Reviving Europe's rivers: Seven challenges in the implementation of the Nature Restoration Law to restore free-flowing rivers

Twan Stoffers*, Florian Altermatt, Damiano Baldan, Olena Bilous, Florian Borgwardt, Anthonie D. Buijse, Elisabeth Bondar-Kunze, Nuria Cid, Tibor Erős, Maria Teresa Ferreira, Andrea Funk, Gertrud Haidvogl, Severin Hohensinner, Johannes Kowal, Leopold A.J. Nagelkerke, Jakob Neuburg, Tianna Peller, Stefan Schmutz, Gabriel A. Singer, Günther UnferSimon Vitecek, Sonja C. Jähnig, Thomas Hein

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The EU Nature Restoration Law represents an important opportunity for freshwater habitat restoration and, consequently, freshwater biodiversity protection. However, a number of challenges must be anticipated in its implementation, which may compromise its success. Some aspects, particularly those relating to freshwater ecosystems, require more clarification. We use riverine ecosystems to illustrate existing ambiguities in the proposed legislation and the potential consequences of leaving these aspects open to interpretation during the implementation process. We also discuss potential solutions to these problems which could help ensure that the law's objectives are met. We argue that river network structure and connectivity dimensions, which result into river meta-ecosystems, must be explicitly considered. For that purpose, we ask for clear definitions of the critical terms “free-flowing rivers,” “barriers,” and “reference areas.” In addition, we recommend developing methods for integrated assessment of connectivity across river networks. As a key property of river ecosystems, this must be used to prioritize actions to increase the length and number of free-flowing rivers. Adequate restoration planning at larger spatial scales will benefit from a meta-ecosystem perspective and accurate representation of aquatic-terrestrial linkages, which will significantly improve the efficacy of restoration efforts. Furthermore, stakeholder and citizen engagement offer important opportunities at local, national, and European scales, and should be fostered to ensure inclusive decision-making. The conservation challenges outlined here are particularly important for rivers, but they also have implications for other ecosystems. These considerations are useful for policymakers, conservationists, and other stakeholders involved in the Nature Restoration Law and related policy initiatives. This article is categorized under: Water and Life > Stresses and Pressures on Ecosystems Water and Life > Conservation, Management, and Awareness Human Water > Water Governance.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere1717
JournalWiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Water
Volume11
Issue number3
Early online date30 Jan 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024

Keywords

  • conservation
  • ecosystem functioning
  • European policy
  • freshwater biodiversity
  • river connectivity

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