Our approach

The vision of the Open Rivers Programme is to create free-flowing rivers with healthy, diverse and connected ecosystems across Europe, which are enjoyed, valued, and protected by the communities that depend on them. We achieve this by supporting actions that lead to the removal of small and obsolete dams and the restoration of natural river flow and biodiversity. 

Using dam removal as a river restoration tool is an efficient and cost-effective way to enhance river continuity, promote the flow of biota (plants and animals) and sediment, improve water quality, restore habitat connectivity, and strengthen the resilience of freshwater ecosystems. 

With over one million barriers impeding European rivers, prioritising dam removal is crucial. This is why the Programme focuses on removing as many obsolete small dams as possible from rivers across Europe.

Our overarching goal is to restore biodiversity, and our strategies are designed to maximise the potential to achieve this objective. We prioritise projects that: 

• Maximise the ecological gains. 

• Are highly viable and can be implemented over short timescales. It is estimated that over 100,000 barriers in Europe are abandoned and no longer in use (source: AMBER consortium), making their removal more socially acceptable. 

• Offer value for money. While 68% of barriers in Europe are under two metres in height, these small culverts, fords, and weirs cause the most fragmentation. They are also the least expensive to remove, making small barrier removal a cost-effective method of restoring rivers. 
• Target less fragmented areas: Ecological restoration is generally more efficient and cost-effective in areas with lower levels of fragmentation.

To achieve these objectives, our grants are tailored to: 

In addition to our grant-making activities, our Programme also undertakes the following initiatives: 

• Sharing knowledge and evidence of best practices to demonstrate the benefits of dam removal and inspire others to support it. 

• Promoting dam removal as an important mechanism for river restoration. 

Free-flowing rivers are healthier rivers. Removing barriers improves water quality and revitalises aquatic biodiversity, creating habitats that support diverse ecosystems and the species that rely on clean, flowing water. 

Barriers obstruct fish migration, limiting access to critical habitats for spawning, feeding, and shelter. Isolated fish populations are also more vulnerable to environmental changes. Dam removal restores river connectivity, allowing fish and other species to move freely and thrive. This makes them more adaptable and resilient to future challenges, including climate change. 

Free-flowing rivers also help regulate water temperatures, providing cooler habitats for aquatic life and mitigating the effects of climate change. Additionally, reconnected rivers contribute to the restoration of wetlands, which play a vital role in enhancing overall ecosystem health and resilience. 

The benefits of removing small and obsolete dams extend beyond ecological gains. It also helps re-establish natural and cultural heritage, safeguarding critical ecosystems for future generations. Furthermore, it enhances recreational opportunities, supporting activities such as canoeing, kayaking, angling, and swimming. 

Removing small barriers and restoring rivers can also be a proactive step towards reducing flood risks and building climate resilience. Natural river systems are highly effective at absorbing and managing excess water, reducing flood risks downstream.  Our Programme supports and promotes small dam removals, focusing on low-risk projects that remove small and uncontroversial dams which were not built for flood control. Every dam removal project that we support will have undergone rigorous impact assessments to ensure there are no major risks to infrastructure or local communities. Projects will not proceed if significant risks are identified. Additionally, all projects require permits from public organisations that will assess and approve their safety. Projects that do not meet these high safety standards are not supported.