De Rijn Verbindt/Der Rhein verbindet: Fostering a Thriving Rhine Ecosystem

The project is supported by the Interreg VI program Deutschland-Nederland and builds upon the groundwork, network, and knowledge laid by the Green Blue Rhine Alliance (GBRA). They work on this project from 2023 to 2026.

Among the focus areas are recovery of migratory fish, reducing plastic pollution, climate adaptation and resilience and increase of biodiversity.

Healthy, Green, Living Rhine

This new Interreg project, divided into three work packages, aims to achieve a better balance between humans and nature in the border region of the Rhine:

• The Healthy Rhine. The Healthy Rhine work package contributes to a Rhine that is not harmful to humans and animals. It seeks to reduce issues like plastic pollution and fish damage caused by shipping while working on the restoration of migratory fish.
• The Green Rhine. Within the Green Rhine work package, projects are focused on making the Rhine a contributor to climate adaptation and biodiversity. Partners encourage and develop river forests, an ecological corridor between Niederrhein and Rijnstrangen, and 'living dikes' with increased biodiversity.
• The Living Rhine. In the Living Rhine work package, activities are developed to establish a real connection between the Rhine, nature, and people. The project partners achieve this by involving governments, civil organizations, economic sectors, residents, volunteers, and students in finding solutions for the Rhine's issues through awareness, communication, education, and participation.

The partners are eager to share the progress and results of this project with everyone, thereby bringing the Rhine to life. This includes exhibitions at De Bastei in Nijmegen and Schloss Benrath in Düsseldorf, an online and interactive 3D visitor center, social media, and this website.

Future Strategy and Collaborative Covenant

Even after this project, the partners remain committed to a future with a healthy, green, and living Rhine for people, animals, and plants in the border region. Based on everything they learn in this project, they will develop a future strategy. This strategy will outline how a healthy, green, and living Rhine can be achieved and who needs to take action. 

The partners warmly invite other organizations and groups willing to contribute to co-sign the Green Blue Rhine Alliance's collaborative covenant. This will create a genuine movement for a healthy, green, and living Rhine.

Project Period

2023 - 2026

European Programme

Interreg Deutschland-Nederland

Project Website

De Rijn Verbindt/Der Rhein Verbindet

Partners

Sportvisserij Nederland (NL), RAVON (NL), NABU - Naturschutzstation Niederrhein (DE), Rheinischer Fischerreiverband (DE), ARK Rewilding Nederland (NL), Biologische Station Kreis Wesel (DE), Naturschutzzentrum im Kreis Kleve (DE), Museum De Bastei (NL), Museum Schloss Benrath (DE), Waterschap Rijn en IJssel (NL), Hengelsport Federatie Midden Nederland (NL), Landesfischereiverband Westfalen und Lippe e.V. (DE), Wasserstrassen- und Schifffahrtsambt Rhein (DE), Bezirksregierung Düsseldorf (DE), Interreg Deutschland-Nederland, Provincie Gelderland (NL), Ministerium für Wirtschaft, Industrie, Klimaschutz und Energie des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen (DE)