Natura 2000 and Water Bodies
In the context of Natura 2000, the term "waters" includes both running (lotic) and standing (lentic) water bodies. Recently, running waters have gained particular attention due to their essential roles in ecosystem services and nature conservation (Schwoerbel & Brendelberger, 2022). Often described as the "lifelines" of the landscape, running waters and their natural floodplains create a biotope network across borders, supporting ecosystem functioning. They play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity, regulating water and nutrient cycles, and providing flood protection.
However, many of Germany’s river floodplains, both large and small, have been significantly modified from their natural state. The “Auenzustandsbericht” in Germany (~ Floodplain evaluation Report) indicates that only about 9% of current floodplains, which represent just a third of the original floodplain area, remain ecologically intact. As a result, numerous species that depend on water and floodplain habitats are now endangered, and essential functions such as flood retention have been compromised. However, with appropriate ecological measures, these floodplain ecosystems can recover, provided there is sufficient space and natural river dynamics to support their regeneration.
Running waters are present across all of Germany’s natural landscapes, from plains to mountainous regions. However, they face numerous threats such as damming, bank and bed construction, straightening, pollution, and nutrient runoff. The European Water Framework Directive (WFD) aims to address these issues by mandating that all running waters achieve “good ecological status.” Alongside various state-level river restoration programs, the national “Blaues Band” initiative supports and funds extensive river and waterway restoration projects throughout Germany.
Photo Gallery
Sources
Schwoerbel, J. & Brendelberger, H. (2022): Introduction to Limnology. Material balance – biotic communities – technology. 11th updated edition. Knight.
https://www.bfn.de/gewaesser-und-auen