About the project
The LIFE RiverFlow project aims to improve the connectivity and ecosystem functions of Latvian rivers by reducing hydromorphological impacts, restoring river continuity, removing obstacles and introducing nature-friendly fishways.
The project promotes the improvement of the ecological quality of water bodies, the protection of important fish species and habitats, and provides support to public authorities in making decisions on sustainable water resource management.
Latvian rivers have been transformed for decades — dams, culverts and small hydroelectric power plants disrupt the natural flow of water and prevent fish from moving freely. As a result, fish stocks are declining, water quality is deteriorating and all river life suffers.
The LIFE RiverFlow project helps restore rivers as living ecosystems — unnecessary obstacles are removed, nature-friendly fishways are built and natural river beds and floodplains are restored. This means cleaner water, more fish, healthier nature and a more attractive environment that can be used for both recreation and education.
It is also important that the project shows practical examples of how river restoration can be implemented in real life. These solutions help stop the loss of biodiversity, improve the condition of protected fish species and natural habitats and promote the return of free-flowing rivers in Latvia. This is a concrete contribution to the common European goal of restoring rivers and preserving nature for future generations.
At the same time, the project strengthens knowledge and cooperation between state institutions, experts, and the public so that similar solutions can be used elsewhere in Latvia and continue after the project ends.
The project plans to:
- Restore longitudinal continuity of rivers by removing obstacles and constructing natural fish passages
- Improve the connectivity of water bodies with floodplains
- Reduce the impact of small hydroelectric power stations
- Improve the conservation status of EU-significant fish species and habitats
- Develop support tools and mechanisms
- Provide support to institutions in developing recommendations
- Foster partnerships and knowledge exchange
The project mitigates hydromorphological pressures identified in River Basin Management Plans to achieve good water status in line with the Water Framework Directive and the EU Biodiversity Strategy.
1034km
km of restored continuity
8
Latvian rivers
12
obstacles removed
2
new fishways
6000m²
m² of new habitats
01
Demonstration activities
Activities will be implemented across 8 water bodies in Latvia identified as at risk due to hydromorphological changes. The longitudinal continuity of 4 rivers will be restored by removing obstacles and constructing natural fishways.
02
Ecological restoration
River-floodplain connectivity will be improved, innovative solutions tested to reduce small HPP impacts, and protection of EU-significant species and habitats strengthened — river lamprey, Atlantic salmon, and habitat 3260 (water courses with natural dynamics).
03
Policy and sustainability
Results will be integrated into River Basin Management Plans and water use regulations. A support mechanism for financing river restoration measures will be developed.
Expected results
- 1034 km of rivers and tributaries restored to natural connectivity
- 4.1% contribution to the EU Biodiversity Strategy target of restoring at least 25,000 km of rivers by 2030
- Mechanisms developed to deliver environmental, social and economic benefits, mainstreamed at policy level
- Evaluation of project results and their impact on other policy areas
Project period
60 months - September 1, 2025 to August 31, 2030
Budget breakdown
8 488 896 EUR
5 093 338 EUR
EU LIFE programme funding
2 868 091 EUR
National co-financing
527 467 EUR
Project partner co-financing
Ecological quality of water bodies
Interactive map showing the overall ecological-quality assessment of Latvian water bodies as of 2024, alongside the LIFE RiverFlow pilot territories. Hover a water body to see its name and quality class, or click a pilot territory to learn more.
Sub-basins and catchment districts
- Daugava RBD
- Gauja RBD
- Lielupe RBD
- Venta RBD
Ecological quality of water bodies
- High
- Good
- Moderate
- Poor
- Bad
Project partners
Learn more about the project
LIFE RiverFlow restores Latvia's river ecosystems — removing barriers, reconnecting fragmented rivers and building nature-friendly fish passages so rivers can flow freely again.