Giov & Go 2.0, Italy

Introduction

The Giovenco River flows through a valley characterised by high natural value, as evidenced by its inclusion within the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, and eventually flows into the Fucino Plain, where it essentially becomes a system of irrigation channels. It was historically fragmented by more than 15 barriers serving hydropower, hydraulic regulation, and irrigation purposes, several now disused.

In 2024, the Giov & Go project (carried out by Rewilding Apennines, funded by the Open Rivers Programme) removed the first five barriers in the river’s upper section. Discontinuity remains significant further downstream, especially within the Municipality of Ortona dei Marsi, where increased flow and morphological diversity would benefit fish communities and aquatic ecosystems. This stretch also holds strong potential for experimental reintroduction of native species, particularly the Mediterranean trout (Salmo ghigii) and the white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes complex).

Project context and opportunity

This project continues the restoration of the Giovenco River by removing the next barrier downstream of the five weirs already demolished in 2024 through the Giov & Go project. Completing the technical and economic feasibility study, detailed design, and permit collection are essential steps towards this demolition, which would significantly expand the stretch of free-flowing river within the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park.

Experience gained from the previous removal offers a clear methodology for three key areas: technical-scientific work, from environmental investigations to design and monitoring activities guiding the demolition; administrative procedures for obtaining the necessary permits; and information, education, and community engagement activities accompanying the weir removal process.

Project aims

This project aims to proceed with the removal of the weir immediately downstream of the last barrier already demolished, located 8.3 km away, significantly expanding the stretch of river restored to free flow.

The preparatory work for this new project will focus on the following activities:

• Environmental investigations and assessments necessary to document the ecological benefits achievable through the removal;
• Project design development, covering all aspects required to obtain authorisation for the demolition;
• Initiation of the authorisation process, upon whose success the final permits for the removal of the weir depend;
• Engagement and participation of the local community from the earliest stages of the weir removal process.

The project continues the defragmentation of the Giovenco River. It stands out as progressive, with the long-term ambition of restoring the entire river corridor and establishing the Giovenco River, in its natural stretch, as the first fully free-flowing river in the Apennines.