The acceleration of Nature-based Solutions' (NbS) uptake and integration often hinges not only on the tangible benefits derived from natural resources, but also on the recognition of intangible benefits, such as community well-being, with academic assessments of their value. This is what the pilot in the Ballybay catchment in County Monaghan in the North-east of Ireland (Dromore river) is about. 

Knowledge on Lake and Catchment Management, Agri-environmental Research, Water, Communities and Development, will be coupled with experience gained form large-scale projects addressing complex cross-disciplinary issues that have a regional, national, and international focus. Additionally, possible NbS for source protection and flood mitigation and the scientific basis for their implementation will be evaluated. Involved parties are experienced in turning research practice into policy recommendations and are ideally positioned to do this on a national basis given their position as education sector representative.