Flowing Forward: Collaborative Efforts to Restore Europe's Rivers
In this ‘Technical News,’ three standout articles highlight the transformative power of river restoration actions: the Gipuzkoa Masterplan, the European Open Rivers Programme, and the self-restoration of the Lower Dnipro region.
The Gipuzkoa Masterplan in Spain restores natural river flow by removing obstacles like weirs and dams, boosting water flow enhancing fish populations and ecological health.
The Open Rivers Programme, funded by Arcadia, is granting barrier removal projects supporting river flow and biodiversity restoration across Europe. They supported the removal of 119 barriers and aims the removal of 500 barriers restoring 5,000 km by 2029.
The destruction of the Kakhovka dam in Ukraine in June 2023, causing ecological devastation, initiates also the Lower Dnipro Self-restoration, an alternative option from the past with native vegetation and wildlife returning.
These developments show the opportunities and challenges of restoring river ecosystems. By removing barriers and enhancing connectivity, they enhance fish populations, promote biodiversity and improve conservation. Let’s continue to support and celebrate these remarkable initiatives. A heartfelt thanks to all involved for their inspiring work!