Evaluating the outcome of river rehabilitation projects

Over the next 80 years, 4,000 km of watercourses will be revitalised in Switzerland! This offers a unique opportunity to learn from the implemented measures for future projects. However, the learning process in the context of this multi-generational task is only possible if

•  data on the implementation and impact of the revitalisation measures is available,
•  this information is also comparable with each other, i.e. it has been collected in a standardised way,
•  longer-term effects are recorded in addition to short-term changes,
•  the causes of a particular effect are identified.

The aim of our project is to develop options for action ("variants") for

1) project-specific impact monitoring as part of the revitalisation programme agreement

2) long-term impact monitoring on selected revitalisation projects.

The methodological requirements are defined, in particular using existing tools. Consequences are also outlined, taking into account synergies with ongoing activities in other areas (e.g. flood protection).

The variants are developed in close dialogue with practitioners and national and international researchers.