The European Open Rivers Programme is delighted to announce its support for 18 new projects, further expanding its impact in restoring the ecological health of rivers across Europe. These initiatives mark significant progress in removing barriers and revitalising threatened river ecosystems.
The recently awarded projects are divided into three grant types: A2 pre-demolition grants and A3 and A4 demolition grants. Among the demolition projects, funding will be provided for the removal of 41 dams! These efforts reflect the programme’s commitment to restoring endangered European rivers by supporting interventions that lead to the removal of small dams and the restoration of river flow and biodiversity.
One of the projects, based in Belgium, aims to dismantle 11 old culverts and install bridges over the natural riverbed, specifically designed for forestry machinery. Unlike pipes and culverts, these bridges preserve the watercourse’s natural bed, dimensions, and slope. Work began this summer, and nearly 28 kilometres of high-quality streams will be reopened, benefiting species such as pearl mussels, brown trout, European sculpin, and brook lamprey.
In Finland, another ongoing project features the removal of a hydropower dam, in which the removal of a single barrier will open up approximately 30 kilometres of river. The removal of the Jyllinkoski hydropower dam is restoring the headwaters of the River Karvianjoki, transforming the area from a dam reservoir and dry riverbed into a vibrant whitewater habitat. The dam removal also brings the River Karvianjoki one step closer to reconnecting with the sea, potentially paving the way for the return of migratory species such as Atlantic salmon, anadromous whitefish, lamprey, and eel.
