Eutrophication is a significant environmental challenge affecting European lakes, driven by nutrient pollution and exacerbated by climate change. However, this challenge also presents an opportunity: the recovery and reuse of phosphorus and other nutrients can help mitigate eutrophication while addressing global food security concerns. To enhance this, the new research project FERRO has been launched under the Horizon Europe programme. FERRO — Fostering European Lakes Restoration by Nutrient Removal, Recovery, and Reuse: Integrated Catchment and In-Lake Scale Approach — aims to develop and implement innovative solutions for nutrient management and lake restoration.

The aspiring work of FERRO officially kicked off with the project’s first consortium meeting, which took place on 6 and 7 June 2024 in Lahti, Finland. Representatives from the 7 partnering organisations across 6 European countries gathered to discuss the project's key objectives, methodologies, and expected outcomes.

United by a common mission, the FERRO partners will work together over the upcoming four years to develop cutting-edge approaches for nutrient removal, recovery, and reuse at both catchment and in-lake scales. The project is structured around 8 Work Packages, each addressing a specific aspect of the challenge, from nutrient capture technologies to policy recommendations and stakeholder engagement.

During the two days of the FERRO kick-off meeting, partners engaged in co-design sessions, where critical knowledge gaps, potential technological solutions, and strategies for effective implementation were explored. These discussions marked an important step toward ensuring that FERRO's innovations are both scientifically sound and practically feasible.

After two days of productive exchanges and strategic planning, the project is off to a strong start. The FERRO consortium is committed to achieving its ambitious goals and making a tangible impact on European lake restoration. 

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