PONDERFUL

Ponds and pondscapes (networks of ponds) are crucial for biodiversity conservation. These habitats
provide multiple benefits to society (called ‘ecosystem services’) and could play a crucial role in
mitigating and adapting to climate change. However, ponds are largely neglected in water- and naturerelated
policies. We do not yet know enough about how we can manage and restore ponds to maximize
their role as nature-based solutions (NBS) and increase the resilience of ecosystems and society to
climate change.
The overarching aim of PONDERFUL is to develop better methods for maximizing the use of
ponds and pondscapes in climate change adaptation and mitigation, biodiversity conservation and
the delivery of ecosystem services. We will achieve this by generating new knowledge of ponds’
biodiversity and ecosystems, benefits to society and economy and policy. We will also provide
evidence-based guidance and tools for creating and restoring ponds as NBS.
The main objectives of PONDERFUL are:
1) Evaluate the interactions and feedbacks between biodiversity, ecosystem services and climate in
pondscapes at locations across Europe and in Uruguay;
2) Develop future scenarios for pondscapes in Europe and Uruguay in the context of climate change,
land use change, and changed policies (using stakeholder consultation);
3) Develop and test the implementation of effective multifunctional NBS in close collaboration with
the stakeholders at a range of pond and pondscape sites in EU and Uruguay countries;
4) Develop a sustainable finance and investment guide for NBS, in collaboration with local
stakeholders;
5) Develop a strategic approach to engagement with stakeholders, to ensure that they are able to
effectively implement the benefits of ponds as NBS.