LIFE GoodWater IP project is organizing the international conference “Let the waters flow: removal of dams, weirs and other obstacles for improvement of water quality and aquatic ecosystems in rivers” to introduce the implemented actions, plans and challenges in Latvia as well as to learn from good practices in other European countries. Conference will be held on 20-21 September 2023 in Cēsis, Latvia.
Dams or other obstructions on rivers not only hinder fish migration, but also have a negative impact on the entire river ecosystem and biodiversity. In Latvia, there are more than 1200 obstacles on rivers that impacts significantly more than half of river water bodies. Restoration of the natural flow of rivers face not only technological and financial problems, but also administrative, legal and socio-cultural barriers, requiring comprehensive knowledge and co-operation among experts and various stakeholders.
In organization of the conference LIFE GoodWater IP project is cooperating with the Dam Removal Europe to build the conference agenda and bring experts to share their knowledge on restoring the biodiversity of European Rivers.
During the first day (September 20) we plan a field trip to the North-eastern part of Latvia to see the sites where removal of dams or other obstructions have been already implemented (including Beja Dam on river Alūksne) or expected. On the second day (September 21) conference will be held in Cēsis (address: Castle Complex-Exhibition Hall, Pils laukums 9, Cēsis, LV-4101) from 9:00 till 17:30.
The conference is planned as face-to-face event. Participation at the conference is free of charge. Costs for catering during the conference and field trip will be covered by the LIFE GoodWater IP project. Registration to the conference is open until September 5, 2023 by filling online form HERE.
For more information, please contact Anda Ruskule (anda.ruskule@bef.lv) about the conference programme and/or Līga Kārkle (liga.karkle@bef.lv) about the technical arrangements.
—————————————————————————————————————————————————–
The integrated project “Implementation of River Basin Management Plans of Latvia towards good surface water status” (LIFE GOODWATER IP, LIFE18 IPE/LV/000014) has received funding from the LIFE Programme of the European Union and the State Regional Development Agency. Please find out about the project: https://goodwater.lv/en
The overall ambition of Dam Removal Europe is to restore rivers in Europe that have high natural or cultural importance. Currently, there are many of these rivers in Europe that are fragmented by obsolete dams and weirs. By removing these barriers, we can once again have healthy free-flowing rivers full of fishes for all to benefit. Please find out about the project: https://damremoval.eu/
