Year Review 2022

New WaterVision Nature (WWN) now also models effects of nitrogen deposition

Local restoration and management plans of nature areas benefit from new WWN

A new version of the WaterVision Nature (WWN) has been brought out to respond to the current issues surrounding nitrogen. The WWN, which was developed on a commission from STOWA, is a freely available tool that quantifies how the effects of water management and climate change ultimately impact terrestrial nature. With the new WWN, users can now also calculate the consequences of changes in nitrogen deposition on terrestrial vegetation. This makes the tool even more suitable for application in local restoration and management plans of nature areas.

The WWN is currently the best available tool for impact calculations on nature, particularly in the case of the high-lying areas of the Netherlands. The tool calculates very quickly and generates results in the shape of clear maps and tables. STOWA recommends the use of the WWN for instance to achieve a robust configuration of nature areas.

Taking account of climate change

In contrast to existing assessment systems, the WWN takes the consequences of climate change into account. The requirements of the vegetation in nature areas with regard to water management are specifically factored in – the groundwater level in particular. Furthermore, changes in climate and water management undergo process-based simulation in the WWN. This makes its forecasts more robust compared to those made with knowledge-based rules.

Multifaceted tool

In its new version, which now also incorporates the effects of changes in nitrogen deposition into the modelling, the WWN goes even further in meeting the needs of water managers. The tool can be used to:

  • test water management against existing vegetation;
  • assess whether vegetation objectives are achievable under other climate conditions;
  • identify new sites suitable for nature development;
  • optimise water management for the benefit of nature;
  • determine the effects of changes in nitrogen deposition on vegetation objectives.
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