It’s been another fine year for dismantling river barriers in Europe, with almost 500 removed in 15 countries across the continent.
The latest figures come from Dam Removal Europe (DRE), a coalition of river activists, volunteers and conservation bodies that aim to reverse biodiversity loss by restoring free-flowing waterways. DRE said that 487 dams, culverts, sluices and weirs were ripped down in 2023 – up nearly 50% on the previous year. France led the way with 156 barriers removed. The UK came in fifth with 36.
Overall, the initiatives reconnected 4,300km (2,672 miles) of waterways, and improved safety as well as habitats: for the first time, DRE’s annual report collected information on the dangers dams pose to recreational river users, linking them to 129 fatalities over recent years.
“From France to Finland, communities, companies and countries are investing in removing obsolete and increasingly risky barriers to improve river health for people and nature,” said Herman Wanningen, director of the World Fish Migration Foundation.
Image: Catalan Water Agency
