The main objective of the project is to integrate the value of biodiversity and ecosystems and services (ES) into decision-making processes of municipal companies operating in the water sector, which will be developed and tested using the example of Stadtwerke Bühl (SWB). The aim is to ensure that the results are transferable to other companies in the water industry, so that they too can work towards environmental management systems that are more strongly oriented towards species conservation and promotion.

BioWaWi pursues the following project priorities:

1. The integration of biodiversity and ES into environmental management systems: This will be done using ecological indicators (e.g., development of target organisms, water table levels, soil moisture, precipitation) and/or economic indicators (e.g., biotope value points, eco-accounts, monetization of ES).
2. To record changes in biodiversity through before and after monitoring. With the support of a Citizen Science approach, species and biotope mapping will be undertaken. Target organisms or indicator species will be identified with local Roundtable stakeholders.
3. A water balance monitoring system of the managed water conservation areas (water table levels, soil moisture, precipitation) will be established to record abiotic indicators.
4. Participatory modeling of the water balance will bring the knowledge of local stakeholders to this process, while also building the confidence in the natural science approach that will enable the implementation of the research results.
5. The economic assessment will be aligned with the selected indicators. An appropriate methodology taking into account existing tools (e.g. eco-account) will be developed.
6. The natural science methodology will be accompanied by regular round tables with local stakeholders moderated according to the criteria of mediation. During the round tables, attempts will be made to coordinate the options for water and land management in terms of acceptance by the population (e.g. attractiveness of biotopes, recreational potential).
7. The transdisciplinary joint approach in the project will be ensured by regular project meetings and training of staff members with the methodology of collegial coaching.

These goals lead to the development of a methodology for an environmental management system for municipal enterprises to optimally manage the existing water resources in the area of conflict between ecology and economy under the conditions of climate change, population development and the respective applicable legal requirements and to ensure the preservation of biodiversity and ES.