This is the challenge that the SPARE (Strategic Planning for Alpine River Ecosystems) project has dared to accept: to engage citizens, farmers, associations, private companies and all other actors in the management of alpine rivers. These actors are not only “receivers” of policies or decisions, who should be convinced, educated, surveyed, helped. They can actually contribute toward river management in many ways: by observing fish migrations, proposing ideas, explaining how some infrastructure development projects may impact them, educating others, sharing their views on forthcoming trends and possible changes. Isn’t it much more satisfying to implement a decision to which you have contributed?

Every year on March 14, thousands of people around the world gather to celebrate the world's rivers and those who struggle to protect them. The International Day of Action for Rivers is a day to celebrate victories such as dam removal and river restoration. It is a day to educate one another about the threats facing our rivers, and learn about better water and energy solutions. Above all, it is a day to unite – by acting together, we demonstrate that these issues are not merely local, but global in scope.

For more information about the SPARE project, please visit the website here.

For more information on the International Day of Action for Rivers, please visit the website here.