The Oder River flood proved that obstructing riparian wetlands and excessive use of the rivers can have disastrous results – and that nature will strike back. For some time now dike constructors have been drawing lessons from their past mistakes. They are trying to restore the rivers to near their natural state with more leeway and room for life in general. This means not only a visual improvement, it also supports flora and fauna. A new water law is helping the dike constructors in Baden-Württemberg. So intentions are good. But in practice, river restoration is meandering between given practical limitations and the good will to free the rivers from their straight jackets.

Supported by the Ministry for Public Lands