Online seminar by Living Rivers Foundation as part of the Rivers for Climate Coalition and the Water Working Group of the German Forum on Environment and Development celebrating World Fish Migration Day 2026

Rivers are the lifelines of our planet. With their floodplains, they provide diverse natural habitats for migratory fish, small animals and many semi-aquatic species as well as drinking water resources and room for recreational activities. At the same time, they constitute crystallisation spaces for human use and settlement, are diked, channelled and dammed with transverse structures to enable agricultural irrigation, generate hydroelectric power, protect against flooding and allow for enhanced navigation.

At our seminar, we will hear about plans to remove 4 dams at the Columbia Snake River allowing for better salmon runs and better access to vast spawning grounds. The Vjosa River in Albania has been declared the first River National Park. At the same time many pristine rivers are facing severe setbacks in the name of mainly small Hydropower developments. We take the Blue Heart of Europe Campaign on board to give us an insight. We will also establish links to the activities on removing barriers in small rivers in Germany. WWF Germany is invited to report on their activities.

The online seminar will be in English and include presentations, video clips and a river talk.

Kayeloni Scott, Executive Director, Columbia Snake River Campaign

Amelie Huber, Euronatur, Blue Heart of Europe – Balkan Rivers

Sigrun Lange, WWF Germany, Barrier Removal in Bavaria/Germany

Moderator:        Michael Bender, Living Rivers Foundation