This poster provides a detailed insight into the new project "Water Stewardship" on behalf of WWF, which focuses on promoting water retention, water quality and biodiversity in German agriculture. The aim of this project is to strengthen resilience to climate change and improve ecosystem services through sustainable practices. The poster also refers to the conceptual background of the study as well as the future goals of the project, including the extension of the measures to other regions and political scales.

The poster was exhibited at the BfN symposium on "near-natural landscape water balance" on 18 April 2024 in Bonn and presented in an elevator pitch.

Concept and realisation

The poster shows various nature-based measures and practices in agriculture that are specifically designed to manage and store water efficiently in order to increase water availability and resilience in agriculture during drought periods. These solutions include the partial re-creation of wetlands, slope-parallel ploughing and the establishment of buffer strips along edge of the field. In line with the concept of "water stewardship", a holistic approach is promoted in which the entire water catchment area is considered and collective action by all users is encouraged.

Added value for agriculture and the environment

The measures implemented help to increase water retention in the soil, slow down surface runoff, improve water quality and create habitats for a variety of animal species. This not only has a positive impact on the environment, but also on agricultural productivity and the economic sustainability of the participating farms.