Towards the restoration of rivers and aquatic environments - A collection of river hydromorphology restoration examples

Données du document
Authoring structure(s)
Agence française pour la biodiversité - AFB
Editor(s)
Onema
Agence française pour la biodiversité - AFB
Ressources
Collection
Recueils d'expériences
Edition date
Type
Note / data sheet (including project management reports)
Image
Contenu

The collection presents more than 60 examples of river hydromorphology restoration undertaken over the past 20 years throughout France. These actions aim to preserve river hydromorphology or to re-establish hydromorphological processes of rivers.

The first part of this publication provides basic information on the benefits of restoration, given that river dynamics lie at the origin of biodiversity and good ecological conditions, and the fact that aquatic environments have much to offer society, etc.

Chapters and cards

Many services to society depend on the quality of aquatic environments (Why restore? Part 2)

The natural environment provides many services (also called amenities) to human societies, thus contributing to their development and well-being. The majority of the services provided depend on the conservation status of ecosystems.

 


River dynamics lie at the origin of biodiversity and good ecological status (Why restore? Part 1)

Transformations of rivers and their habitats are referred to as ”river dynamics” and are explained by physical and biological phenomena.
In order to preserve these phenomena, which are one of the driving forces for the biodiversity of the river system, it is essential to understand river dynamics...

 


Some examples from the collection

Preservation of the river

Partial or total weir/dam removal

 

River gravel input

 

Returning the watercourse to its original bed

 

Remeandering

 

Riverbank protection removal

 

Reopening of a culverted river

 

Reconnection of side arms

 

Pond removal or derivation

 

Improving the ecology of navigable rivers

Picto drapeau France

Le recueil d’expériences sur l’hydromorphologie | Recueils d'expériences | January 2021

Le recueil d’expériences sur l’hydromorphologie des cours d’eau, destiné aux acteurs de l’eau et partenaires locaux a pour ambition d’inciter à la mise en œuvre de nouvelles actions de restaurations physiques du cours d’eau. Il regroupe sous forme de fiches, des arguments en faveur de la restauration des cours d’eau et présente plus de 120 exemples d’opérations qui ont eu lieu ces 20 dernières années.

RecueilHydro_couv

To read on the same subject

Why restore river continuity ? | Book | September 2010

In France, more than 60000 structures - dams, locks, weirs and mills - have been listed on rivers and are potential obstacles to river continuity. Important regulatory texts focus on biological continuity between major natural sites and within aquatic environments. In practical terms, these regulatory texts lead us to increase our collective efforts and actions in favour of restoring river continuity.

RPP2010_RiverContinuity_cover
Périmètre du document
Geographic extent
Internationale
Regions
France and other countries
Language
English
Cadre réglementaire
Directive cadre sur l'eau (DCE)
Environments
Milieux aquatiques continentaux
Milieux humides
Areas of action
Gestion des habitats et espèces
Données et connaissances
Activities
Gestion d'espaces naturels et/ou espèces