RIWET

What's the problem?

Rivers and Wetlands play a crucial role in the long-term sustainability of our European landscape. But due to the growing demand for space, such as for housing, industry and agriculture the extent and quality of these Rivers and Wetlands has decreased by as much as 35% since the 1970s . As a result, biodiversity has declined significantly.

With climate change, we face more and more episodes of excessive rainfall or drought. To cope with these changes, improve carbon uptake, combat flooding, prevent freshwater shortages, and enhance biodiversity, we need new adaptive policies to restore and protect these water eco systems.

RIWET: restoring rivers, wetlands, biodiversity

Naturally formed rivers and healthy wetlands are the nature-based solutions to deal with future weather conditions. Wide, irregularly shaped rivers and riverbeds, marshes and peatlands, all retain water for longer periods and discharge more slowly, resulting in a thriving biodiversity, and extra space for water storage while connecting habitats in a broader environment.

Active public-private participation

Change is needed, and we are striving for nature-based solutions through a better governance of our rivers and wetlands with the active participation of public, private and social partners. But how can we start a transformation with so many interests and stakeholders involved? In RIWET, 12 partners and 4 associated authorities from 11 regions across Europe are engaging with communities, organizations and landowners to co-design local and regional long-term solutions. 

By sharing knowledge and exchanging good practices, partners offer practical experiences on how social-public stakeholders can collectively develop widely accepted policies, and nature-based solutions for the restoration of our blue-green infrastructure.