Germany's waterway revival tour highlights flood defenses and ecological gains
Environment Secretary Andre Baumann and state lawmaker Rüdiger Tonojan visited waterway restoration projects in Bahlingen, Riegel, and Teningen on March 27, 2026. The tour aimed to explore ways of reviving natural waterways while boosting flood defences and ecological health. The visit began in Bahlingen, where a completed project along the Glotter River demonstrated clear benefits. Wildlife habitats had improved, and flood protection had strengthened after restoration work.
Discussions then moved to Riegel and Teningen, focusing on the challenges of putting similar measures into practice. Bureaucratic hurdles and planning rules were highlighted as key obstacles. However, local representatives pointed out that many smaller-scale improvements—like adding deadwood, widening riverbanks, or adjusting flow patterns—could be done with minimal red tape during routine maintenance. The group agreed that restoring waterways was essential for biodiversity, climate adaptation, and regional growth. They also stressed the need to speed up and simplify future restoration efforts, particularly for smaller watercourses that had been straightened or channelised over time.
The visit reinforced the importance of practical, low-barrier solutions for waterway restoration. By integrating ecological and flood defence measures into regular maintenance, officials hope to make progress faster. The focus now shifts to reducing administrative delays and scaling up successful projects.
