Ambition
We aim to inspire and activate practitioners around Europe to tear down out-of-use dams. To do this, we showcase and share successful experiences and lessons learned. It is our intention to make dam removal a viable measure for river managers across Europe. We are supported by the Dutch Postcode Lottery and many other partners to scale up dam removal in Europe. And step by step we are moving towards a global movement.
Dam Removal Europe aims 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 fish for all to benefit.Dam Removal Europe started officially in April of 2016 when a few organizations partnered together and began the first dam removal movement at European level. After 5 years of research DRE findings are astonishing; fantastic national river barrier removal inventories, national policies, and overall, important barrier removal successes which were not only positive for nature, but also for people.
This is why, we decided to film a selection of these great cases, and show the rest of the world that freeing rivers from barriers it is much more than fish and, we all need to know.
DamBusters is a documentary which follows the journey around the world of Spanish engineer, Pao Fernandez Garido, meeting river heroes in their passionate quest to restore their rivers and ecosystems. In the first sequel, the documentary will show stories from different European countries and later it will go global.
Process
Dam removal is already taking place in some parts of Europe. These removals are local initiatives driven by many enthusiastic community members and stakeholders. However, there are still at least 100,000 obsolete barriers that are fragmenting and choking our rivers! Now, is the time to locate and remove them to restore life and biodiversity to Europe's freshwater ecosystems. Often, lack of awareness, knowledge, support and funding for dam removals are bottlenecks. The Dam Removal Europe coalition provides support for and addresses each of these challenges to allow for not only more dam removals but also to reenforce removal projects with the proper tools. Through this predominantly bottom up process, we can create a holistic approach to remove dams and reap the benefits.
