Project Overview

The overall aim of LIFE River Flow is to improve Latvia’s river connectivity and ecosystem functions by reducing negative impacts and implementing innovative solutions for hydrological, morphological, and ecosystem restoration.

Specific Objectives:

• Restoration of longitudinal connectivity of rivers by removing obstacles and constructing natural fish passages.
• Improvement of lateral connectivity of water bodies.
• Reduction of pressures caused by small hydropower plants (HPP).
• Enhancement of the conservation status and conditions of fish species and habitats of EU significance (river lamprey, Atlantic salmon, and Habitat 3260).
• Development of support tools and mechanisms.
• Support for competent authorities through the evaluation and development of recommendations.
• Strengthening partnerships, knowledge transfer, and dissemination.

During project implementation, the following indicators will be achieved:

• 1034 km of rivers reconnected to free-flowing conditions;
• 12 barriers removed;
• 2 fish passes constructed;
• 2 digital tools developed
• Grant mechanism: a financial support mechanism designed and implemented to support project implementation;
• River habitat quality improved along 30 km;
• Fish resources: reintroduction of salmon and river lamprey in Ogre river