What we do
LIFE RiverFlow implements activities across three directions — obstacle removal, habitat restoration and support tool development. Each direction is essential to restoring Latvia's river ecosystems and ensuring lasting results.
Action directions and activities
The project works across three parallel directions — obstacle removal, habitat restoration and sustainability.
Removing outdated dams and barriers, constructing fishways and reducing HPP impacts — so rivers flow freely again.
Restoring fish populations, creating wetlands and protecting Natura 2000 habitats — so river life returns.
Digital tools, financial mechanisms and legislation — so restoration work continues beyond the project.
Obstacle Removal
Identify and remove obsolete obstacles in Latvian rivers to restore fish migration routes and improve hydromorphological status. The project plans to remove 12 obstacles.
Fishway Construction
Design and construct new fish passages at existing dams to enable free movement of fish and other aquatic organisms along rivers. 2 new fishways are planned.
BESS Water Level System
Implement battery energy storage systems (BESS) for water level regulation to mitigate the impact of hydroelectric power plant operations on river ecosystems and stabilise water levels.
Salmon and Lamprey Reintroduction
Restore salmon and lamprey populations in Latvian rivers through artificial propagation and natural habitat restoration at spawning sites.
Nutrient Reduction
Reduce nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) inflows into rivers using natural treatment solutions and improvements in agricultural practices.
Wetland Creation
Create and restore wetland ecosystems in river floodplains to improve water quality, reduce flood risks, and increase biodiversity.
Natura 2000 Protection
Ensure effective management and protection of Natura 2000 sites by developing and implementing management plans for the conservation of river ecosystems.
Digital Tools
Develop and implement digital tools for river ecosystem monitoring, data visualisation, and decision-making support.
Financial Mechanisms
Develop sustainable financial mechanisms for river ecosystem management and restoration after the project ends.
Legislation
Prepare proposals for improving the legal framework to promote the protection and restoration of river ecosystems in Latvia.
Monitoring
Regular data collection and monitoring of the situation in demonstration sites to keep track of changes after the project's activities are implemented.
Sustainability and result transfer
Project's solutions continue to provide benefits even after the project ends and serve as an example for their implementation elsewhere.
Detail impact assessment
A detailed impact assessment using monitoring data analyzes the effects of project activities on the environment and evaluates the significance of the achieved results.
River catchment area action plan
Development of an Integrated Action Plan for the Iecava River Basin to Achieve Good Ecological Water Status
Construction of sedimentation basin
Retention of sediments and nutrients close to the area of origin and before water discharge in recipient water bodies.
Construction of controlled drainage system
Allows to accumulate water and nutrients in the area managed by a water level control structure thus reducing undesirable water and nutrient losses into the next sections of hydrographic network.
Project Timeline
Project launch
CompletedSeptember 2025
LIFE RiverFlow project officially launched.
Pilot site assessment
In progressMay 2026
Initial assessment of 8 pilot sites.
First community cleanup
PlannedJune 2026
Community engagement at Mazā Jugla.
Project completion
PlannedAugust 2030
Final project evaluation and completion.
Project launch
Sept 2025
LIFE RiverFlow project officially launched.
Pilot site assessment
May 2026
Initial assessment of 8 pilot sites.
First community cleanup
Jun 2026
Community engagement at Mazā Jugla.
Project completion
Aug 2030
Final project evaluation and completion.
8 pilot territories across Latvia
Each river has specific activities tailored to its unique needs and ecological status.

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.