By preparing the removal of the 16 barriers on Dejani River, the project will make an important step towards reconnecting the upper course of the Dejani River with its emissary, the Olt River, and improving habitat conditions for ichthyofauna.
Dejani River is a tributary of the Olt River and has two left tributaries, the Lupșan and Vâlcioara rivers. The lower course of the river is also known as the Săvăstreni River (or Recea River). The river crosses Brașov County through Dejani, Recea and Săvăstreni. The Dejani River basin is located inside ROSCI0122 Făgăraș Mountains and ROSPA0098 Piedmont Făgăraș and hosts a wide range of valuable species and habitats, including amphibian and fish species of community interest.
| Project status | Live |
|---|---|
| Project type | Dam removal: pre-demolition |
| Country | Romania |
| River | Dejani |
| Focal species | Salmo trutta, Gobio uranoscopus, Barbus meridionalis, Eudontomyzon mariae, Cottus gobio |
| Organisation | WWF Romania |
| Website | Coming soon |
Romania has a rich river system, but many rivers are impacted by hydro-technical infrastructure that alters lateral and longitudinal connectivity. Regulations and embankments have been used to prevent flood risks. Due to EU legislation, authorities have only recently begun considering solutions to restore lateral and longitudinal connectivity.
Improving lotic systems by increasing connectivity and reducing fragmentation allows rivers to fulfil their natural functions for the benefit of socio-economic riverine communities: better water quality, sediment transport, ecosystem resilience to climate change, no maintenance costs, enhanced recreational possibilities, reduced damage risk, and more. River barriers and new climate conditions amplify negative effects on biodiversity and human well-being. To reverse this trend, dam removal is a solution.
With this project, WWF Romania aims to implement all preparatory work needed to improve the Dejani River’s longitudinal connectivity by removing 16 small obsolete barriers that obstruct the free flow of water. Removing the barriers will help open up 6 km upstream of the Dejani River and its tributaries, which is necessary for the migration of ichthyofauna and the free movement of amphibian populations. The feasibility and technical studies, including structural, topographical, hydrological and ecological assessments, as well as obtaining the permits and regulatory approvals required by Romanian legislation, are essential for removing the barriers.
The main expected outcome of this project is that the technical solutions for removing 16 dams on the Dejani River identified and agreed with key stakeholders.
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