From the Pšata to the Pesnica: Sharing Knowledge for River Restoration
In the LIFE2RIVERS project, we aim to improve our understanding of rivers and promote management approaches that bring together interdisciplinary expertise and local community engagement, while prioritising nature-based solutions. Our focus extends beyond what can be done along an individual stretch of river. We also explore how knowledge gained in one river basin can be shared with others, where it can be put to use to address local challenges and seize new opportunities.
Along the Pšata River, we are developing an approach that brings together experts from different disciplines, local stakeholders and residents to identify river management challenges and explore solutions to improve the river’s condition. We aim to apply the experience gained in the Pšata River basin to other areas, with the Pesnica River offering one such opportunity.
Why the Pesnica River, too?
Photo: Tilen Basle
The Pesnica River in northeastern Slovenia has been heavily modified along many stretches in the past, primarily to accommodate agricultural land use and reduce flood risks to settlements. These interventions have altered the river’s natural dynamics and affected the ecological condition of the river environment. Today, the question is how to improve the condition of the Pesnica in a way that addresses the needs of both people and nature.
The approach we are developing along the Pšata River provides a solid foundation for work on the Pesnica. Co-creative river stewardship brings together scientific expertise and local knowledge to inform the search for solutions, while ensuring that the unique characteristics of each river basin are taken into account.
The transfer of this approach to the Pesnica will depend on engaging with the local community and bringing together people who care about the river’s future. The local initiative LiVe reke Pesnice also plays an important role in raising awareness of the river’s importance and natural values. Members of the initiative are already taking part in activities in the Pšata River basin and other project activities. Through this collaboration, we are building the experience and skills that will help us establish co-creative river stewardship on the Pesnica as the project progresses.
Looking ahead, we aim to bring together local experience and expert knowledge to explore opportunities for restoring the Pesnica River. This will help us gain a deeper understanding of the characteristics and challenges of the river basin and identify solutions tailored to the specific needs of the local community and environment.
Lessons That Reach Beyond a Single River
Including the Pesnica River offers an opportunity to apply the approach developed through LIFE2RIVERS beyond the pilot area. Every river is different, so rather than transferring knowledge as a ready-made solution, we use it as a starting point for identifying measures that make sense for each individual river basin.
By connecting the work on the Pšata and Pesnica rivers, the project promotes the wider application of co-creative river stewardship and creates opportunities for collaboration on river restoration in other contexts.
