According to Dam Removal Europe, Finland has achieved a remarkable feat in river restoration, dismantling a record 138 barriers last year—more than any other country in Europe. This significant initiative is aimed at rejuvenating waterways, allowing migratory fish and diverse wildlife to thrive once more.
In a recent report released by the WWF, which partners with various organizations including the Nature Conservancy and the European Rivers Network, it was highlighted that over 500 river barriers were either removed or bypassed across the continent. Finland led the charge, with France following closely behind, removing 128 obstacles. The report painted a sobering picture—European rivers are currently marred by more than 1.2 million barriers, ranging from dams to culverts.
“With each barrier that is removed, we unlock tens or even hundreds of kilometers of habitat for endangered migratory fish and other riverine species. This is a record we can be genuinely proud of,” remarked Sampsa Vilhunen, director of WWF Finland’s Marine and Inland Waters Programme.
The impressive number of removals aligns with the EU Restoration Regulation’s ambitious objective to restore at least 25,000 kilometers of free-flowing rivers.
Despite these advancements, Finland still hosts around 250 hydroelectric plants, which contribute 15 to 25 percent of the country’s electricity supply, according to the state-owned sustainable development consultancy Motiva. As efforts to balance energy needs with ecological restoration continue, the work being done in Finland provides a hopeful glimpse into the future of Europe’s rivers.