Strengthening water resilience and improving water quality are central goals of European water directives, with nature-based approaches increasingly favoured, wherever feasible, to protect water resources and support healthier ecosystems.

In this talk, Dr. Silvia Venditti, Head of the ProWater Research Group at the University of Luxembourg, explores the evolving role of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in water decontamination. She will highlight how combining NbS with Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs), such as ozonation or UV irradiation coupled with oxidants, has broadened their potential applications over time. Beyond the technologies themselves, Dr. Venditti will examine the challenges of implementing low-tech, nature-based approaches alongside high-tech treatment methods. She will explore the sustained effort needed to demonstrate their effectiveness, build confidence among scientists and practitioners, and turn promising research into trusted practice.