The Rhine in the triangle of sustainability
The development of the Rhine ecosystem follows the principles of sustainable development and
integrated environmental , economic and social concerns.
A healthy ecosystem Rhine and the careful use of its resources are prerequisites for long-term stable economic and social development. The nature of the Rhine system, its floodplains and their functions must be given and the livelihoods of current and future generations are saved.
Particular emphasis is placed on
Preserving and improving the water quality of the Rhine and therefore
also of suspended matter, sediments and groundwater,
protecting populations of organisms and species diversity and reducing the pollution levels in organisms;
Maintaining, improving and restoring the natural function of the waters; the ensuring that flow carrying the natural sediment transport invoice and promotes interactions between river, groundwater and alluvial areas;
Preserving, protecting and reactivating alluvial areas as natural floodplains;
Maintaining, improving and restoring the most natural habitats possible for wild fauna and flora in the water, in the river bed and banks and in adjacent areas, and improving living conditions for fish and restoring their free migration;
Ensuring environmentally sound and rational management of water resources;
Account of ecological requirements in technical measures to develop the waterway, eg in the field of flood protection, shipping and the use of hydropower.