Rivers need space to flow freely. However, this is not always easy, especially in densely populated areas. Innovative projects with new approaches are therefore needed to make Europe’s rivers future-proof.

LIFE IRIS is one such project. With its integrative approach, focusing on long-term strategies for the entire river catchment area instead of small-scale ad hoc solutions, IRIS is breaking new ground in Austrian river management. In order to ensure the success of such projects and promote them, it is important to exchange ideas with similar projects and learn from each other.

“Large rivers need large areas. As a result of a number of measures, highly dynamic widenings with steep banks have been created along the Drava River. Within a very short space of time, this unique habitat was colonised by rare birds such as the common and little tern,” says Bernhard Karl from the IRIS team, illustrating the enormous potential of renaturation measures.

The 3-day final symposium provided a perfect opportunity to gain deeper insights into the work and successes of other river management projects and at the same time share findings from the IRIS project. Exciting presentations on a wide range of topics provided new impetus and the exchange with leading experts, committed organisations and inspiring personalities has already given rise to ideas for new projects and collaborations.

We were particularly inspired by the educational focus of the DRAVA LIFE project. Creative information centers, well-prepared teaching materials for different age groups and even a training center in the floodplain area bring future-oriented river management closer to the wider public.

We left Varaždin with the feeling that many committed people will carry the numerous ideas and findings from LIFE restoration projects into the future and fundamentally change Europe’s river landscapes.

Photocredits: Bernhard Karl, Ursula Scheiblechner.