Water expertise by Finnish Environment Institute
River basin management planning and assessment services
Assess ecological status, compare management options and identify effective measures for improving water quality and aquatic biodiversity.
Evidence-based support for healthier waters
How can you identify effective and cost-conscious measures for achieving good ecological status? The Finnish Environment Institute combines ecological assessment, modelling and monitoring expertise to support river basin management and restoration planning.
Our modelling tools describe nutrient cycles, the movement of nutrients from soils to water bodies and their retention within river basins. We can assess how different combinations of measures may affect nutrient loading and the ecological status of lakes, rivers and streams.
The analysis can also consider the costs of management measures and the potential benefits of improved water quality for ecological status and recreational use. Our expertise includes assessments carried out under the EU Water Framework Directive and the Habitats Directive.
Services we provide
We provide expertise for assessing the water body, available data and decisions you need to support – from ecological status assessment and monitoring design to modelling and biodiversity analysis.
Ecological status and management needs
River basin modelling
Aquatic habitat assessment
Ecological monitoring and indicators
Ecological compensation
Biodiversity hotspot analysis
References
These projects demonstrate how ecological monitoring, biodiversity research and spatial modelling can support the planning and prioritisation of water-management and restoration measures.
PUROHELMI – assessing and modelling small streams
The PUROHELMI project produced a nationwide model of changes in the habitats and biological status of small streams in Finland in 2020–2021. The work was led by the Finnish Environment Institute in cooperation with Metsähallitus and funded by the Ministry of the Environment.
The results support:
- identification of small streams in poor condition;
- regional prioritisation of restoration needs;
- ecological status assessment and management planning;
- implementation of the Helmi Habitats Programme.
Read about the small streams project Purohelmi In Finnish (syke.fi)
ENARI – monitoring restored peat production areas
The ENARI project assessed the environmental effects of restoring and rewetting former peat production areas in 2024–2026. The Finnish Environment Institute carried out the project with the Natural Resources Institute Finland and the University of Oulu.
The study covered 20 sites and examined effects on water quality, aquatic ecology, vegetation and greenhouse gas emissions. Aquatic monitoring included habitats, attached algae, macroinvertebrates and aquatic bacteria. The results provide information for evaluating long-term effects and planning the future use of former peat production areas.
Read about restoring former peat production areas project Enari In Finnish (syke.fi)
BiNatUr – biodiversity-friendly urban water solutions
The BiNatUr project studied the biodiversity and regulating ecosystem services of aquatic nature-based solutions in Antwerp, Berlin, Helsinki, Lisbon and Poznań in 2022–2025.
The project examined 60 sites, including wetlands, streams and stormwater ponds. Its research combined biodiversity monitoring, water sampling, spatial analysis and cooperation with local stakeholders. The aim was to support the design, construction and maintenance of urban nature-based solutions that take biodiversity into account.
Read about biodiversity-friendly urban water solutions project BiNatUr (syke.fi)
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some common questions about ecological assessment and river basin management support.
What types of water bodies can we help you to assess?
Our expertise covers lakes, rivers, streams, surface waters and aquatic and wetland habitats. The appropriate methods depend on the ecosystem, the available information and the purpose of the assessment.
Can you compare alternative management measures?
Yes. Our modelling tools can assess how different combinations of measures may affect nutrient loading and ecological status. The analysis can also consider the costs of measures and the potential benefits of improved water quality.
Can you help us plan ecological monitoring?
Yes. We provide support for designing and evaluating ecological monitoring in lakes and streams. Depending on the assignment, monitoring may cover aquatic plants, macroinvertebrates, phytoplankton or phytobenthos.
Do your assessments support EU directive requirements?
Our expertise includes assessments of water bodies and habitats under the EU Water Framework Directive and the Habitats Directive. The scope and methods are agreed according to the purpose and regulatory context of each assignment.
What information is needed to begin?
The starting information depends on the assignment. A first discussion should cover the target water body or river basin, the decision or planning need, available monitoring data and any existing management objectives or alternatives.
Turn ecological knowledge into effective action
Our experts can help you assess ecological status, compare management options and build a sound evidence base for river basin planning.