Governance conditions for a successful restoration of riverine ecosystems. Lessons learned from the Rhine river basin.

Abstract

This research focuses on analysing the governance conditions for successful restoration of riverine ecosystems. To derive these conditions, firstly a scientific literature assessment is conducted to compile relevant governance conditions for ecosystem restoration into an analytical framework. This framework is then tested and refined by conducting a critical case study on the ecosystem restoration process of the Rhine River to bring back the Atlantic salmon, as coordinated by the International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine (ICPR). The case study on the ICPR governance structure is used to assess the presence or absence of governance conditions to facilitate successful ecosystem restoration of the Rhine. This case study is conducted by researching ICPR policy documents, scientific literature and by conducting expert interviews. Despite ecosystem restoration efforts in the Rhine to reintroduce Atlantic salmon, a self-sustaining population has not yet been achieved. This indicates the need for improvement in restoration measures and suggests potential gaps in the presence of governance conditions. The analysis of the governance structure of the ICPR reveals strengths and weaknesses to facilitating ecosystem restoration. 14 out of 24 governance conditions are present in the governance structure of the ICPR and should advisable be retained to facilitate the process of ecosystem restoration of the Rhine. As 10 governance conditions are not or partially present, challenges persist, including slow decision-making, ambiguity in responsibilities within national politics and limited financial incentives. The ICPR's soft-law approach relies on public and political pressure for enforcement, lacking stringent measures. Financially, there's minimal support from riparian states, despite long-term economic benefits in avoided costs, which are harder to communicate and thus currently seldomly included in political or financial consideration. Policy recommendations are made, but transferring interdisciplinary insights to compartmentalized national politics is challenging. Additionally, the ICPR could benefit from involving political science experts or experienced individuals with a political background. The drafted general framework for assessing governance conditions for ecosystem restoration structurally provided valuable insights into the governance structure, emphasizing the crucial role of governance in restoration efforts and the need to comprehend the interplay between governance structures and their focal areas. The framework was found to be applicable to riverine ecosystem restoration, as demonstrated by the Rhine case study. Based on the case study, an adjusted framework was presented, refining the initial draft with insights from the Rhine case study, which can be utilized for follow-up research on various case studies.