public seminars and gaining knowledge about lake management and research. The aim of the current project was to involve researchers from all the partner institutions in preparing a joint application on the overreaching topic of lake restoration planning and practical testing. The expected result was a ready for submission project proposal (at least one) to “Horizon Europe” or other relevant source of funding. The project partner institutions, researchers and stakeholders involved in lake restoration were seen as the main final beneficiaries of the project. The established project team worked together effectively and the planned project results were achieved. We also involved other research groups in the preparation of the joint project application, thus benefiting a wider scientific audience. The project partners introduced the broader concept of lake restoration to stakeholders by organising 3 public workshops: in each Baltic country, thus benefiting the general public interested in lake restoration.

Project partners

• Norwegian Institute for Water Research Donor project partner· Norway