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NewsSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
October 28, 2025

Live from N. Macedonia! Join us at an active weir removal site at Kumanovo

Live from N. Macedonia! Join us in celebrating the first two barrier removals in the country Upcoming live event from N. Macedonia! Join us at an active weir removal site…
Foivos
Love29
Dam removalNews
October 27, 2025

Dam Removal Day made a splash across Europe!

Celebrating a Growing Movement for Free-Flowing Rivers The first edition of Dam Removal Day united 30 European countries through 45 events, bringing together hundreds of organisations, communities, and river enthusiasts…
Adela
Love36
Dam removalNews
October 23, 2025

The Dam Removal Europe Award 2024 goes to…

Ukraine Wins 2024 Dam Removal Award Despite Wartime Challenges Bohdan Prots, Danube-Carpathian Programme and the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve An inspiring river restoration project in Ukraine has been crowned the winner…
Neza
Love36
Dam removalNews
October 22, 2025

100 dams down, many more to go!

Open Rivers Programme supports the removal of 100 barriers in European rivers, reconnecting close to 1,500 kilometres of river habitat The European Open Rivers Programme, a grant-giving organisation dedicated to…
Adela
Love29
NewsSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
October 13, 2025

Live from Belgium! Join us at an active culvert removal site at the Semois Valley National Park

Live from Belgium! Join us in celebrating the removal of multiple culverts at the at the Semois Valley National Park Upcoming live event from Belgium! Join us at an active…
Foivos
Love29
Dam removalNewsScientific papers
October 7, 2025

TURNING THE TIDE: SOUTHEASTERN EUROPE EMBRACES RIVER FREEDOM

Free Flowing Future: Dam removal actions surge across Southeastern Europe The Southeastern Europe Barrier Removal Movement Progress Report 2024–2025 was just released and provides an overview of all the activities…
Foivos
Love53
NewsSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
September 29, 2025

Join us Live for the Dam Removal Day Café!

Let's celebrate together Dam Removal Day! On October 8, 2025, Europe will come together to celebrate Dam Removal Day. This day is marked by dozens of events across the continent…
Adela
Love29
NewsSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
September 17, 2025

Live from the U.S.! Join us to celebrate removals over 60 dams throughout the northeast United States

Live from the United States! Join us in celebrating the removal of more than 60 dams throughout the Northeast Upcoming live event from USA! Join us at an active dam…
Neza
Love29
NewsSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
September 11, 2025

Live from Sweden! Join us to celebrate the removal of the Strutdammen

Live from Sweden! Join us to celebrate the removal of the Strutdammen Upcoming live event from Sweden! Join us at an active barrier removal site to hear from Västerbotten County…
Neza
Love29
NewsSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
September 5, 2025

Webinar: Open Rivers Programme in Southeastern Europe

Sharing lessons and best practices from projects in Southeastern Europe – 23 September 2025 The next call for Open Rivers Programme applications is open (6–31 October 2025). Do you need…
Adela
Love27
Dam removalNews
August 25, 2025

Vote now! Dam Removal Award 2024 Nominees Announced

Meet the Nominees & Vote on your favourite – Dam Removal Award 2024 The Dam Removal Award 2024 celebrates the most innovative and inspiring river barrier removal projects across Europe…
Adela
Love27
NewsPolicy
August 21, 2025

Policy update: September 2025

One is for sure; Autumn will be interesting and full of happenings. Here we collected recent policy updates for you. Wetlands International Europe prepared article 9 of Nature Restoration Law…
Neza
Love27
Dam removalGuest ArticleNews
August 21, 2025

Breaking barriers: dam removal liberates European rivers

The removal of dams and other barriers is one of the best ways to rewild rivers and enhance the benefits they deliver to people and nature. Rewilding Europe is liberating…
Neza
Love53
News
August 19, 2025

This October, let’s celebrate Dam Removal Day!

Join us on October 8th and be part of a growing global movement.  On October 8th, the global river community will come together to celebrate the very first-ever Dam Removal…
Adela
Love29
Dam removalNewsSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
August 4, 2025

Live from Croatia! Let’s celebrate the removal of the last barrier at Bijela Rijeka stream

Live from Croatia! Let's celebrate the removal of the last barrier at Bijela Rijeka stream Barrier at Bijela Rijeka stream before the removal © WWF AdriaWe are thrilled to announce…
Adela
Love29
NewsSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
July 23, 2025

Live from Slovakia! Join us to celebrate the removal of the Hucava Weir

Live from Slovakia! Join us to celebrate the removal of the Hučava Weir Connect to the Dam Removal Europe YouTube channel on July 29 at 11:00 CET We are thrilled…
Neza
Love29
NewsSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
June 18, 2025

Live from Wales, UK! Join us to celebrate the removal of the Erbistock Weir

Live from Wales, UK! Join us to celebrate the removal of the Erbistock Weir. Connect to the Dam Removal Europe YouTube channel on June 26 at 13:00 CET We are…
Neza
Love29
NewsSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
June 18, 2025

Live from Romania! Join us to learn about the fragmentation status in the country.

Live from Romania! Join us to learn about the fragmentation status in the country. Connect to the Dam Removal Europe YouTube channel on June 24 at 13:00 CET  We are…
Neza
Love29
NewsPolicy
May 30, 2025

Policy Update: Lots of things are cooking!

Here's what’s cooking at the EU level on water and nature: Water Resilience Strategy What is it? With Europe facing intensifying floods, droughts, and forest fires, the Water Resilience Strategy…
Neza
Love27
Dam removalGuest ArticleNews
May 30, 2025

Free Flow – how the Great Yorkshire Rivers Partnership is collaboratively tackling barriers at a regional scale

Addressing barriers to fish migration in Yorkshire’s rivers to help restore natural river processes, improve water quality and promote biodiversity to create better blue spaces for both nature and people.…
Neza
Love53
NewsSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and MeetingsUpcoming Seminars/ workshops/ conferences and meetings
May 19, 2025

Dam Removal Masterclass

Join us for masterclass on dam removal! Hosted by Rewilding Apennnines, Filippo Castellucci, will guide us through their steps on implementing barrier removal in Central Italy. His team removed 5…
Neza
Love27
Dam removalNewsScientific papers
May 15, 2025

Record-breaking year marked by 542 removals!

Free-flowing stretch of Lech River, Austria ©Arthur de Bruin Last year was another record-breaking year marked by 542 removals! Those highlight the growing support for barrier removals across Europe as…
Dam Removal Europe
Love53
NewsPolicy
April 28, 2025

Policy Update: EU Water Resilience Strategy

Freshwater ecosystems are under growing pressure across Europe: scarcity, pollution, and climate-related risks are on the rise. In response, the European Commission is expected to publish a Water Resilience Strategy…
Dam Removal Europe
Love27
NewsPolicy
February 18, 2025

Nature Restoration Law Enters Into Force – What’s Next for Free-Flowing Rivers?

Nature Restoration Law Enters Into Force – What’s Next for Free-Flowing Rivers? The Nature Restoration Regulation (NRR) officially came into force on August 18, 2024, marking a significant milestone in…
Dam Removal Europe
Love27
NewsSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
November 6, 2024

Upcoming webinar! Culvert replacement: techniques and examples

Upcoming webinar! Culvert replacement: techniques and examples About the event We’re excited to announce an upcoming webinar focused on culvert replacement techniques and projects, scheduled for December 4, 2024 at…
Dam Removal Europe
Love29
NewsSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
October 23, 2024

Live from Portugal! Join us to celebrate the ongoing removal of the Perofilho Weir

Live from Portugal! Join us to celebrate the ongoing removal of the Perofilho Weir Connect to the Dam Removal Europe YouTube channel on October 29 at 13:00 CET We are…
Dam Removal Europe
Love29
NewsSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
October 23, 2024

Live from Italy! Celebrate with us the successful restoration of the Giovenco River

Live from Italy! Celebrate with us the successful restoration of the Giovenco River Watch the restoration project on the Dam Removal Europe YouTube channel We are excited to announce another…
Dam Removal Europe
Love29
NewsSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
October 21, 2024

Live from Spain! Join us to celebrate the removal of the Molino de Zúñiga Dam

Live from Spain! Join us to celebrate the removal of the Molino de Zúñiga Dam Connect to the Dam Removal Europe YouTube channel on October 25 at 12:00 CEST We…
Dam Removal Europe
Love29
NewsUpcoming Seminars/ workshops/ conferences and meetings
September 25, 2024

Expert Masterclass on Dam Removal

Register for the new online expert masterclass on dam removal! The World Fish Migration Foundation, Dam Removal Europe, WWF and European Rivers Network invite you to a 1-hour expert masterclass…
Dam Removal Europe
Love30
NewsSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
September 5, 2024

Live from Finland! Join us to celebrate the partial removal of the Holstenkoski Dam

Live from Finland! Join us to celebrate the partial removal of the Holstenkoski Dam Connect to the Dam Removal Europe YouTube channel on September 12 at 14:00 CEST We are…
Dam Removal Europe
Love29
NewsSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
September 3, 2024

Live from Latvia! Join us to celebrate a recent sluice removal in the Alūksne River

Live from Latvia! Join us to celebrate a recent sluice removal in the Alūksne River Connect to the Dam Removal Europe YouTube channel on September 13 at 13:00 CEST We…
Dam Removal Europe
Love29
NewsSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
August 21, 2024

Live from Belgium! Join us to celebrate a recent culvert removal in the Anlier and Rulles Rivers

Live from Belgium! Join us to celebrate a recent culvert removal in the Rulles and Anlier river basin Connect to the Dam Removal Europe YouTube channel on September 5 at…
Dam Removal Europe
Love29
News
July 25, 2024

Busting dam removal myths

How removing obsolete river barriers benefits nature and people In this climate crisis era, the frequency and severity of extreme weather events like floods, droughts, and heatwaves, call for a…
Dam Removal Europe
Love27
Dam removalNewsSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
July 18, 2024

Live from Lithuania! Join us to celebrate the Kruostas dam removal

Live from Lithuania! Join us to celebrate the Kruostas dam removal Live on the Dam Removal Europe YouTube channel on July 23, 14:00 CEST We are excited to announce an…
Dam Removal Europe
Love29
Live event celebrating Burn Mill Dam in River Leven, ScotlandDam removalNewsSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
July 11, 2024

Live from Scotland! Join us to celebrate a recent weir removal in River Leven

Live from Scotland! Join us to celebrate a recent weir removal in River Leven Live on the Dam Removal Europe YouTube channel on July 18, 11:00 CEST We are excited…
Dam Removal Europe
Love29
News
July 7, 2024

EU Environmental Council (finally) greenlights the Nature Restoration Law

A landmark for nature – and people! After two years of discussion and negotiations, we celebrate an historic achievement for nature! On June 17, 2024, the Nature Restoration Law (NRL)…
Dam Removal Europe
Love27
Bijela Rijeka river restorationDam removalNewsSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
June 10, 2024

Croatia kicks off its first barrier removal on Bijela Rijeka

On May 6, 2024, the works for the barrier removal in Croatia started on the Bijela Rijeka stream, marking a milestone in Croatia's river restoration efforts. The kick-off of the…
Dam Removal Europe
Love27
NewsSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
June 6, 2024

Live from England! Join us to celebrate a recent weir removal in the Evenlode Catchment

Live from England! Join us to celebrate a recent weir removal in the Evenlode Catchment Connect to the Dam Removal Europe YouTube channel on June 13th at 16:00 CEST We…
Dam Removal Europe
Love29
NewsSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
June 3, 2024

Free Flow Luxembourg: Celebrating World Fish Migration Day for the first time

Luxembourg takes a leap towards free(r)-flowing rivers   © Administration de la gestion de l’eau (AGE)  On May 21, Luxembourg celebrated World Fish Migration Day for the first time ever!…
Dam Removal Europe
Love27
News
April 18, 2024

Environmental vs. Heritage Interests: Supreme Court of Estonia rules in favour of Dam Removals

Estonian Supreme Court issues historic ruling expected to accelerate the Dam Removal Movement in Estonia. On January 15, 2024, the Supreme Court of Estonia made a historic ruling, setting a…
Dam Removal Europe
Love27
Dam removalNews
April 16, 2024

The Dam Removal Europe Award 2023 goes to…

The Dam Removal Europe Award 2023 goes to... Portugal! GEOTA from Portugal, winner of the Dam Removal Award 2023 Thanks to the removal of the Vaqueiros Weir in the Alviela…
Dam Removal Europe
Love36
Dam removalNewsScientific papers
April 15, 2024

New Report: Dam Removal Movement Breaks Barriers and Records

Torreval Dam, Spain © Pao Fernández Garrido Dam removals hit another all-time high in 2023: New Dam Removal report reveals a 50% increase in barriers removed across Europe.  The European…
Dam Removal Europe
Love53
NewsSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and MeetingsUpcoming Seminars/ workshops/ conferences and meetings
April 8, 2024

Free Flow Luxembourg – Seminar

Free Flow Luxembourg - Seminar Seminar on restoring free flowing rivers in Luxembourg by removing obsolete barriers When? May 21st, 2024: from 13:00 – 20:00 Central European Time (CET)  Where?…
Dam Removal Europe
Love29
Vote Now for the DRE Award!Dam removalNews
March 13, 2024

Vote now! Dam Removal Award Nominees 2023

Get to know the final Dam Removal Award 2023 nominees and vote on your favourite project Dam Removal Europe, the World Fish Migration Foundation, the European Investment Bank, and The…
Dam Removal Europe
Love27
Live event in Slovakia broadcasted from DRE YouTube channel on March 14 at 10h30 CET.NewsSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
March 5, 2024

Live from Slovakia! Join us to celebrate a river restoration success on Starohorský Creek

Live from Slovakia! Join us to celebrate a river restoration success on Starohorský Creek Mark your calendars for March 14th at 10:30 AM CET! WFMF and WWF’s offices in the…
Dam Removal Europe
Love29
Dam Removal Europe - Reconnecting African Rivers WebinarNewsSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
February 5, 2024

Webinar: Reconnecting African Rivers

Webinar: Reconnecting African Rivers Dam removal as a tool to improve river connectivity, improving fisheries and dealing with climate change. Register for this webinar on March 6, 2024, 13:00-14:30 CET/…
Dam Removal Europe
Love29
Dam removalNews
January 15, 2024

Historic Milestone for Rivers: preparations to remove the Iron Gate Dam on the Klamath River start today with a special visit from the Happy Fish

Born in the Netherlands, Happy Fish is travelling to the biggest dam removal project in the world to celebrate freer-flowing rivers and invite everyone to join World Fish Migration Day…
Dam Removal Europe
Love29
News
December 19, 2023

Nature Restoration Law: what’s new and what’s left with Julia Boverhoff

Understanding complex policy processes can often be difficult for laypeople, and the proposed Nature Restoration Law proves to be no exception. To decode the latest developments, we interviewed Julia Boverhoff,…
Dam Removal Europe
Love27
News
December 7, 2023

Dam Removal Activities in Latvia

Over Europe, more and more countries are realizing obstacle removal is an efficient tool for river restoration. In 2022 Latvia reported its first dam removal (which was, in fact, a…
Dam Removal Europe
Love27
News
December 5, 2023

Free Flow Conference 2024 – Full programme out now!

Check out the full programme for the Free Flow Conference! April 15-17, 2024 | Oosterpoort, Groningen, The Netherlands The World Fish Migration Foundation & Institute of Fisheries Management, invite you…
Dam Removal Europe
Love27
Dam removalNews
December 4, 2023

Dam Removal Award 2023

European Dam Removal Award 2023 Once again, we're thrilled to present the European Dam Removal Award, celebrating the most inspiring riverine barrier removal projects in 2023. Rivers teeming with fish…
Dam Removal Europe
Love27
NewsSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
November 13, 2023

First international conference on dam removal in Romania

For the first time in Romania, a large-scale international conference discussed the problem of obsolete dams and artificial barriers on rivers. The event "Our waters - restoring the longitudinal connectivity…
Dam Removal Europe
Love30
News
October 30, 2023

One step closer to free-flowing rivers: Four countries pave the way for scaling up dam removal in Southeastern Europe

One step closer to free-flowing rivers: Four countries pave the way for scaling up dam removal in Southeastern Europe Scaling up dam removal: implementation plan for Southeastern (SE) Europe is…
Dam Removal Europe
Love29
NewsSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
September 18, 2023

6th Dam Removal Europe Cafe

Full removal or replacement/remodeling? Can the latter be also an effective way towards river restoration? In the context of in-stream barrier removals, we often discuss whether a barrier can be…
Dam Removal Europe
Love30
Dam removalNewsUpcoming Seminars/ workshops/ conferences and meetings
September 7, 2023

Dam Removal Course

Take part in the Dam Removal Course prepared by lead experts in the field Laura Wildman and Lisa Hollingsworth-Segedy About the course This is a Dam Removal course led by…
Dam Removal Europe
Love27
News
August 9, 2023

An introduction to the Nature Restoration Law

Photo: Tagliamento River, Italy © Niccolò Sala Nature Restoration Law: what does it mean for rivers?  Healthy ecosystems are vital for human well-being. Rivers, forests, and oceans – and, in principle, all…
Dam Removal Europe
Love37
News
August 3, 2023

Predicting dam removal costs: US scientists make it possible!

Through the analysis of over 650 dam removal projects over 55 years in the United States, scientists developed databases and a tool that helps predict dam removal costs Scientists from…
Dam Removal Europe
Love27
News
July 25, 2023

Dam Removal Award 2022: Get to know all the projects!

Get to know all the candidate projects for the European Dam Removal Award 2022 ABOUT THE AWARD Dam Removal Europe presents the annual Dam Removal Award. This is the first…
Dam Removal Europe
Love36
NewsUpcoming Seminars/ workshops/ conferences and meetings
June 16, 2023

Free Flow 2024 – International conference on protecting and restoring free-flowing rivers in Europe

The World Fish Migration Foundation & Institute of Fisheries Management, invite you to a 3-day conference that revolves around the protection and restoration of Free-Flowing Rivers in Europe. April 15-17,…
Dam Removal Europe
Love27
Dam removalNews
May 18, 2023

The Dam Removal Europe Award 2022 goes to…

The Dam Removal Europe Award 2022 goes to... Spain! With the removal of the weirs of the Molino Bajo and Molino del Cabrillas, in the Cabrillas River, Spain took the…
Dam Removal Europe
Love36
NewsSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
May 4, 2023

5th Dam Removal Europe Cafe

Summer is near! But, before you hit the beach, join the 5th DRE Cafe to celebrate recent unique removals and learn about upcoming projects!  Let’s ride the wave! JUNE 8th…
Dam Removal Europe
Love29
Dam removalNewsScientific papers
April 23, 2023

New DRE report reveals another record-breaking year for dam removal in Europe

© Aqua Viva - WWF Switzerland Dams are coming down all over Europe: New report reveals another record-breaking year for dam removal in 2022 with a new country joining the movement The…
Dam Removal Europe
Love53
NewsSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
April 10, 2023

Free Flow Webinar vol.2 – barrier removal for river restoration in the river basins of the Rhine, Scheldt, Meuse and Ems

The Drentsche Aa, Dutch free-flowing river that became biodiversity hotspot The World Fish Migration Foundation & Wetlands International, on behalf of the Dam Removal Europe Coalition, invite you to a…
Dam Removal Europe
Love27
NewsSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
April 3, 2023

Dam Removal Award Nominees 2022

European Dam Removal Award Nominees 2022 Dear River Community! Herby, we announce that the Award Jury has decided on 5 projects that are nominated for the Dam Removal Award 2022.…
Dam Removal Europe
Love35
Dam removalFish MigrationNews
March 29, 2023

Galaxes dam removal in Portugal

Portugal takes one step further in river restoration and starts a national petition urging more dam removals! On the same day that the removal of an obsolete river barrier in…
Dam Removal Europe
Love51
NewsSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
January 31, 2023

Dam Removal Award

European Dam Removal Award 2022 We are excited to announce the European Dam Removal Award 2022 for the most inspiring riverine barrier removal. Rivers full of fish and thriving communities…
Dam Removal Europe
Love27
Dam removalSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
January 24, 2023

UK Dam Removal Conference

May 18-19th, 2023 - Manchester, UK Overview It is estimated that there are some 50 to 60,000 dams, weirs and culverts on UK rivers, including structures built for industry, agriculture…
Dam Removal Europe
Love27
NewsSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
January 16, 2023

4th Dam Removal Europe Cafe

New year, new removals, new hope for our rivers! Join the 4th DRE Café to celebrate recent successes and learn about upcoming projects! Let’s ride the wave! **************************************************************************************** MARCH 2nd,…
Dam Removal Europe
Love27
NewsScientific papers
December 13, 2022

AMBER BARRIER TRACKER report is here !

For the last 4 years citizens have been tracking riverine barriers in Europe through the AMBER Barrier Tracker¹ app. More than 2800 people have recorded more than 10500 barriers in…
Dam Removal Europe
Love28
Dam removalSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
December 12, 2022

Free Flow Webinar

About the Free Flow The Free Flow project focuses on the question of how dam removal is understood as a river restoration tool and applied in relation to the new European biodiversity target free-flowing…
Dam Removal Europe
Love27
Dam removalFish MigrationNews
November 14, 2022

Celebrating the second removal in Hiitolanjoki river

Celebrating the second removal in Hiitolanjoki river An inspiring day at the site where the 8-meters Lahnasenkoski dam used to stand until a few months ago. Local newspapers, the national…
Dam Removal Europe
Love50
Dam removalDocumentary/ movieNews
October 24, 2022

Jeremy Wade celebrates Bowston Weir removal!

After 150 years blocking the Kent River, the 3-metre-high Bowston Weir was finally demolished this past June. This was the largest river barrier removal in the UK this year. The…
Dam Removal Europe
Love27
NewsSeminars/ Workshops/ Conferences and Meetings
October 11, 2022

3rd Dam Removal Europe Cafe

 Fall is in full swing, so get cozy and join the 3rd edition of our DRE Café, where we will celebrate the latest barriers to fall (pun intended) and warm…
Dam Removal Europe
Love27
Dam removalDocumentary/ movieNews
October 7, 2022

Dambusters Documentary

Dambusters is out now! Follow the journey of Pao Fernández Garrido across five European countries to learn why barriers are being removed and who are the river heroes behind it.…
Dam Removal Europe
Love29
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,…
Dam Removal Europe
Love48
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…
Dam Removal Europe
Love48
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…
Dam Removal Europe
Love28
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…
Dam Removal Europe
Love48
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…
Dam Removal Europe
Love27
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…
Dam Removal Europe
Love28
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…
Dam Removal Europe
Love28
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…
Dam Removal Europe
Love27
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
Love28
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
Love27
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
Love27
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
Love19
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…
Dam Removal Europe
Love46
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…
Dam Removal Europe
Love47
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…
Dam Removal Europe
Love46
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.…
Dam Removal Europe
Love46
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…
Dam Removal Europe
Love46
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
Love27
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,…
Dam Removal Europe
Love44
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…
Dam Removal Europe
Love46
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…
Dam Removal Europe
Love46
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…
Dam Removal Europe
Love46
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…
Dam Removal Europe
Love46
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…
Dam Removal Europe
Love44
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…
Dam Removal Europe
Love47
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…
Dam Removal Europe
Love44
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…
Dam Removal Europe
Love44
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…
Dam Removal Europe
Love45
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…
Dam Removal Europe
Love44
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…
Dam Removal Europe
Love43
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
Love44
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
Love41
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
Love41
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
Love41
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
Love19
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
Love40
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
Love40
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 Removal Europe
Love39
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
Love39
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
Love39
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
Love39
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
Love38
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
Love38
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
Love38
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
Love36
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
Love35
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
Love35
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
Love34
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
Love27
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
Love34
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
Love33
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
Love35
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
Love32
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
Love26
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
Love32
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
Love31
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
Love31
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
Love32
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
Love30
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
Love29
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
Love28
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
Love30
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
Love27
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
Love23
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
Love24
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
Love21
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
Love25
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
Love22
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
Love20
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
Love22
Lake_Acksjön_damDam 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
Love18
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
Love21
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
Love17
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
Love21
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
Love16
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
Love21
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
Love16
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
Love20
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
Love20
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
Love19
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
Love17
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
Love16
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
Love19
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
Love16
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
Love20
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
Love16
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
Love11
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
Love10
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
Love10
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
Love10
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
Love15
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
Love10
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
Love9
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
Love10
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
Love9
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
Love9
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
Love10
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
Love8
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
Love7
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
Love7
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
Love8
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
Love9
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
Love7
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
Love4
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
Love6
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
Love5
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
Love4
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
Love5
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
Love12
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
Love4
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
Love4
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
Love4
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
Love4
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
Love4
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
Love3
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
Love3
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
Love3
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
Love4
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
Love3
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
Love4
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…
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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),…
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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.…
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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…
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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…
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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)…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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