On March 31st, experts from viadonau, National Park Donau-Auen and the engineering company RIOCOM sat together to discuss the requirements and expectations for the planning of the restoration actions at the Schwalbeninsel island complex in Austria.
The WILDisland project provides for the removal of about 2 km of embankment and lowering and adaptation of groynes on one of the most spectacular island complexes in the Donau-Auen National Park, Austria. The experts discussed the expected outcomes and ways to optimize the anticipated conservation impact, the timeline of the planning process, as well as all the aspects, which also need to be taken into consideration - the synergy with the nearby Petronell side-arm restoration project and the potential impact on the waterway. The meeting was hosted by the experts of viadonau, the Austrian waterway operator and LIFE WILDisland project partner responsible for the implementation of the restoration works.
RIOCOM is the company, which was selected to prepare the technical plans for the up-coming construction works. It is a company, which develops ideas on how to give more space back to rivers together with river authorities and riparian communities. They are experienced in river revitalization, risk management, high-water protection and modelling, their engineers understand the language of ecologists and conservationists and we are counting on them to assist in bringing all interests into harmony.
Once the planning is complete at the end of the year, the documents will be submitted to the relevant authorities for approval, so that the construction works can start at the end of 2024.
