Rhone-Thur


Many Swiss rivers have been channelized, straightened and regulated over the last 150 years. These impacts have led to the ecological degradation of rivers and streams. Furthermore, channelized rivers often no longer provide adequate protection against floods. River restoration should therefore improve flood protection and restore the ecological diversity of rivers, their ecosystem functions, and their scenic attributes. The Rhone-Thur project aimed to scientifically accompany and support restoration measures, with a special focus on local river widening on the Rhone and the Thur River. An important focus was on monitoring and evaluation and decision-making. Monitoring and evaluation is important because it can be used to assess the effects of restoration measures on the ecosystem and local populations. Decision-making studies showed how important stakeholders can be involved in the planning process. On the Rhone River, an additional focus was on hydropeaking.

With diverse ecological, physico-chemical and socio-economic studies, practical insights were gained for future restoration projects in Switzerland and abroad.


Overview article on the content and structure of the project for download

Ökologie der Rhone - Resultate aktueller Erhebungen des Forschungsprojekts "Rhone-Thur" Peter, A., (Hrsg.) 2004, Wasser Energie Luft 96 (11/12): 299-330. [pdf, 2 MB]

Project phase

Concluded
2002-2006

Project leaders' team

Jean-Louis Boillat (LCH)
Roland Fäh (VAW)
Felix Kienast (WSL)
Armin Peter (Eawag)

Advisory group

Federal authorities: Hans Peter Willi (FOWG)
Cantonal authorities: Leo Kalt (SG), Nicolas Mettan (VS), Willy Müller (BE), Pius Niederhauser (ZH), Bruno Schelbert (AG), Markus Zumsteg (AG)
Other institutions: Peter Baumann (Limnex AG), Tom Buijse (RIZA), Fredy Elber (AquaPlus), Markus Jud (Linthverwaltung), Andreas Knutti (WWF)

Steering board

Federal authorities: Bruno Schädler (FOWG), Erich Staub (SAEFL)
Cantonal authorities: Marco Baumann (TG), Dominique Bérod (VS)
Research institutions: Ulrich Bundi (Eawag), Hans-Erwin Minor (VAW), Anton Schleiss (LCH), Otto Wildi (WSL)

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