Project structure

Objectives

• Develop a conceptual framework;
• Develop joint methodological approaches and conceptual frames for the interdisciplinary analyses of NBS across sites;
• Outline option for transformation pathways for trans4num NBS sites;
• Develop transdisciplinary approaches for sound stakeholder involvement and responsible NBS innovation processes.

Tasks

T1.1 Develop a conceptual framework based on the state of the art

T1.2 Develop nested frames and approaches for the interdisciplinary analyses if NBS across sites and scales

T1.3 Review transformation pathways, hindering and fostering factors for applying innovative NBS with SET approach

T1.4 Tailoring of transdisciplinary research approach and interactive stakeholder involvement

Deliverables

D1.1 Report on conceptual grounds and common understandings

D1.3 Report on interdisciplinary conceptual approach

D1.5 Report on interdisciplinary conceptual approach – update

D1.6 Report on transformation pathways towards innovative NBS

D1.7 Workshop report on food system assessment methods

Objectives

• Quantitatively and qualitatively describe important nutrient management-related challenges typical for the selected sites, and characterise possible corresponding NBS with respect to their biophysical, agronomic, and farm management implications at field and farm level;
• Select, implement, test and evaluate selected NBS on the study sites;
• Provide a multi-perspective appraisal for an out- and upscaling of selected NBS with respect to professional communities, AKIS stakeholders and further actors of concerned value chains.

Tasks

T2.1: Characterize site-specific nutrient management challenges and available promising NBS

T2.2: Implementation and testing of NBS in Hungary

T2.3: Implementation and testing of NBS in Denmark

T2.4: Implementation and testing of NBS in the Netherlands

T2.5: Implementation and testing of NBS in the UK

T2.6 - 2.8: Implementation and testing of NBS in China

T2.9: Describe and engage with NBS cases as agricultural innovation systems per country and in the Europe – China dialogue

Deliverables

D2.1 Online inventory of promising NBS relevant for study sites

D2.2 1st report on NBS cases’ implementation and transdisciplinary evaluation in Hungary/Denmark/ Netherlands/ UK

D2.3 2nd Report on NBS cases’ implementation and transdisciplinary evaluation in Hungary/Denmark/ Netherlands/ UK

D2.4 Assess NBS innovations using AKIS and value chain frames

D2.5 3rd Report on NBS cases’ implementation and transdisciplinary evaluation in the Hungary/ Denmark/ Netherlands/ UK

Objectives

• Realise an efficient and low-cost monitoring of nutrient flows from NBS using satellite data and the establishment of a pipeline of satellite data to support targeted modelling and decisions support systems;
• Develop a decision support system for optimum N and P supply at local, regional and watershed level, taking into account local farm nutrient management plans for different agricultural practices (conventional, organic and agroecological);
• Test and evaluate the decision support system in each of the case regions in order to assess and understand the performance and merits of the specific NBS for nutrient management;
• Inspire young farmers, students and professionals across Europe and China, in hackathons including fields of IT, agriculture and interdisciplinary teams dealing with NBS for nutrient management in agriculture.

Tasks

T3.1: Monitoring of nutrient flows based on (remote) sensing in case regions

T3.2: Develop a Decision Support System (including a nutrient management plan) for optimum nutrient supply at farm, regional and watershed level

T3.3: Apply the Decision Support System in the case regions

T3.4: Engage with technology development actors, farmers, students and investors organising large scale online Hackathons

Deliverables

D3.1 Protocol for data requirements for modelling and DSS tool

D3.2 Report on 1st Hackathon

D3.3 Report on assessment of DSS tool application in NBS sites

D3.4 Report on 2nd Hackathon WP3 7

D3.5 DSS tool for regional nutrient management optimization

Objectives

• Measure the sustainability impact and upscaling potential of key nature-based nutrient management strategies in the NBS case studies focusing on value-chain-level effects of improved agricultural practices and related institutional support mechanisms, e.g., certification schemes;
• Improve the understanding of the entire food system in the NBS sites in Europe and China to identify the option space for transformational change in nutrient management;
• Create a comprehensive understanding of the multi-level, multi-actor transformative learning and social innovation process necessary to support the NBS related agricultural practices;
• Assess common and contrasting features of anticipated social innovations around NBS between Europe and China.

Tasks

T4.1: Agent-based farm-level modelling

T4.2: Biophysical food system modelling

T4.3: Participatory stakeholder involvement to support the design and development of social innovation and NBS related SET

T4.4: Europe - China comparative assessment of NBS towards transformation pathways and institutionalisation

Deliverables

D4.2 Assessments of transformation pathways

D4.3 Map on value-chain level impacts of NBS across scenarios

D4.4 Trade-off & synergy analysis of production, consumption and trade-flows

Objectives

• Develop a coherent communication and dissemination strategy that will guide the activities and serve as a basis for regular monitoring throughout the project;
• Make trans4num results available and accessible to the broad public and create a dynamic platform for exchange;
• Facilitate dialogue with decision makers, professional audience and the broader public on transformation pathways for NBS nutrient management practices;
• Interact/liaise with relevant networks and projects to share and exchange knowledge and experiences.

Tasks

T5.1: Develop communication, exploitation and dissemination strategy for project outputs

T5.2: Develop multimedia activities and engage in social media

T5.3: Design and produce general communication material and practice-oriented dissemination material for different audiences

T5.4: Organise regional and international events on NBS transformation pathways and interventions

T5.5: Implement policy dialogues

Deliverables

D5.2 10 videos

D5.3 Practice abstracts for farmers, 1st

D5.4 1 policy brief

D5.5 Recommendations for transformation pathways

D5.6 2 policy briefs

D5.7 Practice abstracts for farmers, 2nd batch

D5.8 Final report on Dissemination and Communication

Objectives

• Ensure that the project achieves its objectives, reaches the milestones in time and produces quality deliverables on time;
• Establish effective communication processes and foster integration between the project partners and work packages;
• Ensure that the consortium’s financial and other contractual duties are performed; advise and guide the participants to comply with the terms of the EU grant agreement (GA) and the trans4num consortium agreement (CA); ensure that resources are managed, controlled and funds are distributed as per the terms of the GA and CA;
• Establish effective cooperation between the European and Chinese partners in the frame of the project, including respective management processes and communication activities innovation management.

Tasks

T6.1: Progress monitoring and reporting

T6.2: Administrative and financial management

T6.3: Data management and protection of IPR

T6.4: Europe - China cooperations

Deliverables

D6.1 Data Management Plan and IPR Guidelines

D6.2 Midterm update of Data Management Plan

D6.3 Final update of Data Management Plan