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Climate change is impacting mountain rivers, affecting the capacity of cold meltwater to maintain stable ecosystem conditions under warmer climatic conditions. Healthy ecosystems support ecosystem resilience, as two river revitalisation projects at the River Lech demonstrate.

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Key Learnings

  • Healthy ecosystems are the basis for building resilience against a changing climate.
  • Benefits of river restoration: Revitalisation of rivers can promote biodiversity, improve flood protection for local communities and contribute to new locale activities.
  • Stakeholder engagement: Involving an interdisciplinary project team, including engineers, the nature conservation department, NGOs and local stakeholders is important in a revitalisation process.
  • Monitoring: It is important to monitor the post-project development since this can reveal new regional development opportunities and biodiversity improvements. Monitoring has shown that the numbers of two characteristic bird species have increased.

About the Region

The mountain river Lech flows through the Nature Park Tiroler Lech. Gravel and rubble banks, extensive floodplain forests of softwood meadows and dry pine meadows characterise the Lech valley. The river is renowned for its extensive and interconnected wild river areas and stands out as one of the most significant landscapes of its kind in Central Europe. Covering approximately 41 km², the region was designated a Natura2000 area in 2000 and granted the status of a Nature Park in 2004.

Climate Threats

Rising annual temperatures in the Northern Alps, combined with more frequent heavy rains and prolonged dry periods are accelerating snowmelt and raising the snowline. This shift increases rainfall and direct runoff, worsening extreme rain events, and the risk of triggering natural disasters like mudflows, landslides, and floods.

Alpine cold-water ecosystems and local communities are particularly vulnerable. Faster seasonal shifts, temperature increases, and prolonged droughts lead to lower water levels and stronger fluctuations during rain events. Furthermore, these changes raise water temperatures, harming cold-water ecosystems like the River Lech. Algae and plant overgrowth, exacerbated by heat and low water levels, reduce water quality and threaten native fish species that depend on cold, oxygen-rich waters.

Climate Change and Biodiversity: Transitioning to Nature-Based Solutions

The changing climate has consequences for wild river ecosystems. Measures such as river widening, developing riverbanks with wetlands and other river revitalisation measures are therefore important to mitigate the consequences of the changing climate, improving habitats and enhancing microclimatic conditions. In addition, the revitalisation of wild rivers also serves as valuable recreational spaces, benefiting human health and well-being. However, effective river basin management is essential to balance visitor use and protect these natural assets, as demonstrated by the two LIFE Lech projects.

Historically, the Lech River system was dominated by grey infrastructure, such as channelised sections and deepened riverbeds, implemented to address human pressures and severe floods. While these measures provided flood protection, they disrupted river dynamics, lowered groundwater levels, and damaged natural habitats, impacting local flora, fauna, and communities.

Recognising the need for a more sustainable approach, efforts shifted towards revitalising the river also system through nature-based solutions. These measures combined ecological restoration with flood protection, reintroducing natural river dynamics and creating large retention areas to reduce flood risks. This interdisciplinary effort – uniting engineers, conservationists, and NGOs – proved effective, delivering ecological benefits, climate change resilience, and improved conditions for both nature and people.

Revitalisation measures for biodiversity and climate change adaptation

As part of two LIFE projects, the project team implemented extensive preservation and restoration measures along the Tyrolean River section. Key actions included removing barriers to improve natural flow and selecting suitable areas to revitalise gravel riverbanks, pioneering sites and other vegetation zones. Additionally, the team designated 200,000 m² of land given back to nature. The map (Figure 2) shows the 13 hydraulic measures implemented as part of Lech II. The idea to create retention areas, existed before climate change was high on the political agenda, but with climate change and the increase in extreme weather events, the Life Lech measures build ecosystem resilience and offer far greater benefits than initially anticipated.

Nature-based Solutions as a conservation tool

The project also focused on species protection measures, such as safeguarding habitats for specific target species, such as the common sandpiper. To promote the long-term value of the Natura2000 site and ensure sustainable development, the team prioritised monitoring, communication, and active local community involvement. The monitoring has revealed an increase in the number of bird species such as the common sandpiper and the little ringed plover.

Together with regional stakeholders, the local project team developed a river basin management plan that integrates nature conservation, research, education, nature-based recreation and regional development. This plan is now part of the Tiroler Lech Nature Park concept.

A highlight of the cooperation is the “Der Lechweg” long-distance hiking trail, which now contributes to sustainable tourism. Designated trails ensure recreation seekers enjoy an authentic nature experience while staying clear of sensitive breeding areas.

To ensure the project’s continued success, the project team incorporated a monitoring concept into the regional management plan. This allows for ongoing evaluation of project outcomes, sustaining scientific interest and providing valuable insights for similar projects. Together with the Tiroler Lech Nature Park the non-profit organisation Lechforschung 2050+ will continue monitoring the river’s regeneration capacity in the face of climate change, ensuring long-term adaption efforts remain effective.

Together, the two Life Lech projects make an important contribution to flood protection and preserving habitats for endangered species. This is a responsibility that Tyrol bears nationally and throughout Europe and is becoming increasingly important in the face of climate change

N. Schneider, MA. First Managing Director Tiroler Lech Nature Park

Summary

The LIFE Lech River restoration project exemplifies a comprehensive approach focusing on nature protection and climate change adaptation, providing community benefits. Healthy ecosystems are the basis for effective biodiversity and flood protection, benefitting local communities. Involving local stakeholders with experts from different disciplines ensures the best possible restoration outcome. Continuous post-project monitoring supports adaptive planning and maintains scientific interest, while nature-based tourism balances species protection and economic development.  

Further Information

This adaptation story was created in collaboration with the regional Tyrolean partners and written as part of the Invest4Nature project.

The Economics of Nature-based Solutions (Invest4Nature) project is an EU Horizon-funded project that contributes to creating a market for nature-based solutions.

This project has been co-funded by the European Union under grant agreement 101061083.

For more information:

Contact

KLAR! Manager (KLAR! Climate Change Adaptation Model Region Lechtal-Reutte und Außerfern)

Organization / Contact: https://klar-anpassungsregionen.at/regionen/klar-ausserfern

 

Naturpark Tiroler Lech, E-Mail: info@naturpark-tiroler-lech.at, Web: www.naturpark-tiroler-lech.at

Klimabündnis Tirol, Invest4Nature, E-Mail: sigrid.mourits-andersen@klimabuendnis.at

Keywords

Climate Impacts

Flooding

Adaptation Sectors

Water management, Biodiversity, Mountain areas

Key Community Systems

Water Management, Ecosystems and Nature Based Solutions

Countries

Austria

Funding Programme

Horizon Europe

Disclaimer
The contents and links to third-party items on this Mission webpage are developed by the MIP4Adapt team led by Ricardo, under contract CINEA/2022/OP/0013/SI2.884597 funded by the European Union and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union, CINEA, or those of the European Environment Agency (EEA) as host of the Climate-ADAPT Platform. Neither the European Union nor CINEA nor the EEA accepts responsibility or liability arising out of or in connection with the information on these pages.

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