RIVERS-REST
River Restoration to Reduce Erosion and the Transport of Sediments and Pollutants to the Atlantic
RIVERS-REST addresses the urgent need to restore the natural transport of sediments and reduce the pollution carried by rivers to the oceans. These phenomena have serious effects on the environment and the Blue Economy because they harm marine biodiversity, hinder river navigation, and prevent the natural regeneration of river and coastal beaches.
Objectives
These problems stem from the alteration of rivers and inadequate agricultural practices. RIVERS-REST tackles them through pilot projects designed to test technical and governance solutions that reduce erosion and the loss of agricultural soils, minimize chemical runoff, and decrease the presence of fine sediments in rivers, which are responsible for oxygen depletion and disrupting their natural functioning.
Challenges
These pilot projects will evaluate Nature-based Solutions to mitigate four processes affecting river and marine ecosystems, as well as associated economic activities:
Erosion and loss of agricultural soils resulting from the intensive and inappropriate use of heavy machinery and the removal of vegetation cover.
Alteration of river morphology and function by hydraulic infrastructure designed according to criteria and objectives from 75-100 years ago, which are now outdated.
Alteration of sediment transport due to river regulation and the construction of dams and reservoirs, necessary for managing water reserves and preventing floods.
The runoff of agricultural pollutants due to the excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides, with high economic costs, low profitability, and negative environmental effects.
Project Progress
News |
June 2, 2026
RIVERS-REST in the Nouvelle Aquitaine european projects forum
The Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region organized the regional forum on European territorial cooperation on May 27th, 2026, at the Hotel de la Région in Bordeaux. The event provided an opportunity to present various calls for transnational cooperation projects and to share feedback on past and ongoing projects. Sixteen show-spaces were set up…
News |
May 4, 2026
Coordination and Monitoring Meeting in Dublin
The RIVERS-REST Steering Committee held its April meeting in Dublin. Our partner, Trinity College Dublin, hosted the RIVERS-REST Coordination and Monitoring Meeting in its historic facilities.
Experimental Pilots
Institutions involved in Rivers-Rest
