Revitalization of Rhön waterways: a look at the revival of streams and rivers in the Rhön region
Rivers and streams in Bavaria, connecting different habitats, serve as a home for countless animal and plant species. However, these waterways face challenges, with inputs from sewage treatment plants and adjacent agricultural areas causing further stress to their inhabitants.
The increased water temperature of many flowing waters is a deficiency, leading to reduced oxygen levels and poor self-cleaning capabilities. This, in turn, offers few suitable habitats for typical and specialized stream and river inhabitants.
To address these issues, several projects have been initiated. The 'On to livable brooks' and 'River.Free.Space' projects, for instance, are working with municipalities, water management, agriculture and forestry, nature conservation, and voluntary helpers to restore rivers in Lower Franconia.
Dismantling weirs is a central step in this restoration process. By removing these barriers, rivers come alive again, serving as nurseries for many species. Dismantling weirs also provides cool, shaded retreat spaces, which are particularly beneficial for species that prefer cold water and have a high oxygen requirement, such as trout or grayling.
In Bavaria, only 4% of weirs are currently passable for fish and other organisms. Dismantling unnecessary cross-structures is, therefore, crucial in restoring Bavaria's waters to balance.
The Rhön's streams and rivers, often straightened, polluted, and hindered by barriers, are also undergoing transformation. Dismantling weirs allows fish and other water dwellers to move freely in brooks and rivers, contributing to the increase in biodiversity, climate adaptation, and quality of life.
The 'Masterplan Wasser – Protecting Livelihoods' is another collaborative project supporting measures for the release and renaturation of streams and rivers in Germany. This programme involves municipalities, water management, agriculture, forestry, nature and species protection, and volunteers to implement renaturation, water retention, and pollutant reduction measures.
Moreover, the 'Monitoring Epe' project uses satellite technology combined with local data and citizen knowledge to monitor geological processes affecting water bodies. This project offers opportunities for public involvement in discussions and the implementation of sustainable protection measures.
Unfortunately, four out of five flowing waters in Bavaria do not meet the 'good ecological status' required by the EU. However, with ongoing projects and public participation, there is hope for the restoration and preservation of these vital waterways.
In conclusion, a freely flowing, healthy river is a dynamic ecosystem that should be allowed to wriggle, overflow its banks, and clean itself. With the removal of weirs and the collective efforts of various organisations and individuals, Bavaria's rivers and streams are on a journey towards balance and biodiversity.
