Planned restoration of 1500 km of rivers: Nature Restoration Law in Poland

On January 14 in Warsaw, a conference titled Nature Saves People – Implementing the Nature Restoration Law in Poland was held. During the event, Joanna Kopczyńska, President of Wody Polskie (Polish Waters), presented a plan for river restoration and wetland recovery. The need for action stems from the EU’s Biodiversity Strategy for 2030.

Nature Restoration Law in Poland

The regulation adopted in June 2024 by the European Parliament and the Council obliges all member states to undertake measures aimed at restoring natural resources. By 2030, at least 20% of all aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems must be restored, with actions covering all areas by 2050.

The Warsaw conference, organized by the Coalition 10%, aimed to discuss various aspects of implementing the Nature Restoration Law, ensuring it also encompasses forest and agricultural policies in Poland. Emphasis was placed on utilizing opportunities provided by the NRL and finding financial resources for its implementation. Among the invited experts were representatives from Wody Polskie.

Plans of Wody Polskie

In her presentation, President Joanna Kopczyńska highlighted ongoing efforts by Wody Polskie that are expected to positively impact the country’s biodiversity. In August 2024, an agreement was signed for a project worth over PLN 94 million, titled Restoring Biodiversity in the Nida Valley through the Restoration of Ecological Corridors and Groundwater Retention. The project includes 124 km of watercourses and 12 migration barriers, which will be removed or made passable for aquatic organisms.

Additional projects are planned under Action 2.4 Adaptation to Climate Change, Disaster and Crisis Prevention within the European Funds for Climate, Infrastructure, and Environment (FEnIKS) program. In December 2024, Wody Polskie signed 12 preliminary agreements for the ecological opening of 473 km of river corridors. These actions will address 145 migration barriers, with the total cost estimated at PLN 280 million.

A further 650 km of rivers are to be restored through projects co-financed by the LIFE program. Wody Polskie has submitted eight applications in this regard.

President Kopczyńska emphasized that the 22 planned actions aligned with the Nature Restoration Law will cover at least 1,491 km of Polish rivers and 322 migration barriers, with a total estimated value of approximately PLN 600 million.

Free-Flowing rivers: restoring natural river courses

The Nature Restoration Law aims to restore at least 25,000 km of rivers in Europe to their free-flowing state by 2030. The methodology, known as Free-Flowing Rivers (FFR), is part of the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and aims to support the development of freshwater ecosystems and facilitate the migration of endangered species. Expected benefits include flood protection, natural water purification, and recreational potential.

Wody Polskie has joined the testing phase of the FFR plan, designating 100 river sections in the areas managed by the Regional Water Management Boards (RZGW) in Gdańsk and Warsaw. These sections have been analyzed for the presence of cross-sectional barriers, flood embankments, and regulatory structures. The project, implemented in cooperation with the WWF Poland Foundation and the Inland Fisheries Institute, will soon be expanded to include additional sections where restoration actions are deemed justified.