The course examines the science and application of river restoration and rehabilitation, introducing participants to fundamental concepts, stakeholder engagement, and engineering techniques necessary to return rivers to pre-determined levels of hydrological and ecological functionality. Classroom lectures are complemented by hands-on exercises and weekly field trips to river restoration sites in the Netherlands.

Learning objectives

Participants will acquire an understanding of the components and key processes operating in rivers and river basins and the basic knowledge and skills to assess restoration and rehabilitation needs, effectively engage stakeholders, evaluate technical options and develop a restoration plan.

Target group

The course is targeted for early and mid-career resource managers and water professionals with responsibilities for planning and overseeing restoration activities or with interest in developing such activities.

Course structure

The 3-week course is divided into three interlinked topics, which are considered sequentially in a combination of lectures, discussions, exercises, and field visits.

Course content

The course begins with detailed consideration of river system components and how they interact to provide the ecological functions and ecosystem services people depend upon.

The case for river rehabilitation, ecological functions and services in rivers and effects of lost functions and services
Basic concepts, the meaning of rehabilitation and restoration, management frameworks and the ecosystem approach
Riverine processes, physical, biological, and ecological process, natural disturbance and ecological function

The next topic examines techniques to assess restoration needs in river basins, engage stakeholders, and begin the planning process. Topics include:

Situation analysis to establish the context of the basin, including key actors
Stakeholder engagement in restoration planning, design and implementation processes
Problem analysis to define the specific river functions that have been degraded or lost
Objective setting to identify restoration goals
Action planning to engage partners and stakeholders in the formulation of a restoration plan

Lastly, the course examines detailed engineering techniques to rehabilitate and restore physical and ecological processes in rivers to recover services desired by dependent communities.

Bank stabilization
Instream habitat restoration
Riparian restoration

Engineering techniques are considered at various levels of complexity, from simple and inexpensive techniques that can be applied by small non-profit basin organizations to more expensive and engineering-intensive techniques. Participants will work in teams to develop group projects applying the information learned in the classroom and experience gained in field trips.

Examination

It is possible to take part in the examination of this short course. If you obtain a passing mark for this examination and return to UNESCO-IHE within four years after completion of the short course to follow a full MSc programme, you will receive exemption for this short course/module. The costs for this exam are €250 extra. Taking part in the examination is not compulsory.