MUSTBE year two– Turning plans into action
The project partners of MUSTBE have continued working actively during the second year of the project to meet the targets and engage stakeholders. Detailed construction plans and maintenance manuals are a few examples of the tasks that have been completed. In addition, two pilot sites were constructed, allowing monitoring to begin.
During the three-year MUSTBE project, seven pilot sites were designed and constructed across Central Baltic countries: Estonia, Finland, Sweden, and Latvia. The analysis and research conducted during the first year of the project serve as a foundation for the second-year activities, such as the development of detailed construction plans and a maintenance manual. Specific and in-depth plans provide flexibility for the necessary changes and help prevent the budget from exceeding. The technical work descriptions and construction plans were included in the designs for the tendering process.
A maintenance manual as a guideline
To ensure the functionality, efficiency, and longevity of nature-based stormwater solutions, the project partners developed a maintenance manual. The manual helps the entity responsible for maintenance estimate the required resources and associated costs. It consists of individual maintenance practices for every pilot site, along with estimations of the frequency and necessity of tasks during each season. Particular attention has been paid to maintenance practices during winter, late autumn, and early spring, as the pilot sites are located in cold climate areas.
The maintenance manual provides instructions for inspection and maintenance practices and suggestions for the frequency of these tasks. The necessary activities to maintain the area’s amenities and landscape values, as well as to support the biodiversity of nature, are added to the manual.
The manual aims to preserve the functionality of the nature-based solution. External factors, such as excessive sedimentation and vegetation, might affect the reliability of monitoring results as well as weaken the overall efficiency of the solution.
Monitoring as a tool for assessing efficiency
During the second year of the project, two pilot sites in Pori were completed: the wetland in Lotskeri and the parking area in Keskusaukio. A significant amount of monitoring data has already been obtained from these pilot sites under various weather conditions and different seasons. For example, the wetland solution is working as expected in managing heavy rainfall and snowmelt. Other pilot sites are expected to be completed this year, after which monitoring can begin.
The survey plan designed during the first year of the project is being used to assess the efficiency of the nature-based solution. The plan determines the monitoring frequency, techniques, and measured parameters. The survey is carried out by using both continuous measuring devices and traditional water sample analysis.
Utilizing the data from continuous monitoring devices and real-time surveys, it is possible to understand the cause-and-effect relationships. Rapid or short-term changes in weather conditions or the performance of the pilot system are recorded in the database, which helps to evaluate the overall efficiency of the solution.
Engaging communication behind a successful practical implementation
The solutions designed and implemented during the project can be used in other similar locations, while taking the area’s individual needs into account. The manual of solutions will be published during the final year of the project, serving as a guidance tool for the broader implementation of nature-based stormwater solutions. The manual consists of information about the NBS pilot sites built and is targeted at different stakeholders, such as designers and municipalities.
The communication and visibility of the project have been enhanced through various articles and events. Close collaboration between constructors and project partners has been essential for the successful practical implementation of the pilot sites. Communication between stakeholders, including local and regional authorities, communities, and companies, has also been a focus of attention.
During the second year, MUSTBE organized two international events in Pori, Finland, and in Söderhamn, Sweden, to engage local stakeholders and share information about the project’s progress and achievements. The next project event will take place in Riga, Latvia, on 16 October 2025.
The third and final year of the project is the busiest. The goal includes completing the remaining pilot site constructions as well as assessing their efficiency, producing informative videos about each pilot site, and developing the manual of solutions. The MUSTBE project continues until the end of April 2026. The project partners are working actively to successfully take the project to the end.
Writers and editors: Veera Seikkula, Meri-Maaria Salo & Veera Iisakkala.
