Department Environmental Social Sciences

The aim of this project is the conservation and restoration of biodiversity in water bodies and strengthen their resilience to climate change through integrated water body restoration. The project is funded by the Wyss Academy for Nature, the Canton of Bern and the Federal Office for the Environment.

Inland water biodiversity is considerably more endangered than biodiversity in terrestrial ecosystems. This is due to a range of use-related interventions, such as canalization, eutrophication, and hydropower generation, all of which have an adverse impact on waterbodies. Climate change, which generates higher water temperatures and variations in runoff, is a compounding element. Rather than isolated waterbody interventions, efforts should be focused on broadly coordinated, integrated restoration strategies that fulfil environmental goals.

Firstly, the relevant baseline data of diversity of fish species will be compiled. In parallel, a network of the social and ecological actors in the test region will be set up. Furthermore, a participatory approach involving a multitude of stakeholders and target groups will be launched in order to collectively identify the need for action. The knowledge generated will be transferable beyond the canton to all of Switzerland.

If you want to know more about the project “Stopping biodiversity loss in waterbodies – despite climate change” , please visit the project’s website.