Interreg OpDyNat

The Rastatt Rhine floodplain, designated a nature reserve in 1984 on the German side, and the ‘Delta de la Sauer’ nature reserve, designated in 1997 on the French side, are among the last remnants of the once widespread floodplain landscapes along the Upper Rhine. Spanning the border, both protected areas aim to safeguard this region as part of the same natural landscape. Despite their outstanding importance as habitats for numerous rare animal and plant species, a deterioration in the ecological condition can be observed in both areas. A key cause of this is the inadequate connection of the floodplain watercourses to the Rhine, which is leading to the progressive silting up of aquatic habitats. To counteract this trend, various measures have already been implemented to improve the connection of the floodplains to the Rhine.

The IfGG’s role within the project is, first of all, to assess the current state of both nature reserves, including their characteristic species and habitats, on the basis of existing data. Subsequently, measures already implemented to improve connectivity with the Rhine, as well as further restoration measures, are to be evaluated in terms of their effectiveness using various parameters. On this basis, recommendations for future measures are to be developed.

In doing so, account is taken of the fact that the management of the Rastatter Rheinaue differs from that of the ‘Delta de la Sauer’. The aim is to identify successful approaches on both sides of the Rhine and, where appropriate, to transfer them to the other protected area as examples of best practice. A joint monitoring strategy is also being developed. Furthermore, the project aims to identify species that are currently found on only one side of the Rhine but for which suitable habitat conditions exist on both sides. In such cases, the potential for reintroduction will be investigated.