River Pearl PLUS

The label “River Pearl PLUS” honors valuable streams and rivers – our river pearls – and the commitment of the people behind them; for the benefit of people and nature.

The label promotes the commitment of local decision-makers. The value of the region is improved , and its conservation policies are strengthened.

Together we celebrate our streams and rivers!

Our jury has nominated 10 outstanding stretches of rivers in 2023, of which one can be justifiably proud. We invite the riparian communities to strive for certification and thus actively engage in the preservation of their valuable water bodies. Details on the nominated waters can be found here.

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River Pearls: Added Value for People and Nature

Wild and free flowing rivers and streams have become extremely rare in Switzerland. Most watercourses have been straightened, canalized, or been fragmented by weirs and dams. Today, both the climate and biodiversity crises manifest themselves particularly in freshwater habitats: aquatic habitats are the most threatened habitats in Switzerland, but at the same time, they are extremely relevant for biodiversity. Floodplain forests, for example, can provide habitat for 80% of all animal and plant species found in Switzerland, and 10% of our species are compulsorily dependent on floodplain forests. Meanwhile, 70% of floodplain forests have disappeared since 1850.

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River pearls are valuable free flowing streams and rivers. River pearls provide resilience against the impacts of climate change (e. g. in flood protection, clean and sufficient drinking water). They are

• True hotspots of biodiversity

• CO2 sinks

• Sources of joy, offer a sense of home, and are able to provide recreation

Why is the label River Pearl PLUS relevant for people?

The label River Pearl PLUS offers its carriers a broad range of added value. The label…

• Improves natural aquatic habitats and promotes biodiversity

• Increases the quality of life for residents and visitors

• Creates pride, common identification, joy

• Secures local recreational areas and ensures their sustainable and careful use

• Contributes to the protection against natural hazards and to the safeguarding of drinking water

• Brings innovative creation of value to the region and a USP in nature-based tourism

• Brings stakeholders together

• Creates local enthusiasm and commitment for the protection and preservation of the river pearl

• Sensitizes children and adults for the intrinsic value of water bodies

• Supports the financing of specific measures

• Supports the launch of research projects

• Offers a network for exchange for joint communication

Why is the label River Pearl PLUS relevant for nature?

The label is a low-threshold, voluntarily obtained and –due to its regular renewal – evolving protection tool. The certification criteria guarantee that:

• The condition of the water body is not impaired and additionally further  improved where necessary over time.

• The various stakeholders commit themselves to enter into a dialogue with each other, and to get involved. Thus, the label creates local commitment. You protect what you care for!

• Species and habitat diversity are increased and strengthened.