Dam Removal Day is an international global awareness event on October 8, celebrating efforts to restore rivers by removing obsolete barriers. Inspired by the Dam Removal Europe successes, this celebration brings together local communities, river users, policymakers, and restoration experts to honour dam removal efforts and raise awareness about the importance of healthy, free-flowing rivers. Bring your community to the sites along rivers where barriers were removed and highlight the benefits of restored natural flow.
What is Dam Removal Day?
Celebrating efforts to restore rivers
Dam Removal Europe invites you to take part in Dam Removal Day 2026 on 8 October.
Across Europe, organisations, communities and river champions will be sharing stories of river restoration and the benefits of reconnecting rivers through barrier removal.
Join the conversation, share your stories and help celebrate the growing movement for free-flowing rivers. Together, we can showcase how healthier rivers support biodiversity, climate resilience and thriving communities.
Why does Dam Removal need an awareness day?
Dam removal is about more than just breaking down barriers
it is about reconnecting rivers, nature, and people. This day helps to inform the public about the wide-ranging benefits of restoring free-flowing rivers and encourage communities to take action.
Dam Removal Day highlights how free-flowing rivers support both ecosystems and people. By showcasing the positive outcomes of dam removal, from improving habitats to creating jobs, the awareness raised can help drive policy changes and inspire more restoration projects. With over 9,000 barriers removed across Europe, the momentum for dam removal is stronger than ever!
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