Renaturation of waterbodies does not have to be expensiveAugust 20, 2002The water landscape in many countries has many deficiencies. The ecological consequences of this are poor water quality as well as a deterioration and a shift of the naturally occurring species spectrum. The Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI, Germany, has examined the existing morphological water structure deficiencies and possible renaturation measures for the German Bundesland Hessen and drawn up cost-effectiveness analyses. The study shows a particularly favourable cost-effectiveness ratio for the two so-called approaches of "supportive" and "dynamic" water development. Under these terms, scientists understand a far-reaching utilisation of the dynamics of a body of water through extensive water conservation and, if necessary, simple hydraulic engineering measures. Costs for such measures lie between 25 euro and just over 100 euro per meter stream length and improved ecomorphological unit. In contrast, measures to widen river beds and banks are relatively expensive. At up to 200 euro per meter stream length they can cost twice as much. However, in areas required for housing or traffic, they may be the only possibility to alter waterbodies in a near-natural way. The directly experienced result of such renaturation measures is a clear improvement in the quality of life and the recreational value for people living nearby. Furthermore, the researchers` analysis made clear how important a broad riparian corridor is. This forms the basis of water dynamics typical for a natural area. In addition, it reduces the emissions into water of pesticides, fertilisers and heavy metals from agriculture and has a positive effect on flood draining. | |||||||||||||||||||||
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