Integrated River Management Project

Rivers are diverse ecosystems, both regarding their habitats and species presence. Further, they are characterized by a pronounced connectivity with their surroundings: in the longitudinal dimension from the source to the mouth, laterally with the banks and floodplains, and vertically with the groundwater. Humans have been exploiting rivers for centuries and have reduced the longitudinal connectivity and habitat diversity with dams, weirs and embankments. The research project "Integrated River Management" investigated management measures with which diverse and well-connected rivers can be promoted.
The following two main topics were explored:

1. Interaction between structural flood protection measures and habitat diversity in rivers;
2. Effects of impaired longitudinal and lateral connectivity on the diversity and functioning of aquatic communities. One focus was on block ramps and tributary confluences.