BioAgora and EcoAdvance Workshop on Transformative Learning for Collaborative River Restoration at the Alpine Rivers Symposium

On 9-11 August, the Alpine Rivers Symposium organised by OneWater took place in Burghausen, Germany. As part of this event, the BioAgora project’s Freshwater Demonstration Case, represented by Twan Stoffers and Robin Dianoux, and the EcoAdvance project, represented by Lisa Waldenberger, co-hosted an engaging workshop titled “Transformative Learning for Collaborative River Restoration.” 

Held on 10 August, the workshop focused on the use of transformative learning to foster improved stakeholder collaboration in the restoration of river connectivity, a crucial requirement under the Nature Restoration Law. Participants engaged in innovative role-playing exercises, assuming the identities of various stakeholders, including local mayors, community members, and even fish, to explore their reactions to different scenarios impacting them and the river ecosystem. 

Through these activities, participants gained a deeper understanding of the multifaceted challenges associated with river restoration and the critical importance of considering diverse perspectives in environmental decision-making. The workshop provided a platform for empathic discussions and constructive dialogue, enhancing appreciation for river ecosystems’ vital roles in both human communities and overall ecological health. 

The workshop showcased the power of collaborative learning and highlighted the importance of incorporating diverse viewpoints into the restoration process. Aligned with the BioAgora project’s approach to fostering transformative change in biodiversity restoration and conservation, it aimed to support the creation of more inclusive and effective strategies for river restoration in Europe. 

For more information on the symposium, visit the Alpine Rivers Symposium website.