Parsęta River Coalition
One of the most ambitious restoration projects in Poland has begun on the Parsęta River. And it's not just about nature conservation. It's about revitalizing the entire ecosystem – including the king of migratory fish: the Atlantic salmon.
On May 20-21, the Luboradza Pomeranian Manor became the center of discussions about the future of Polish rivers. The "LIFE for Rivers" project was officially launched there – an initiative bringing together local governments, scientists, environmental organizations, and institutions responsible for water management. Representatives from the Association of Cities and Municipalities of the Parsęta River Basin, Wody Polskie (Polish Waters), the WWF Poland Foundation, the Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW), the Inland Fisheries Institute in Olsztyn – National Research Institute, the Institute of Oceanology of the Polish Academy of Sciences and international partners Blue Rivers Foundation and the University of Vigo. This is where local government meets science. Environmentalists collaborate with hydrologists. Water management institutions are in talks with social organizations.
Grand opening with strong support
Wednesday's meeting opened with presentations from key figures in the Polish water management and local government. Speakers included Anna Mieczkowska (Chairwoman of the Management Board of the Regional Water Management Authority in Szczecin), Michał Durka (Director of the Regional Water Management Authority in Szczecin), Hanna Piasecka (Department of Foreign Funds at the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management in Warsaw), and Waldemar Miśko (President of the Regional Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management in Szczecin). All speakers unanimously emphasized that "LIFE for Rivers" is a key step towards modern, sustainable protection of Pomerania's rivers, based on EU climate standards.
Parsęta: A Phenomenon on the Map of Europe
Why was this river the heart of the project? The Parsęta River boasts the longest free-flowing river in Pomerania without hydrotechnical barriers – approximately 55 km of pristine river, and the target passable zone for aquatic life is a staggering 144 km. Unfortunately, historical human activity (over 100 dams were built here in the past) and contemporary river fragmentation have led to a drastic decline in the population of migratory species. A symbol of these changes is the Atlantic salmon – a species considered critically endangered in Poland. Currently, its presence in the Parsęta basin is estimated at only 200–300 adult individuals per year. The "LIFE for Rivers" project aims to increase this population by opening migration routes and restoring rapids and gravel spawning grounds.
Theory Meets Practice
After the conference, expert participants, local government officials, and project partners traveled to the upper, almost wild section of the Parsęta River. Experts analyzed locations for future restoration activities:
- removing artificial barriers,
- recreating natural rapids,
- introducing large tree trunks and dead wood into the stream,
- rebuilding riparian vegetation.
The "LIFE for Rivers" project demonstrates that effective nature conservation does not exclude humans – the activities are aimed at developing sustainable fishing and tourism, while rigorously protecting Natura 2000 habitats.
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
