At LUWQ 2025 in Aarhus, the New Harmonica project hosted an engaging side event focused on a central challenge in environmental sustainability: how to improve institutional arrangements for nutrient governance.
Chaired by Professor Nigel Watson from Lancaster University, this facilitated discussion brought together experts from science, policy, and practice to explore ways to strengthen coordination among sectors managing nitrogen and phosphorus pollution.
Participants explored how fragmented institutional responsibilities can obstruct effective nutrient governance, and discussed practical approaches to fostering more integrated and adaptive systems. The discussion focused on bridging gaps across agriculture, water, and land-use planning; learning from case studies within the New Harmonica project and other examples; and highlighting the crucial role of stakeholder engagement and flexible governance structures for achieving more coordinated and effective nutrient management.
Prof. Watson emphasized that improving institutional arrangements is not just a technical challenge, it’s a political and social one; we need governance systems that are flexible, inclusive, and equipped to handle complexity and uncertainty. This event marks a key step forward in New Harmonica’s mission of fostering coherent, collaborative approaches to nutrient management across Europe.
