The Institute has developed significant environmental databases and has standardized the sampling techniques and methodologies used for recording and evaluating anthropogenic pressures.

Major categories of actions are the development and application of hydrological/ hydrochemical models (which simulate physicochemical processes and facilitate the development of decision support tools) and the conservation of aquatic habitats and biodiversity.

The objectives and actions of this research direction primarily support the implementation of the Water Framework Directive in Greece. They also serve both the application requirements of the Natural Habitats Conservation Directive and contribute to Greece meeting its obligations under a series of conventions on biodiversity (Ramsar, Bern, Bonn, Barcelona, Rio).