Rivierherstel

Rivierherstel refers to ecological and morphological restoration efforts aimed at returning rivers to a more natural state after decades of human modification. Historically, many rivers were straightened, channelized, and confined by dikes for purposes like flood control, navigation, and land reclamation. While these interventions provided economic benefits, they often degraded river ecosystems, reduced biodiversity, and disconnected rivers from their natural floodplains.

The primary goals of rivierherstel include enhancing ecological functioning and promoting natural river dynamics. Key measures involve removing or lowering weirs and dams to restore fish migration routes, re-meandering previously straightened channels to slow water flow, and reconnecting rivers with their floodplains. This reconnection allows rivers to spill over during high water events, which improves water retention in the landscape, reduces flood risks downstream, and creates richer, more dynamic habitats.

Such projects often lead to increased biodiversity, as they support a wider range of plant and animal species, including fish, birds, and insects. Additionally, rivierherstel projects frequently incorporate recreational and aesthetic improvements, benefiting local communities. These initiatives represent a shift in water management philosophy, moving from controlling rivers towards working with natural processes to achieve more sustainable and resilient river systems. Successful examples can be found across Europe, where large-scale programs have transformed heavily modified waterways into thriving ecosystems.