“Lebendiger Dorfbach” – Lively Village Streams: Let’s make small watercourses in urban areas fit for climate change
75% of Switzerland’s water network consists of small and very small watercourses. Many are channelised, degraded or underground, resulting in biodiversity loss, elevated urban flood risks and impaired purifying infiltration and groundwater recharge. We revitalise village streams in collaboration with local communities—fostering urban climate resilience at people's doorsteps, creating thermal refuges for wildlife and people (microclimate regulation). This strengthens awareness of ecological interdependence and educates future generations.
What issue does your project address, and why do you want to tackle it?
Aquatic habitats are among the most endangered in Switzerland – at the top of the national Red List. Many small village streams are channelised, culverted, embanked or clogged. As a result: local loss in aquatic species is critically high, running water cannot seep to fill up groundwater reservoirs, flood plain buffer zones are missing to break flood peaks.
Climate change intensifies these negative effects. We must act now to restore resilient water systems that protect biodiversity, reduce flood risks, secure water availability and reduce heat stress.
What is your project about and how does it make Switzerland water-wise?
Our project revitalises small streams. By removing concrete and enlarging small streams, it creates widenings and alternating streambeds to slow floods and restore habitats for endangered species. This also enhances local groundwater recharge through natural infiltration. Thereby, water is naturally filtrated as it seeps through layers of sand and gravel. Newly planted riparian vegetation regulates the microclimate and provides urban cooling refuges during heath stress. Involving local stakeholders foster awareness of the vital role of small streams in climate resilience.
How do you measure your project's success?
Data on species diversity, morphology, and key water parameters (temperature, oxygen saturation, conductivity) are collected pre-intervention and post-restoration at defined intervals, allowing to assess success in ecological change. The monitoring is leant on the BAFU «Wirkungskontrolle» indicator set. Additionally, residents map their observations with the platform iNaturalist (automated species identification tool). In the long term, it will become apparent that near-natural watercourses are
Who are the people behind the project and what is your secret to a great collaboration?
Aqua Viva supports water protection projects and revitalisations for 65 years. The core project team – Dominic, Esther and Aline – consists of experts in aquatic ecology, project management and environmental education. They are supported by environmental planners, construction specialists and engaged municipalities. Close cooperation with local authorities, schools, and volunteers is essential to the project's success. We build trust, listen carefully – and implement real change together.
