CONNECT: Promovendo a conectividade fluvial através de ações sustentáveis de remoção de barragens

The CONNECT project aims to improve the dam removal process, by maximizing the positive environmental changes. Sustainably restoring river connectivity is a priority for the European Union. However, it is essential to carefully assess both the positive and negative aspects of dam removal at the pre-project stage. Therefore, the main objectives of CONNECT are: 1) the development and validation of deterministic tools to forecast the hydro-morphological, biochemical, and ecological changes that may result from the removal of a dam; 2) to set up a novel monitoring strategy based on eDNA testing to help devise mitigation interventions and to validate the standard monitoring strategy carried out by water authorities for environmental assessment within the framework of the EU WFD; 3) to raise awareness of the importance of removing dams to enhance biodiversity, in local communities, and promote collaborative integration and coordination among stakeholders (e.g. Environmental Agencies, ONGs, Local authorities) and local communities. The primary objective of CONNECT is to create and validate deterministic tools (T2), forced and calibrated by monitoring data that can accurately predict the hydromorphological, biochemical, and ecological changes resulting from the removal of a dam. These tools will enable stakeholders to better understand and anticipate the impacts of dam removal actions on river systems. By developing reliable forecasting models, we aim to provide valuable insights into the potential outcomes of dam removal projects (T3), helping to inform decision-making processes and mitigate any potential negative consequences while maximizing benefits, in particular biodiversity increase and local communities’ benefits. The second objective of CONNECT is to establish a novel monitoring strategy based on environmental DNA (eDNA) testing (T1). This innovative approach will complement traditional monitoring methods and provide additional insights into the ecological effects of dam removal actions. By using eDNA technology, we aim to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of environmental monitoring efforts, particularly in assessing biodiversity changes in response to dam removal, in particular the threat of IAS spread. Furthermore, this monitoring strategy will serve to validate the standard monitoring protocols currently employed by water authorities for environmental assessment under the EU WFD. Through the implementation of advanced monitoring techniques, we aim to improve our understanding of the ecosystem dynamics and, thus, the gains and losses of dam removal actions to support evidence-based decision-making. The last objective is to raise awareness of the importance of removing dams to enhance biodiversity and promote collaborative integration and coordination among stakeholders and local communities (T4). Through dissemination and communication efforts, we seek to raise awareness among stakeholders, including environmental agencies, NGOs, and local authorities, about the ecological benefits of restoring river connectivity. We aim also to involve the local communities in the decision-making as they play a crucial role in the process and are also beneficiaries of the ecosystem. By highlighting the positive impacts of dam removal actions on ecosystem health and resilience, we aim to foster a shared understanding and commitment to conservation goals.