Description (EN): Today urbanisation affects a river in many ways: a)physical structure:artificial walls replace reed beds and natural river banks, or in many cases the river is hidden underground,b) water quality: increased run-off from impervious surfaces such as roads, roofs and gardens, and contamination from industry discharges degrades water quality, c) ability to support wildlife: natural corridors, riparian zones and in-channel habitats are lost & d) water quantity: decreased flow and reduced groundwater levels through abstraction and increased flow from surface run-off, increased frequency of floods and reduced infiltration.River restoration and best practice management, is the core idea of the RIVER2RIVER project, aiming to address and reverse this degradation and achieve wide-ranging benefits that result in healthy rivers and catchments. CBC in the field of surface waters protection is still weak, as no common plans/actions on water monitoring, management and protection exist yet. Thus,the lack of cross-border coordination of actions is evident.Although, it can be challenging to undertake larger restoration projects in urban areas, due to cost and limited space, restoration can have a positive effect even at smaller scales, making use of sites that are available. Therefore, the motivation of the RIVER2RIVER project is to maximize such opportunities aiming to promote the necessity of CBC in water resources monitoring, management and protection, in line with the EU policy and, more specific, according to the provisions of the WFD, focusing mainly in the CB surface aquatic environments. The main goal of the project is to promote and ensure best practice restoration and management of rivers and their catchments under the EU WFD combining Green Infrastructure - Approach and water governance initiatives. Consequently, the main target groups from both sides, which RIVER2RIVER influences directly, are: a)Scientists, b)general public/citizens, c)fishermen, d)student community and e)local and regional government executives.The AF was circulated among partners for feedback & consultation.The RIVER2RIVER project's overall objective is in full accordance with the programme's specific objective of the thematic priority in which belongs: To Increase the effectiveness of environmental protection & sustainable use of natural resources, focusing in CB the river environments of Metsovo (GR) and Himara (AL) as case studies. The main outpouts are the Two(2) Small-scale river restoration projects will be realized at both participating areas: LB will perform Cleaning, Maintenance and Beds Restoration Works in selected Small Streams of Metsovos Municipal Community (GR), and PB3 will perform stream restoration works in a part of Visha river between the National Road VL-SR till the Sea Delta.
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Expected Results (EN): The expected RIVER2RIVER direct results are specifically linked and contribute to the Programmes result indicators. The expected results of this project are: Multidimensional contribution to the goals of Greece and Albania towards 2020. Specifically for the Greek region, water management policies will be initialized in view of the new programming period (2014-2020), through the specialization of the "Europe 2020" strategy and future cohesion policy. Role of the EU and of the project partners in the monitoring, management and protection of the water resources and especially surface waters, of the project area recognized. Cross-border communication among partners and among stakeholders of both countries established and awareness of the general public regarding environmental protection and sustainable water management raised. Cross-border cooperation among the project competent authorities improved. Capacity of the competent authorities and other relevant stakeholders (i.e. water managers, experts etc.), regarding the requirements and provisions for the implementation of the WFD, build. Conclusions regarding the ecological status of Metsovos and Himaras rivers. Proposals for possible solutions drafted. Being flexible, RIVER2RIVER will be able to produce achievable and realistic results, based on a very specific and realistic time plan.
Read more Expected Outputs (EN): Outputs from WP1 include the management and coordination procedures.WP2 concerns the dissemination of the project results and includes a Communication/Visibility Plan, the Project's website, Project promotion material, Press & Online Publications, and Laymans report. I.Surface Waters' Attainment of Ecological Flow: Small-scale Restoration Actions (WP3). 2 Small-scale river restoration projects:a) Cleaning, Maintenance and Beds Restoration Works in Small Streams of Metsovos Municipal Community (GR), b) Stream restoration of Visha river for the National Road VL-SR till the Sea Delta (AL-Himara) II. Approaching a CB Innovative and Sustainable Water Governance (WP4). 1 Joint Web-GIS Platform for Urban Rivers of the CB area. 1 Guide (e-book and Hard-copy version) on Best Practices and Techniques for Sustainable Water Governance at the CB Area.1 Multi-stakeholder technical plattform & Forum for consultation purposes concerning CB surface water management and monitoring and or sharing best practices and lessons learnt for policy makers, practitioners and researchers of river restoration III. Application of Mild/Environmentally-Friendly techniques for Restoration of Native Fish Species in Riverine Ecosystems (WP5). Organization of two (2) Joint Thematic Consultation Meetings with Stakeholders concerning the WFD. 1 scientific analysis report on Carrying Capacity and State (ecological and Fishfauna) of the CB Aquatic ecosystems. Package of actions for Restoration of Native Fish Species in Metsovos Riverine Ecosystems (in situ) IV. Actions ensuring Sustainability, durability and transferability of the Project's Outputs. 1 Joint Sustainability study of the Project's Results, 2 Joint Thematic Workshops in Greece concerning capacity building on the field of WFD Implementation, 1 Project's Final Joint Debriefing Conference Surface area supported in order to attain a better conservation status: 31.250 ha.
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