Meet the “Blue Rivers and Lakes” Award Winners!

The Blue Rivers and Lakes Award not only acknowledged the ongoing efforts within the EU basin community but also served as a platform to inspire further action, fostering scalable solutions for healthier and more resilient aquatic environments. The award ceremony took place in Brussels on 6 March 2025, during the EU Ocean Days, celebrating the remarkable achievements of the winning initiatives.

WINNING ACTIONS

Category 1 – Governance

The award recognizes outstanding governance models that foster transparent and participatory management practices, engage local communities, and enhance long-term sustainability of small and medium-sized rivers and lakes.

🏅 Winner: “10 YEARS OF FLUVIAL STEWARDSHIP – A Collaborative Framework for River Restoration and Conservation in the Catalan River Basin District”, proposed by the Catalan Water Agency

This initiative stood out as an exemplary model of long-term, effective governance, demonstrating a decade of voluntary Fluvial Stewardship Agreements between the Catalan Water Agency, landowners, and conservation groups. With 30 active agreements currently in place, it showcases a well-structured, participatory approach that successfully fosters multi-stakeholder collaboration and community stewardship over water resources.
This is exactly the type of governance we aimed to highlight: a well-focused, transparent, and impactful initiative that contributes to the sustainable management and restoration of aquatic ecosystems.

Category 2 – Innovation

This category recognizes pioneering solutions that address key challenges in the management, preservation, and enhancement of small and medium-sized rivers and lakes. The focus is on cutting-edge technologies, scalable solutions, and innovative methodologies that can inspire similar initiatives across Europe.

🏅 Winner: “Bubble Barrier” Vila do Conde, proposed by The Great Bubble Barrier

This initiative stands out as a groundbreaking technological innovation in tackling plastic pollution in aquatic environments. The Bubble Barrier installed in Portugal is the first outside the Netherlands and the first to be placed in an estuary, marking a significant milestone in scaling up this solution in diverse water systems.
Currently operating at pilot scale, the technology has already been validated in situ and has shown strong potential for full-scale implementation in the near future, pending available funding. Its proven effectiveness in capturing floating plastics without disrupting aquatic life makes it an inspiring and scalable solution that aligns perfectly with the Mission’s objectives. 
By integrating technology-driven innovation with sustainable water management, this initiative demonstrates a forward-thinking approach that could be replicated in other estuarine and riverine systems, contributing to the restoration and protection of European waterways.

Category 3- Restoration

This category highlights outstanding restoration efforts that rehabilitate degraded aquatic ecosystems, restore natural hydrological flows, and contribute to the long-term ecological health of small and medium-sized rivers and lakes.

🏅 Winner: “Innovative Financing Mechanisms – A Case Study in Piedmont”, proposed by Piemonte Region

The Piedmont Region’s restoration initiative stood out as a pioneering example of large-scale ecological rehabilitation supported by an innovative and sustainable financing mechanism. This long-term program, spanning from 2007 to 2027, is financed through a dedicated scheme that allocates 5% of revenues from public water usage to fund restoration efforts, ensuring the longevity and sustainability of the initiative.
A key strength of this project is its collaborative and stakeholder-driven approach, embedding inclusive decision-making in regional water management. While the scale of the water body was a point of discussion—given the award’s focus on small to medium-sized catchments—the initiative was recognized for its impactful, large-scale restoration efforts and financial sustainability model. 
By demonstrating a replicable funding approach, this initiative offers a model for other regions seeking to implement long-term ecological restoration. Its ability to sustain restoration actions over nearly two decades makes it a strong candidate for inspiring future policies and investments in river and lake rehabilitation.

🏅 Special Mention for Restoration and Inclusivity – AMIRIOS, proposed by AMIGOS.org

Although AMIRIOS was not selected as a category winner, it has been unanimously awarded a special mention for inclusivity, recognizing it as an exemplary good practice in engaging people with disabilities in restoration efforts. The initiative stood out for its ability to bring together diverse stakeholders, foster collaboration, and ensure meaningful participation in water management and restoration activities.