RIWET the movie!

Now that the project is officially underway, it's time to introduce who we are and what we plan to do within the context of RIWET.

A picture speaks a thousand words...so just take a look! 

https://youtu.be/jsIbaisySN8?si=PY5tNiboFmrA4O-D

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 (dramatische muziek).  As a result, biodiversity has declined significantly.

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

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.

So, change is needed, and we must strive for nature-based solutions through a better governance of our rivers and wetlands with active participation of public, private and social partners. But how can we initiate a transformation with so many interests and stakeholders involved?

In the Interreg Europe project RIWET, 12 partners and 4 associated authorities from 11 regions across Europe engage with communities, organizations and landowners to co-design local and regional long-term solutions. Sharing knowledge, exchanging good practices and developing widely accepted policies and nature-based solutions for the restoration of blue-green infrastructures and a more climate-resilient Europe.  Now and in the future.

Riwet…our legacy will be.