The project seeks to restore river connectivity in the upper Belareca catchment by assessing and preparing for the removal of seven obsolete weirs on the Ramna River.
The project area lies in the upper Belareca catchment within Cornereva commune, where the Ramna River – one of the Belareca’s headwaters – shows strong water flow even during drought conditions, reinforcing its ecological importance. The Ramna River and its tributaries support rich biodiversity, including brown trout (Salmo trutta), Balkan barbel (Barbus balcanicus), Eurasian minnow (Phoxinus phoxinus), Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), and stone crayfish (Austropotamobius torrentium).
Beyond its ecological value, the Ramna River also holds cultural symbolism for the local community, represented in Cornereva’s coat of arms by the wavy bands depicting the Ramna and Ohaba streams, whose confluence forms the Belareca. Ultimately, these rivers contribute to the Danube Basin, underlining their regional significance.
| Project status | Live |
|---|---|
| Project type | Dam removal: pre-demolition |
| Country | Romania |
| River | Ramna |
| Focal species | Brown trout, Balkan barbel, Eurasian minnow, Eurasian otter, Stone crayfish |
| Organisation | Rewilding Romania |
| Website | Rewilding Romania - Open Rivers |
The Ramna River in the Belareca catchment is impacted by seven obsolete weirs and a functional dam that fragment aquatic habitats, disrupt sediment transport, and block fish migration. Removing the weirs is essential to restoring free-flowing river conditions, improving water quality, and reconnecting aquatic ecosystems. These weirs, primarily built from concrete and stone in the 1970s as sediment control structures, are now severely damaged and no longer in use. They are accessible by road, making them viable and cost-effective candidates for removal. Another strong argument for initiating barrier removal in this area is the openness of the local municipality (Cornereva), which is responsible for the areas where the barriers are located.
The project aims to restore natural river dynamics and improve biodiversity by preparing for the removal of seven obsolete weirs on the Ramna River, previously identified and selected through another grant from the programme. First, a feasibility study will assess technical, ecological, hydrological, and structural aspects, including river flow, sediment transport, biodiversity, and flood risk. Next, technical solutions will be developed based on site-specific conditions. Detailed engineering plans will define safe removal methods and include sediment and erosion control measures to prevent downstream impacts.
Securing permits is essential and will proceed after preparing draft studies and designs. This process includes obtaining an Urban Planning Certificate, conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment, and securing water management approval. Stakeholder engagement will ensure transparency and support. The community and authorities will be consulted regularly through public meetings and technical workshops.
The position of the seven weirs within the river system means that their removal will unlock a significant portion of the river, reconnecting upstream and downstream habitats. Their cumulative removal will maximise ecological benefits, ensuring a broader and more functional restoration of river connectivity compared to isolated barrier removals. By targeting these seven weirs, approximately 22 kilometres of river will be reopened, restoring longitudinal connectivity and enabling the free migration of aquatic species.
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