In 2024, Europe dismantled a record 542 river-blocking barriers including dams and weirs, marking an 11% increase from the previous year, according to Dam Removal Europe's annual report. This effort involved 23 countries, highlighting a growing commitment to river restoration as communities recognize the ecological benefits. Countries like Finland led the way with the most removals, while several nations executed their first projects. The removal of these barriers is crucial for combatting biodiversity loss and supporting freshwater ecosystems, as many rivers are heavily fragmented by historic obstructions.
Europe's efforts to remove river barriers have seen a significant uptick, with 542 dams taken down in 2024, benefiting biodiversity and climate resilience.
With 23 countries participating in dam removals, including first-time removals in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic, and Turkey, there's a growing commitment to river restoration.
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