The large European collaborative project EcoAdvance has conducted an interview with Improve Aquatic LIFE project manager Karin Olsson. In an online interview, they discuss the ongoing Swedish restoration efforts to improve aquatic ecosystems and the challenges and obstacles faced – and how to learn from them.
EcoAdvance – Advancing Freshwater Restoration is a collaborative project focused on restoring freshwater ecosystems in Europe. The project aims to develop and disseminate effective methods for the restoration of rivers, lakes and wetlands through knowledge exchange, innovative solutions and collaboration between authorities, researchers and practitioners. The aim is to improve biodiversity, ecosystem services and water quality in line with EU environmental objectives, in particular the Water Framework Directive and the Biodiversity Strategy.
Source-to-sea restoration projects improve conditions for biodiversity and endangered species
Restoration from source to sea
In this interview, EcoAdvance and Karin Olsson discuss how, after decades of human impact through pollution, straightening and dams, Sweden is now investing in restoring its waterways. Restoration projects stretching from source to sea are improving conditions for biodiversity and endangered species such as salmon and river pearl mussels. But the work is hampered by lengthy permitting processes and conflicting regulations that require collaboration and long-term commitment to overcome.
On EcoAdvance’s website there is a summary of the interview, as well as the opportunity to take part in the entire interview. Here is a shorter summary and translation:
– Most watercourses in Sweden have changed over time. After decades of pollution, flow changes, straightening, draining and damming of our rivers, restoration measures are now needed to improve aquatic ecosystems in Sweden. “The main focus of the projects is to work with a holistic approach to implement the restoration measures needed from source to sea,” says Karin Olsson.
Mark Morris from EcoAdvance interviews Karin Olsson, project manager of Improve Aquatic LIFE. Screenshot from Youtube.
What impact have the projects had on biodiversity?
– Further monitoring will provide a better picture of the impact. However, the monitoring results collected so far show that habitats in the watercourses have improved in a very short time, and we can expect increased biodiversity and fish migration of threatened fish species such as salmonids and sea lamprey in those watercourses where migration barriers have been removed and habitats restored. As host fish populations increase, threatened mussel species such as the pearl mussel and the thick-shelled mussel also benefit.
What were the work challenges you faced and how did you overcome them?
– One of the main challenges in large-scale restoration is the process of obtaining permits and licenses. In Sweden, this involves a court process that often takes time and involves multiple, sometimes conflicting, interests, making it difficult to implement appropriate restoration measures. Early dialogue and consultation with stakeholders can facilitate the process. Comprehensive feasibility studies can also make the court process shorter and less time-consuming.
What lessons can be transferred to other sites and projects?
– The biggest problem is often the societal perception of the river basin. Changing public and political opinion and raising awareness takes time and commitment. Conflicting interests – and sometimes even conflicting legislation – can be an obstacle. There is a need to harmonize different directives and policies, so that they do not contradict each other and hinder efforts to improve our ecosystems and environment.
