Dam removalFish MigrationNews
August 9, 2022

The 2nd Dam Removal on the Hiitolanjoki River Has Begun

The Second Dam Removal on the Hiitolanjoki River Has Begun Text adapted from this article on the South Karelia Recreation Area Foundation and Hiitolanjoki Association website On July 31st, 2022,…
Nicole
48
Dam removalFish MigrationNews
August 8, 2022

Assessment of Dams in Lithuania Could Provide Road Map for Other Countries

Assessment of Dams in Lithuania Could Provide Road Map for Other Countries Guest Article from Jonė Leščinskaitė, Lithuanian Ministry of Environment How would your country benefit from an assessment of…
Nicole
48
Dam removal
July 11, 2022

Barrier Tracker Campaign 2022

Our campaign will be focused on the Balkans, countries that Danube runs through and the Baltics, but we encourage everyone around the globe to become a citizen scientist and a…
Sam
28
Dam removalFish MigrationNews
June 28, 2022

BIG Removals Happening Across Europe

BIG Removals are Happening Across Europe! The following text was adapted from an article by WWF, and an article from the South Cumbria Rivers Trust. The EU Nature Restoration Law…
Nicole
48
NewsSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
June 26, 2022

2nd Dam Removal Europe Cafe

Join this 1 hour webinar with Jeremy Wade. A dam will be taken down live. Join the DRE Café! Grab an ice-cold beverage and let’s welcome summertime together and free…
Sam
27
Dam removalSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
June 7, 2022

Summary of the 7th Annual Dam Removal Seminar: Connected Rivers 2022

From 19-21 May of 2022, nearly 200 people from across Europe and beyond met in Lisbon, Portugal for the 7th annual Dam Removal Conference: Connected Rivers. This year’s event was…
Nicole
28
Dam removalNews
May 19, 2022

Dam Removal Award 2021 Goes to Finland!

Dam Removal Award 2021 goes to Finland! On Thursday May 19 at 1PM (local time) Dam Removal Award 2021 winner was announced in Lisbon during international seminar Connected rivers. The…
Nicole
28
NewsSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
May 18, 2022

Dam Removal Award Nominees

European Dam Removal Award Nominees 2021 Here we present you with top five shortlisted project from Dam Removal Award 2021. The winner will be announced on Thursday May 19, 2022…
Neza
27
Dam removalNewsScientific papers
May 15, 2022

Record breaking year for dam removals in Europe

We are happy to present you with Dam Removal Europe Annual report 2021! Here are some quick stats:  At least 239 barriers were removed in 2021 by practitioners from 17…
Dam Removal Europe
28
NewsSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
March 15, 2022

Dam Removal Europe Cafe

Are you sick and tired of staying home? Do you miss having fun and hanging out with friends? Then, grab a cup of coffee or a beer (that’s mandatory!!) and…
Dam Removal Europe
27
NewsSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
March 8, 2022

Dam Removal Award

European Dam Removal Award 2021 The ambition of Dam Removal Europe is to restore rivers in Europe that have high natural or cultural importance. Many of these rivers are fragmented…
Herman
27
Seminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
March 3, 2022

Connected Rivers Seminar

Connected Rivers International seminar on scaling up dam removal as a river restoration tool in Europe May 19-21, 2022 in Lisbon, Portugal ANP/WWF Portugal, World Fish Migration Foundation, Wetlands International…
Dam Removal Europe
19
Dam removalFish MigrationNews
March 1, 2022

First Documented Barrier Removals in Cyprus

Two-step weir at Germasogeia River, Cyprus. ©Iakovos Tziortzis First Documented Barrier Removals in Cyprus We’re happy to report some exciting barrier removal news from Cyprus! Two transversal barriers were removed…
Nicole
46
Dam removalFish MigrationNews
February 1, 2022

Demolition of a Small Hydropower Plant in the Tainionvirta River Helps Endangered Migratory Fish in Finland

©Sampsa Vilhunen/WWF Demolition of a Small Hydropower Plant in the Tanionvirta River Helps Endangered Migratory Fish in Finland Text translated from an article by Joonas Fritze/WWF The Tainionvirta River, which…
Nicole
47
Dam removalFish MigrationNews
January 18, 2022

“Explosive” Dam Removal News from Norway

Explosive Dam Removal in Norway ©Rob Kleinjans Migratory fish in Norway have something to celebrate this week, as a century-old dam was blown up with dynamite! This removal will help…
Nicole
46
Dam removalFish MigrationNews
November 19, 2021

Open Rivers Programme – Call for Expressions of Interest

Open Rivers Program — Call for Expressions of Interest October 2021 saw the launch of the groundbreaking €42.5 million Open Rivers Programme, which will help remove dams all over Europe.…
Nicole
46
Dam removalFish MigrationNews
November 18, 2021

Barrier Removal in Poland Allows for Upstream Fish Migration

Barrier Removal in Poland Allows for Upstream Fish Migration Placing rocks and gravel over Sopot River weir ©Dzika Rzeka Fantastic news from Poland! A concrete weir in the Sopot River…
Nicole
46
NewsSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
November 18, 2021

Removing ‘road’ dams in Europe – Webinar

The World Fish Migration Foundation, The United States Forest Service, and The Nature Conservancy invite you to join us for a 3 hour, international webinar highlighting the need and opportunities…
Dam Removal Europe
27
Dam removalFish MigrationNews
October 27, 2021

Dam Removal History is Made in the Western Balkans

Dam Removal History is Made in the Western Balkans One of three recent dam removals in Montenegro ©WWF Adria Three cheers for the Western Balkans! For the first time ever,…
Nicole
44
Dam removalNews
October 26, 2021

Learn about Dam Removals Across Spain!

Learn about Dam Removals Across Spain! Toranes Dam ©Ríos con Vida We have several exciting dam removal updates from Spain! These are summarized below.  In September 2021, we learned that…
Nicole
46
Dam removalNews
October 26, 2021

Life DIVAQUA Project Liberates Rivers for Salmon in Picos de Europa, Spain

Life DIVAQUA Project Liberates Rivers for Salmon in Picos de Europa, Spain Weir on the Deva River in the municipality of Potes before removal ©LifeDIVAQUA Throughout the month of September…
Nicole
46
Dam removalFundingNews
October 21, 2021

Medieval Weir Removal Success in England

Medieval Weir Removal Success in England Dovecliff Weir after removal ©Environmental Agency After nearly 900 years, the Dovecliff Weir on the River Dove in England has been removed! We have…
Nicole
46
Dam removalFundingNews
October 8, 2021

Open Rivers Programme Launched to Remove Dams and Restore Rivers across Europe

Open Rivers Programme Launched to Remove Dams and Restore Rivers across Europe  Dam removal in Hucava river (Slovakia) in June 2021 ©Rob Kleinjans Photography October 8, 2021 will be a day to remember! For the first time in European history…
Nicole
46
Dam removalGuest ArticleNews
September 29, 2021

Dam Removal at Baunach River Opens Six Kilometers of Free Flowing River

Dam removal at Baunach River Opens Six Kilometres of Free Flowing River Guest article by Sigrun Lange, WWF Germany *Update* In May 2021, during the conference “Dam Removal goes Alps…
Nicole
44
Dam removalGuest ArticleNews
September 28, 2021

The Freeing of River Hiitolanjoki, the Largest Dam Removal Project in Finland, has Begun

The Freeing of River Hiitolanjoki, the Largest Dam Removal Project in Finland, has Begun Article translated and adapted from WWF Finland with additional writing by Sampsa Vilhunen It’s time to…
Nicole
47
Dam removalGuest ArticleNews
September 28, 2021

Lottery Fund Awards Half a Million Pounds to Restore Welsh Rivers!

Lottery Fund Awards Half a Million Pounds to Restore Welsh Rivers! Guest Article by Carlos Garcia de Leaniz of Swansea University The Project ‘Reconnecting the Salmon Rivers of Wales’ led…
Nicole
44
Dam removalNews
September 2, 2021

Removal of Salantai Dam has Begun

Second Dam Removal Begins in Lithuania Removal of Salantai dam has begun! Text from Jonė Leščinskaitė One year ago Lithuania celebrated its first dam removal. This week, the process of…
Nicole
44
CrowdfundingDam removalNews
August 16, 2021

#DamBusters Behind the Scenes: an Interview with the Filmmaker, Franco Campos-Lopez

#DamBusters Behind the Scenes: an Interview with the Filmmaker, Franco Campos-Lopez  ©Franco Campos-Lopez Why did you decide to make this film? What is its significance for you?  Why? We need…
Nicole
45
CrowdfundingDam removalNews
August 10, 2021

2 Dam Removals Open up 400km of River in Ukraine

Two Dams Removed in Ukraine Removal of Mjedvjezhiek Weir ©WWF-Ukraine The Context The Shybenyj River flows through the Carpathian Mountains, meandering through dense green forests and steep terrain. A tributary…
Nicole
44
Dam removalNews
June 21, 2021

Dam Removal progress in 2020

Over 100 barriers removed from European rivers in 2020! At least 101 barriers were removed in 2020 by practitioners from 11 European countries, contributing to the EU Biodiversity Strategy goal…
Niccolo
43
Dam removalNews
April 29, 2021

The Dutch Grootgoor Project

The Dutch Grootgoor Project Photos and text by Bert Worms ©Bert Worms The Context The brook “De Run” is located southwest of the city Eindhoven in the region of Noord…
Dam Removal Europe
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Dam removalNews
April 29, 2021

Demolition of the Toranes Dam

Demolition of the Toranes Dam ©Antonio Garcia/Bykofoto The Toranes Dam, located in Teruel Province (Spain), is a hydroelectric facility built in 1954 with little electricity production. In 2018, the government…
Dam Removal Europe
41
Dam removalNews
April 1, 2021

Molló Dam Removal in Catalonia, Spain

Molló Dam Removal in Catalonia, Spain Before and After Dam Removal ©Agència Catalana de l'Aigua The Molló (also known as Ritort) dam was located at the top of the Ritort…
Dam Removal Europe
41
Dam removalFish MigrationNews
April 1, 2021

Basque Province Gipuzkoa will Remove 228 Barriers

Basque Province Gipuzkoa will Remove 228 Barriers and Recuperate 420km of River Text Adapted from Noticias de Gipuzkoa ©Asier Larraza The Gipuzkoa Department of Environment and Hydraulic Works has announced…
Dam Removal Europe
41
Seminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
March 22, 2021

Dam Removal goes Alps

Calling all "Dam Removal Goes Alps" participants!  As many of you may know, a Seminar Resumé was published for the webinar series last June, which served as a brief event…
Dam Removal Europe
19
Dam removalFish MigrationNews
March 8, 2021

Dam Removal on the Lillpite River, Sweden

Dam Removal on the Lillpite River, Sweden Text adapted from Gunnar Bergman and Bo Nordell The hydropower dams Lillpit (left)e and Råbäcken (right) in the Lillpite River, Sweden. Google Earth:…
Dam Removal Europe
40
Dam removalFish MigrationNews
March 8, 2021

The Right Kind of Development

Removal of a Small Hydropower Dam in Finland will Benefit Endangered Brown Trout and Local Community Throughout the past few years, Finland has asserted itself as a leader in dam…
Dam Removal Europe
40
Dam removalDocumentary/ movieNews
February 2, 2021

DamBusters

World Fish Migration Foundation, in association with Magen Entertainment presents: #DamBusters Dam Removal Europe started officially in April of 2016 when a few organizations partnered together and began the first dam…
Dam Removal Europe
39
Dam removalHydropowerNewsPlanned barriers
December 1, 2020

WANTED: Dams to Remove

We are seeking dams in need of removal! If you have a river barrier that can be removed during the month of June 2021, we want to help! Work will…
Dam Removal Europe
39
Fish MigrationNews
November 4, 2020

Don Catchment Rivers Trust remove their first weir!

The Don Catchment Rivers Trust has a mission of protecting and restoring rivers in the Don Catchment – this not only includes the Don, but the Dearne and Rother too.…
Dam Removal Europe
39
Fish MigrationNews
October 27, 2020

First major weir removal for LIFE Dee River project

Natural Resources Wales’ multi-million pound river restoration project, LIFE Dee River, has completed its first major milestone, having only launched the ambitious project last month.To celebrate World Fish Migration Day,…
Dam Removal Europe
39
Fish MigrationNews
October 8, 2020

Ribble Rivers Trust remove yet another weir!

Last week, the Ribble Rivers Trust completed a partial removal of the ‘Long Preston weir’, taking out 60% of the weir. The weir had a width of 21 metres across…
Dam Removal Europe
38
Dam removalFish MigrationNews
October 7, 2020

A successful partnership led to the removal of Hall i’th’ Wood Weir

As part of the Natural Course project, Groundwork, along with the Environment Agency and other key partners, led the removal of the weir at Hall i’ th’ Wood on Eagley…
Dam Removal Europe
38
Fish MigrationNews
August 31, 2020

Immense opportunity for dam removal in the Duoro River basin

The University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD) recently released new research that mapped and characterized all of the barriers in the Duoro River basin. As a part of their…
Dam Removal Europe
38
Fish MigrationNews
July 28, 2020

Massive decline in migratory freshwater fish populations could threaten livelihoods of millions, warns new report

Globally, monitored populations of migratory freshwater fish have declined by an average of 76% between 1970 and 2016. Average declines have been more pronounced in Europe (-93%) and Latin America…
Dam Removal Europe
36
Dam removalFish MigrationHydropowerNews
July 2, 2020

Hydropower company owners remove hydropower dam setting a new precedent to a global audience

The Dam Removal Europe coalition hosted a never-before-been-done webinar featuring a live dam removal in Sweden. The powerplant removal was uniquely instigated and undertaken by hydropower owners to improve biodiversity…
Dam Removal Europe
35
Dam removalNews
June 30, 2020

The future of Dam Removal Europe

The last five years marked a breakthrough of our new coalition within European nature conservation: Dam Removal Europe. Our fast-growing coalition is a partnership among many experts with a rich…
Dam Removal Europe
35
CrowdfundingDam removalFish MigrationFundingNews
June 11, 2020

2020 Crowdfunding Successes!

Thanks to all who participated in the World Fish Migration Crowdfunding Webinar on the 16th of May. Since then, WWF NL have reached nearly 2000 donations from 18 countries supporting…
Dam Removal Europe
34
Dam removalNewsSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
June 8, 2020

Dam Removal Europe Webinar Series | Practitioners

Have you ever seen a dam removal in action? Well, now is your front row opportunity! Join us for a live dam removal in Sweden and learn what it takes to…
Dam Removal Europe
27
Dam removalFish MigrationNews
May 27, 2020

Demolition of the Roche Qui Boit Dam scheduled for 2021

With the removal of the Vezins Dam in the Selune River nearly complete, all eyes are on the removal of the second dam La Roche Qui Boit. Once this dam…
Dam Removal Europe
34
Dam removalFish MigrationNews
May 27, 2020

Crowdfunding Webinar was a Success!

On May 16th, WWF NL and Dam Removal Europe hosted the very first World Fish Migration Day Crowdfunding Webinar. The webinar was a sold-out success with 494 registrants and 201…
Dam Removal Europe
33
Dam removalFish MigrationNews
May 20, 2020

25,000 km of rivers to be restored through barrier removals

Today the European Commission published the new Biodiversity Strategy 2030. We are very excited to see a target in the document, page 14, that at least 25,000 km of rivers…
Dam Removal Europe
35
Dam removalFish MigrationNews
May 13, 2020

WWF Finland opens up two more dams this month!

Over the last three years, DRE partner, WWF Finland, together with several partners have opened 600 kilometres of river through the removal of 27 barriers. Some of the removals opened…
Dam Removal Europe
32
CrowdfundingDam removalFish MigrationNewsSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
May 6, 2020

World Fish Migration Crowd funding Day 2020

Can’t go out but looking to get your hands wet? We have just the opportunity! Join us and WWF Netherlands for our second crowdfunding event to raise funds for dam…
Dam Removal Europe
26
Dam removalNews
April 30, 2020

PR: Weir removal work begins as part of £1.45M Ribble restoration scheme

The Ribble Catchment Partnership has seized on the opportunity provided by exceptionally low spring water levels to start work on a transformational project to return the river to its natural…
Dam Removal Europe
32
Dam removalNews
April 20, 2020

Tell us about your dam removal

If you have removed a dam in 2019 or plan to remove a dam in the near future (through December 31, 2021), please fill in this short 6 question survey.…
Dam Removal Europe
31
Dam removalNews
April 1, 2020

Dam Removal Europe welcomes two new partners!

In 2020, our partnership has grown with the joining of two new organizations, The Nature Conservancy and Wetlands International. Our partnership now includes seven organizations spanned across Europe. Together, we…
Dam Removal Europe
31
Dam removalNewsScientific papers
March 26, 2020

WWF CYMRU recommends dam removal to restore biodiversity in Wales

Recently, WWF CYMRU and the environmental consultancy, Ecosulis, produced the report, Wales’s Nature Crisis: Recommendations for an immediate emergency response. Within the report, they advocated to the Welsh government that…
Dam Removal Europe
32
Dam removalFish MigrationGuest Article
March 19, 2020

Barrier removal and river restoration of spawning and nursery habitats in the River Vejle

River Vejle is one of the best rivers in Denmark with clean water, high biodiversity and a stunning river valley. But since the mid 1900s, the River Vejle has been…
Dam Removal Europe
30
Dam removalNews
March 18, 2020

Ukraine rock band promotes free-flowing rivers!

The Ukrainian rock band, The Hardkiss, recently started their ticket sales for their upcoming concert on 29 May 2021 in Ukraine. However, there is something special about these tickets because…
Dam Removal Europe
29
Dam removalFish MigrationGuest Article
March 17, 2020

We can expect more dam removals in Sweden in the next decade

In Sweden, great things are happening right now, as several municipalities are understanding the importance of living freshwater ecosystems. For example, the Klippans municipality has purchased three small-scale powerplants within…
Dam Removal Europe
28
Fish MigrationNewsScientific papers
March 17, 2020

Dam removal helps to improve floodplain services

New European Environment Agency report says dam removal helps to improve floodplain services A recent report published by the European Environment Agency shows the necessity of a more ecosystem-based approach…
Dam Removal Europe
30
Dam removalFish MigrationNews
March 16, 2020

Small weir removal makes a big difference

Norfolk Rivers Trust recently removed a weir on the River Tiffey in Wymondham in March 2019. This weir removal improved local freshwater habitat, hydrology, fish migration, and other species populations.…
Dam Removal Europe
27
Dam removalFish MigrationNewsScientific papers
March 12, 2020

Weirs affect downstream migration too

There are many studies indicating the pressure, stress and negative impact barriers like weirs and dams have on fish migration. However, there is hardly any research on the impact of…
Dam Removal Europe
23
Dam removalFish MigrationNews
March 5, 2020

Remove a dam with your own hands!

During the Dam Removal Crowdfunding Evening event held yesterday at Circl in Amsterdam, Netherlands, WWF NL announced their new dam removal team building trip! From September 23-26 participants will have…
Dam Removal Europe
24
Dam removalNews
February 27, 2020

February came with some FLOW!

February came with some FLOW! Over the past year, we have been monitoring two huge dam removals in Europe, the Sindi Dam in Estonia and the Vezins Dam in France.…
Dam Removal Europe
21
CrowdfundingDam removalFish MigrationNewsSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
February 12, 2020

Fundraising event – Love Flows

On March 4th, WWF NL will host a fundraising event in the south of Amsterdam for their crowdfunding platform. As a part of the evening, they will screen the documentary,…
Dam Removal Europe
25
Dam removalFish MigrationNews
January 21, 2020

Rewilding Europe’s dam removal webinar recap

During the end of November, Dam Removal Europe partner, Rewilding Europe, held a webinar with 10 ERN members – representing 16 people from seven European countries – to discuss dam…
Dam Removal Europe
22
Dam removalFish MigrationNewsScientific papers
January 20, 2020

Recent research indicates the positive impacts of dam removal for fish and river health

More research uncovers how dam removal can return a river to a more natural state.   Biologist at the University of Navarra (Spain), Amaia Angulo Rodeles, concluded in her doctoral…
Dam Removal Europe
20
Dam removalFundingNews
January 20, 2020

Guest Blog: Free Rivers Fund

Free Rivers Fund (FRF) is a collective of kayakers striving to help grassroot conservation initiatives to keep rivers running free. Our organisation was founded in 2017 by three European kayaker-based…
Dam Removal Europe
22
Lake_Acksjön_dam Dam removalFish MigrationNews
December 5, 2019

Trout return to Lake Acksjön after an absence of 100 years

After more than one hundred years of control, water is again flowing freely between Lake Acksjön and the Klarälven (Klar River) after a dam was removed in 2017. Lake Acksjön…
Dam Removal Europe
18
Dam removalFish MigrationNews
December 2, 2019

Dam removals in Hokkaido, Japan!

This past summerc two dams were removed from Shiretoko’s watershed in the Shiretoko National Park, in Japan. The purpose of these removals was to return the river back to its…
Dam Removal Europe
21
Dam removalFish MigrationNews
November 25, 2019

Dam removal boosts rewilding efforts in the Ukrainian Danube Delta

© Maxim YakovlevFinanced by WWF Crowdfunding Campaign, the removal of 11 obsolete dams on the Kogilnik and Sarata Rivers will help to restore wild nature and should provide economic benefit…
Dam Removal Europe
17
CrowdfundingDam removalFish MigrationNews
November 20, 2019

Guest blog – Tyne Rivers Trust

As an employee of Tyne Rivers Trust and Hexham resident, I’m very fortunate to work on and live beside the ‘best salmon river in England’. I regularly wander down to…
Dam Removal Europe
21
Dam removalFish MigrationNews
October 24, 2019

21st RRC Annual Network Conference

The River Restoration Centre is currently collating abstracts and is in the processes of selecting presentations to develop an exciting, interesting programme on a range of topics. Bookings are open…
Dam Removal Europe
16
Dam removalFish MigrationNews
October 8, 2019

Donations to remove dams are not only financial support but also moral support

Within one year after WWF Netherlands started the Dam Removal Crowdfunding Campaign we are now seeking donations to fund the first dam removal in Lithuanian history. It is because of…
Dam Removal Europe
21
Dam removalFish MigrationNews
October 8, 2019

Return salmonids to Baltic rivers

Coalition Clean Baltic (CCB) CCB was established in February 1990, in Helsinki, when environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGO’s) from the countries of the Baltic Sea Region became united to co-operate in…
Dam Removal Europe
16
Dam removalFish MigrationNews
October 7, 2019

Selune Valley Revival: Where local residents and science me(e)t

Selune Valley Revival: Where local residents and science me(e)t Read the full report here   (Or the French version here). The 5th International Dam Removal Seminar was held from the…
Dam Removal Europe
20
Dam removalFish MigrationNews
September 25, 2019

Severn Rivers Trust remove yet another weir

The weir at The Linney on the River Corve in Ludlow, Shropshire, UK has been in place for a couple of centuries. It’s existence was to allow for the movement…
Dam Removal Europe
20
Dam removalFish MigrationNews
September 18, 2019

New 10M € LIFE project will demolish four obsolete hydropower plants!

On September 16th The County Administrative Board of Skåne received funding from the EU to launch one of Europe's largest water restoration projects. The new EU LIFE program, 'Life Connects'…
Dam Removal Europe
19
Dam removalFish MigrationNews
September 5, 2019

Barrier removal revives local invertebrate population

At the beginning of 2019 a culvert of approximately 280 metres in length was removed by South Cumbria Rivers Trust in Crosthwaite, Cumbria. This project was the first in the…
Dam Removal Europe
17
Dam removalFish MigrationNews
September 5, 2019

‘About 1% of UK’s rivers are free-flowing’

New Guardian article highlights AMBER (Adaptive Management of Barriers in European Rivers) researchers who find that only 1% of UK's rivers are free-flowing. Many of their rivers are obstructed with…
Dam Removal Europe
16
Dam removalFish MigrationNews
September 3, 2019

Crowdfunded weir removal benefits after only two months!

On 3rd July 2019, a low-head weir on Smithies Brook near Clitheroe, Lancashire was removed by the Ribble Rivers Trust and a team of volunteers with thanks to a Europe-wide…
Dam Removal Europe
19
Dam removalFish MigrationNews
August 30, 2019

UPDATE: Vezins Dam nearly halfway removed!

The removal of the Vezins dam in France is now well underway. As of August 26th, 35-40 % of the demolition was completed! It is expected that it will be…
Dam Removal Europe
16
Dam removalFish MigrationNews
August 23, 2019

Dam removal – catalyst for the restoration of inland waters

One of our main partners, the World Fish Migration Foundation, together with Wetlands International recently submitted a consultation letter to the European Commission proposing a focus on dam removal as…
Dam Removal Europe
20
Dam removalFish MigrationNews
July 29, 2019

The freeing of Hiitolanjoki River – the movement of salmon from Ladoga to headwaters

Environmental Manager of the Regional Council of South-Karelia Matti Vaittinen, fisherman and also actor Jasper Pääkkönen and Executive Director of the South Karelian Recreation Area Foundation Hanna Ollikainen are ready…
Dam Removal Europe
16
Dam removalFish MigrationNews
July 15, 2019

People power removes (yet) another weir!

We are pleased to report that another weir has been successfully removed on the Swanside Brook, near Clitheroe, Lancashire. This provides restoration of natural processes and opens up 12km of…
Dam Removal Europe
11
Dam removalFish MigrationNews
June 18, 2019

Next dam to go by crowdfunding!

Dam Removal Europe have awarded Ribble Rivers Trust (RRT) funding after a Europe-wide crowd funding appeal.The capital is for the removal of a weir across Smithies Brook near Clitheroe, Lancashire.…
Dam Removal Europe
10
Dam removalFish MigrationNews
June 18, 2019

In case you missed it! Estonia seminar recap

In case you missed it! Estonia seminar recap On 22- 23 May 2019, 130 people from 23 countries came together in Pärnu, Estonia to share knowledge and connect at Let…
Dam Removal Europe
10
Dam removalFish MigrationNews
June 13, 2019

Another dam down!

With a countdown followed by cheering and an ovation, a blocking piece of timber was raised and finally, the river was free-flowing again in Vantaa, Finland. The Tikkurila Dam was…
Dam Removal Europe
10
Dam removalFish MigrationNews
June 12, 2019

Biggest dam removal in European history

Sélune River, Normandy, France – In a historic moment for Europe’s rivers, the first, irreparable breach was made today in the 36 metre high Vezins Dam – kick-starting the biggest…
Dam Removal Europe
15
Dam removalFunding
June 11, 2019

Finland to include dam removal in their national policies!

Two days after the removal of the Tikkurila Dam in Vantaa, Finland, the first Government of Finland released their new National Programme that allocates 18 million Euros to barrier removals.…
Dam Removal Europe
10
Seminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
June 6, 2019

Selune Valley Revival

Selune Valley Revival!  Dam Removal Europe, European Rivers Network and partners invites you for an amazing international seminar on 24-26 September 2019.   International Seminar on dam removal in France…
Dam Removal Europe
9
Dam removalFunding
May 16, 2019

Next generation dam removers in Slovenia!

Next generation dam removers in Slovenia! On the 13th of May, WWF Adria got opportunity to message to younger audiences about dam removal and its importance at the Scouts day…
Dam Removal Europe
10
Dam removalFunding
May 9, 2019

AMBER study shows free flowing rivers hardly exist anymore in Europe

AMBER study shows free flowing rivers hardly exist anymore in Europe   A new article, published in Nature, shows how the number of worlds rivers which are free flowing is…
Dam Removal Europe
9
Dam removalFunding
April 25, 2019

Move that dam!

A dam in a Lithuanian Natura2000 area is blocking the migration route for salmon and trout species. Now, we are raising funds to remove it! Be a part of the…
Dam Removal Europe
9
Seminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
April 23, 2019

Let it Flow! International seminar on dam removal, Estonia

Let it Flow! International seminar on dam removal, Estonia Estonia, 22-23  May 2019 The Environment Agency of Estonia and Dam Removal Europe (DRE) partners invite you to join the fourth…
Dam Removal Europe
10
Dam removalFunding
April 8, 2019

Crowdfunding dam removal in Sweden!

River Savers´ Association in Sweden (Älvräddarna) has started a crowdfunding movement with the aim of removing unnecessary migratory obstacles in Swedish watercourses, #slutsnackat (#stoptalking). Each year, a specific project is…
Dam Removal Europe
8
Seminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
March 6, 2019

Lunch meeting: dam removal, a viable solution to regenerate european rivers

Lunch Meeting: Dam Removal, A Viable Solution to Restore European Rivers Brussels, 25  April 2019 12:30 to 14:00 hours Dam Removal Europe and DG Environment  invite you to join for…
Dam Removal Europe
7
Dam removalSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
January 25, 2019

WWF Netherlands hosted their first dam removal event of 2019!

On January 19th, WWF Netherlands hosted a their first dam removal event!  The room was full of energy with future and enthusiastic dam-removers. Bart Geenen, nature conservationist at WWF, kicked…
Dam Removal Europe
7
Dam removal
January 22, 2019

Add us on FaceBook!

Check it out! We are happy to announce that we have finally opened up a FaceBook page! Follow us to receive updates, news, photos and all things Dam Removal Europe.…
Dam Removal Europe
8
Dam removalFish Migration
January 15, 2019

Dam removal planned in Rönne å River in the south of Sweden

In the south of Sweden a small municipality -  Klippan (pop.17 600) - has decided to acquire the three hydropower plants in Rönne å River with the purpose of removing…
Dam Removal Europe
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Seminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
January 9, 2019

Ministry of the Environment in Estonia invites you: Dam Removal Seminar

Save the Date! Estonia, 22 – 23 May 2019 The current river restoration in Estonia might be one of the most impressive projects in Europe around the issue of dam removals. The…
Dam Removal Europe
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Dam removalFish Migration
December 14, 2018

First International Mahseer Conference

In Europe, we have been building barriers for centuries but we are now starting to realise there are much more barriers then we thought. We are building an atlas of…
Dam Removal Europe
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Dam removalFish Migration
December 14, 2018

Galician Locals Fight to Protect Their River

On December 2, 2018, approximately one hundred people marched along the Verdugo River in Pontevedra, Spain from Soutomaior to Ponte Inferno—the location of the hydroelectric Ponte Inferno Dam. The concession…
Dam Removal Europe
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Dam removalFish Migration
December 14, 2018

2018 A part of a dam year

This year Dam Removal Europe has been successful. In every direction it has grown as dam removals have gained more publicity and the expert network has expanded immensely. This year,…
Dam Removal Europe
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Dam removalFish Migration
December 14, 2018

CROWDFUNDED Crosthwaite Culvert Removal

We are so excited to announce that the first CROWDFUNDED barrier has been removed!! The Crosthwaite Culvert in Northern England needed 10.000 donated funds and we did it together! By…
Dam Removal Europe
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Dam removalFish Migration
December 6, 2018

Local protest calls for the removal of an expired dam in Pontevedra, Spain

On December 2, 2018, approximately one hundred people marched along the Verdugo River in Pontevedra, Spain from Ponte Comboa to Ponte Inferno—the location of the hydroelectric dam. The concession for…
Dam Removal Europe
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Dam removalFish Migration
November 5, 2018

3300km of free-flowing river!!

It took 3 years but finally a 151m wide and 4,5m high dam will be removed in Estonia! This is part of a larger 15€ million project that will help…
Dam Removal Europe
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Dam removalFish Migration
October 25, 2018

And the EuroNatur 2018 Award goes to…

On October 10th, Roberto Epple, president of the European Rivers Network (ERN), received the EuroNatur Award 2018 for his outstanding personal dedication to protecting European rivers. “It has always been…
Dam Removal Europe
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Dam removalFish Migration
October 25, 2018

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers support the removal of obsolete barriers

In this regulatory guidance letter, the U.S. ACE determine the removal of obsolete barriers as an “effective approach to restoring river and stream structure, functions, and dynamics.” They agree that…
Dam Removal Europe
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Dam removalFish Migration
October 17, 2018

UPDATE on the state of Europe’s waters

This year, The European Environment Agency has written a report, European water: assessment of status and pressures 2018, on the state of Europe’s water. This report compiles the information the…
Dam Removal Europe
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Dam removalFish Migration
October 17, 2018

Swimways and River Management in the 21st Century, A Symposium in Washington, DC.

Image by Seppo Linonen On November 19th, The World Fish Migration Foundation and the Industry of Water Infrastructure and Management are hosting a symposium on ‘Swimways and River Management in…
Dam Removal Europe
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Dam removalFish Migration
October 4, 2018

What’s so special about dam removals?

Author: Arjan Berkhuysen ‘This is the tallest tree in France’.   I was standing in front of an old mansion, which served as a bed & breakfast close to a…
Dam Removal Europe
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Dam removalNewsPlanned barriers
October 4, 2018

Barrier removal works…and the fishes prove it!

A small scale study done on the River Eastburn Beck in England shows the positive impact weir removal has on brown trout populations. Earlier this year, Professor Jon Grey from…
Dam Removal Europe
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Dam removalFish Migration
October 3, 2018

Migratory salmonid fish and dams – Do they mix?

There is a global boom in hydropower development, mainly fueled by public perception, especially because of the need to produce energy with less greenhouse gas emissions.   Thousands of major…
Dam Removal Europe
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News
October 2, 2018

The Hydropower Industry’s Perspective on Dam Removal

During the past Dam Removal Europe seminar in Sweden, Sara Sandberg from Fortum and Johan Tielman from E.On presented “The hydropower industry’s perspective on dam removal.”   During their presentation…
Dam Removal Europe
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News
October 2, 2018

Singing to preserve our source of life

On September 30th, Euronatur, Riverwatch and Center for the Environment delivered a joint press release on the concert for Balkan Rivers in Saravejo. This past Saturday, hundreds of concert goers…
Dam Removal Europe
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News
October 2, 2018

Practices of small hydropower and dam removal in China

Author: Dr CUI Zhenhua According to the 13th Hydropower Development Plan of China (2015-2020), issued by National Energy Administration, small and medium hydropower is strictly restricted and the retirement mechanism…
Dam Removal Europe
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Dam removal
October 2, 2018

Intentions for a barrier-free Municipality in Sweden!

This past September 140 experts from 23 different countries met in the city of Hudiksvall, Sweden, 300 km north of Stockholm.   There, they participated in a conference on dam…
Dam Removal Europe
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News
August 28, 2018

Dam Removal Europe causing a stir

If you haven’t already, read the article about the recent dam removal in Spain featured in the European Centre for River Restoration Newsletter!
Dam Removal Europe
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Dam removalNewsPlanned barriers
August 28, 2018

Local community members band together to save their river

A joint press release by EuroNatur, Riverwatch, and Center for Environment recognizes the victorious effort of 200 community members to stop a dam from being built. Last Friday, local villagers…
Dam Removal Europe
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Dam removalHappy Fish JourneyHydropower
August 28, 2018

How to remove big hydro-power dams and the lessons learned

An interview with Roberto Apple By Rik Bomer - Happy Fish Journey In France in the small river the Seluné is something drastically going to change. Two structures that changed…
Dam Removal Europe
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Dam removal
August 28, 2018

Removal of the 22 meter high Yecla de Yeltes dam

Removal of the 22 meter high Yecla de Yeltes dam In April 2018 the removal of the Yecla de Yeltes dam was started by the Confederación Hidrográfica del Duero (CHD),…
Dam Removal Europe
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Dam removalNewsPlanned barriers
July 24, 2018

$1.02 billion hydropower project goes terribly wrong causing local disaster

This past Monday, 23 June 2018, the hydroelectric dam built in Laos collapsed. According to Laos News Agency, the flash flooding left several people dead, hundreds missing, and thousands displaced.…
Dam Removal Europe
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Dam removalNews
July 24, 2018

In Galicia, officials are starting the paperwork to remove dams across the region

Local government in Galicia have begun on the long-term strategy to remove obsolete dams and open up rivers. They also are making it harder than ever to restore current dams…
Dam Removal Europe
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Dam removalNews
July 19, 2018

Policy Report

Removing tens of thousands of obsolete dams in Europe will bring life back to rivers We proudly present: The Dam Removal Europe Policy Report: A viable solution for the future…
Dam Removal Europe
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Dam removalNews
July 16, 2018

Lithuania has a huge potential in river restoration

Conclusions and results of the Dam Removal Europe Workshop in Lithuania Date: 2 – 3 July 2018 By Karolina Gurjazkaite On 2 July the Lithuanian Ministry of Environment (Aplinkos ministerija)…
Dam Removal Europe
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Seminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
July 15, 2018

Fully booked! To be or not to be… removed | International seminar on dam removal, Sweden

To be or not to be... removed | International seminar on dam removal  Sweden, 24 – 26 September 2018 Karlstad University (KAU), Hudiksvall municipality, County Board Gävleborg and Dam Removal Europe…
Dam Removal Europe
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Dam removalNewsPlanned barriersScientific papers
July 4, 2018

To dam or to remove? How to improve river connectivity

An EU initiative is mapping dams and barriers across the continent to identify those that need to be restored or lifted. The database could help strike a balance between economic…
Dam Removal Europe
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Dam removalFundingNews
June 26, 2018

Crowd Funding Platform for dam removal!

Crowd Funding Platform for dam removal! We are very happy to announce that WWF Netherlands just launched the Dam Removal Crowd Funding Platform! The site is hosted and fully supported…
Dam Removal Europe
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Seminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
June 25, 2018

Dam Removal Europe Workshop – Lithuania

Dam Removal Europe Workshop in Lithuania Date: 2 – 3 July 2018 Next week, Dam Removal Europe along with the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania, will host…
Dam Removal Europe
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Dam removalNews
June 25, 2018

Nature: Europe is demolishing its dams to restore ecosystems

Most scientists welcome the dam-removal trend but some call for research into potential ill effects. Dam Removal Europe is growing fast since its official launch on November of 2016 in…
Dam Removal Europe
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Dam removalHappy Fish JourneyNews
June 25, 2018

Bike migration stops at the Vezins Dam

Bike migration stops at the Vezins Dam Rik Bomer started cycling in April 2018 from Madrid to Groningen visiting on his way amazing rivers and people. In his words: “I…
Dam Removal Europe
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Dam removalNews
June 24, 2018

Fantastic barrier removal in Tees River Basin

Fantastic barrier removal in Tees River Basin The Cloff Bridge weir was on a tributary of the Tees called North Burn –one of the few downstream of and therefore not…
Dam Removal Europe
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Scientific papers
June 22, 2018

Criteria for decision making towards the improvement of river connectivity and dam removal considering the impacts of invasive fish species in the Iberian Peninsula

“Criteria for decision making towards the improvement of river connectivity and dam removal considering the impacts of invasive fish species in the Iberian Peninsula” (CIREF and Wetland International) The Iberian…
Dam Removal Europe
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Scientific papers
June 20, 2018

30 years of data reveal dramatic increase in abundance of brown trout following the removal of a small hydrodam

Birnie-Gauvin, K., Larsen, M. H., Nielsen, J., & Aarestrup, K. (2017).30 years of data reveal dramatic increase in abundance of brown trout following the removal of a small hydrodam. Journal…
Dam Removal Europe
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Scientific papers
May 9, 2018

You kill the dam, you are killing a part of me

You kill the dam, you are killing a part of me This study done by Fox et al at Dartmouth College (New Hampshire, USA) “reveal how complex cultural dynamics competing…
Dam Removal Europe
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Scientific papers
May 9, 2018

Sustainability – Open Access Journal

Sustainability - Open Access Journal Special Issue in open-access journal Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050, IF 1.789) entitled "Integrating Ecohydraulics in River Restoration: Advances in Science and Applications". Deadlinefor manuscript submissions: 31…
Dam Removal Europe
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Funding
May 9, 2018

MAVA foundation’s grants

MAVA foundation’s grants The MAVA foundationsupports conservation that benefits people and nature through four formal programs in the Mediterranean, Coastal West Africa,and Switzerland. Thanks to this grant (which has recently…
Dam Removal Europe
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Dam removal
May 9, 2018

USA continues to remove historic barriers to recover their rivers’ health and fisheries

USA continues to remove historic barriers to recover their rivers’ health and fisheries Although North America has over 10,000 years of human history, the best conserved legacy of construction comes…
Dam Removal Europe
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Dam removalFish Migration
May 9, 2018

World Fish Migration Day 2018!

World Fish Migration Day 2018! As some of you already know (because you participated!) this World Fish Migration Daywas an amazing success. All the team is thrilled and really moved…
Dam Removal Europe
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Planned barriers
May 9, 2018

Major Polish rivers are seriously threatened by government plans

Major Polish rivers are seriously threatened by government plans Save the Rivers Coalition(Poland) brings together organisations which protect Poland’s rivers, streams and wetlands, and the coalition includes scientists, individual persons,…
Dam Removal Europe
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Dam removalFish Migration
May 9, 2018

Salmon comes back to Twynholm after almost 100 years thanks to a dam removal

Salmon comes back to Twynholm after almost 100 years thanks to a dam removal One of the barriers removed in Scotland in September of 2016 thanks to WEF* (Water Environment…
Dam Removal Europe
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Dam removal
May 9, 2018

Tackling barriers in Wales

Tackling barriers in Wales Dealing with barriers in Wales is part of the day job for Natural Resources Wales and its partners – the 6 rivers trusts in Wales.  In…
Dam Removal Europe
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Dam removal
May 9, 2018

More barrier removals in England!

More barrier removals in England! Thanks to the efforts of the South East Rivers Trust (SERT), the Environment Agency (EA) and Thames Rivers Trust (TRT) are removing more barriers in…
Dam Removal Europe
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Dam removal
May 9, 2018

Barriers also being removed in Czech Republic!

Barriers also being removed in Czech Republic! Thanks to the EU projectLIFE CORCONTICA, which started in 2012 and ends this year, the first barrier removals (that we know of) in…
Dam Removal Europe
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Seminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
April 18, 2018

AMBER & Dam removal Europe seminar and field visit

AMBER & Dam Removal Europe seminar and field visit  Date: 16 – 17 April 2018 Introduction Rivers rank among some of the most threatened ecosystems in the world, and are…
Dam Removal Europe
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Seminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
April 6, 2018

Open rivers – Dam Removal seminar, the Netherlands/Belgium

Open rivers - Dam Removal seminar, the Netherlands/Belgium Date: 6 April 2018 On Friday the 6thof April a seminar on the removal of dams and weirs was celebrated in Gravenvoeren,…
Dam Removal Europe
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Scientific papers
February 6, 2018

River Continuity Restoration and Diadromous Fishes: Much More than an Ecological Issue

River Continuity Restoration and Diadromous Fishes: Much More than an Ecological Issue This paper presents the main challenges for defining, evaluating and achieving effective river continuity restoration. You can request…
Dam Removal Europe
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Scientific papers
February 4, 2018

Increased sediment load during a large-scale dam removal changes nearshore subtidal communities

Increased sediment load during a large-scale dam removal changes nearshore subtidal communities You can download this paper for free in PLOS one website. In addition, you can get this paper…
Dam Removal Europe
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Funding
February 2, 2018

European grant to help fund your dam removal project

European grant to help fund your dam removal project Some people may know little about the The European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). This fund was created to improve and…
Dam Removal Europe
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Seminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
February 2, 2018

Upcoming Dam Removal Europe Workshop in Sweden

Save the date: Dam Removal Europe Workshop in Sweden   When: 24-26 of September 2018 Location: Hudiksvall,  Stockholm, Sweden. What: Interesting workshop with the latest news on dam removal from Sweden…
Dam Removal Europe
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Seminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
February 1, 2018

Wetlands International webinar series: Dam Removal Step by Step

Wetlands International webinar series: Dam Removal Step by Step In November and December 2016, a free webinar series called “Restoring river continuity: methods and open challenges” was celebrated thanks to…
Dam Removal Europe
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Planned barriers
January 25, 2018

More than 1,700 future barriers planned in Turkey

More than 1,700 future barriers planned in Turkey Several organizations in Turkey have now convened to work against the massive construction of dams in the country. The group called “Turkey…
Dam Removal Europe
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Seminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
January 20, 2018

The new Fish Passage 2018 website

 The new Fish Passage 2018 website The new Fish Passage 2018 conference website is now active. Here you will find  information related to this international conference, where the dam removal…
Dam Removal Europe
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News
January 13, 2018

The American Rivers dam removal database now available to public

USA: The American Rivers dam removal database now available to public Thanks to the compilation of work undertaken over several years, American Rives has now made available for the public…
Dam Removal Europe
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Dam removal
January 12, 2018

First Dam removal in Japan

日本における最初のダム撤去 | Yes, yes, you understood correctly “First Dam removal in Japan” This is the first dam removal ever done in Japan and it all started thanks to a local people…
Dam Removal Europe
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Dam removal
January 5, 2018

Vantaa River dam removal (Finland): Big challenge, great expectations

Vantaa River dam removal (Finland): Big challenge, great expectations This dam removal project is taking place in the middle of Vantaa City (Finland) in 2019. This is an interesting case…
Dam Removal Europe
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Documentary/ movie
December 25, 2017

Swedish Film: Many small streams

Swedish film The removal of dams in Sweden is increasingly seen as a very effective ecological measure to restore river wildlife. The removals of the Sofieholm and Nianån hydropower dams,…
Dam Removal Europe
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Dam removal
December 20, 2017

More dams removed in Spain!

More dams removed in Spain! Spanish basin authorities are making big efforts every day to remove obsolete obstacles. Project initiatives usually succeed as nobody is willing to pay the maintenance…
Dam Removal Europe
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Dam removal in Sweden. Dam removal
September 21, 2017

Dam Removal Projects in Sweden

Dam Removals in Sweden Swedish government is also making a great effort updating their obstacle database (over 10,000 obstacles along the whole country) and our findings show that Sweden has…
Dam Removal Europe
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Dam removal
September 21, 2017

Dam Removal Projects in France

Dam Removals in France The removal of dams and weirs has been happening for centuries. And since the 90’s, removals have only increased. USA has already removed more than 1,300…
Dam Removal Europe
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Seminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
February 8, 2017

Workshop on dam and weir removal in the urban environment

DAM REMOVAL EUROPE Workshop Workshop on dam and weir removal in the urban environment - 25 & 26 September 2017 Birmingham, England, UK The 2nd Dam Removal Europe Workshop, jointly hosted…
Dam Removal Europe
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