Ignacio Rodríguez

Algunas ideas y reflexiones sobre la gobernanza de la restauración fluvial

River restoration is a field of knowledge that, in the European context and with some exceptions, is relatively recent. Moreover, rivers are highly complex systems that are difficult to understand, which is why we are still in an early stage in addressing these issues.

Despite these limitations, over the past 20 years, following the Water Framework Directive, a growing body of knowledge has been developed and is gradually gaining consistency. Here, in the Spanish part of the Duero basin, some of us, in collaboration with others beyond the Duero, have devoted considerable effort and energy to these matters. We are increasingly gaining clarity, better distinguishing what river restoration is and, above all, what it is not, when it should be carried out, and who should be responsible for it.

This presentation focuses on that: attempting to understand some of the intricacies of river restoration, while also touching upon its supporting sciences, its engineering, its regulatory framework, and, most importantly, its sociology. In this regard, it should be noted that rivers are objects of interest for many individuals and groups with completely opposing interests. This leads to a wide variety of target visions, sometimes conflicting, which can at times compromise river restoration efforts or even prevent them altogether. This is where governance becomes crucial, as the effective implementation of river restoration requires strong commitment from public administrations, especially water authorities through river basin organizations.

Inés Andrade

PRO~RIOS 2030: Governação integrada para a reabilitação e restauro fluvial em Portugal

Rivers and streams are essential ecosystems, ensuring water supply, agricultural irrigation, economic and recreational activities, as well as the provision of fundamental environmental services and support for biodiversity. However, the degradation of their ecological status, resulting from human pressures and the intensification of climate change, compromises their functioning and increases the vulnerability of territories to extreme events such as floods and droughts.

Pollution, channel modification, fragmentation of fluvial continuity, the proliferation of invasive species, and the overexploitation of water resources have led to a loss of ecological quality and resilience in river systems. In this context, it is necessary to adopt an active approach to rehabilitation and ecological restoration, based on nature-based solutions, in order to restore ecological functions, reduce risks, and enhance territorial value.

PRO-RIOS 2030 represents the operational response to this challenge in mainland Portugal, promoting integrated, decentralized, and participatory governance. It is strongly oriented towards implementation, supported by effective institutional coordination, diversified funding mechanisms, and the promotion of functional river corridors as continuous green and blue infrastructure. The programme also incorporates integrated territorial instruments and advanced monitoring and digitalization solutions, strengthening transparency, oversight, and the effectiveness of interventions.