Deadline: 26-Jun-2026
The Open Rivers Programme is a European grant initiative that supports the removal of small dams and other artificial river barriers to restore river connectivity, biodiversity, and ecosystem health. Funding is available for barrier identification, feasibility studies, technical preparation, permit acquisition, dam demolition, and river restoration projects across Greater Europe.
About the Open Rivers Programme
The Open Rivers Programme is dedicated to restoring free-flowing rivers throughout Greater Europe by supporting projects that remove small man-made barriers that disrupt natural river processes. These barriers often prevent fish migration, interrupt sediment transport, alter river flow patterns, and contribute to the degradation of freshwater ecosystems.
Through targeted grant funding, the programme helps organizations identify barriers, prepare for dam removal, undertake demolition activities, and restore river ecosystems. By supporting both early-stage planning and implementation, the programme aims to accelerate river restoration efforts and improve ecological connectivity across Europe.
The programme recognizes that many obsolete barriers no longer serve their original purpose and may negatively impact river health. By removing these structures, rivers can regain their natural functions, supporting biodiversity, habitat restoration, and long-term environmental resilience.
Programme Objectives
The Open Rivers Programme seeks to achieve several important environmental goals, including:
- Restoring natural river connectivity
- Supporting the recovery of freshwater ecosystems
- Enhancing biodiversity and aquatic habitats
- Improving fish migration routes
- Re-establishing natural sediment transport
- Restoring natural river flow dynamics
- Supporting climate adaptation and ecosystem resilience
- Encouraging stakeholder engagement in river restoration initiatives
- Enabling future dam removal projects through preparatory funding
Grant Categories
The programme offers two main funding streams designed to support different stages of dam removal and river restoration projects.
Category A: Programme-Supported Dam Removal Projects
Category A grants support projects that are directly connected to dam removal activities funded through the Open Rivers Programme.
Category A1 – Barrier Identification and Prioritisation
This category supports the identification and assessment of small dams and barriers that may be suitable for future removal. The goal is to build knowledge and create a pipeline of future restoration projects.
Eligible activities may include:
- Creating barrier inventories
- Mapping river barriers
- Field inspections and verification
- Data collection and documentation
- Ecological assessments
- Community engagement activities
- Prioritisation studies for future removal projects
These grants are particularly intended for ecologically important regions that currently have limited resources, expertise, or funding dedicated to dam removal.
Category A2 – Pre-Demolition Preparation
Before a dam can be removed, extensive planning and regulatory work are often required. Category A2 supports these critical preparatory activities.
Eligible activities include:
- Feasibility studies
- Environmental assessments
- Technical and engineering studies
- Design development
- Preparation of project documentation
- Permit applications
- Securing approvals and permissions
This category helps ensure that projects are technically feasible, environmentally sound, and legally compliant before demolition begins.
Category A3 – Dam Demolition Grants
Category A3 provides direct funding for barrier removal projects where all necessary preparation has already been completed or funded through another source.
Eligible projects may include:
- Removal of small dams
- Removal of obsolete river barriers
- Site restoration following demolition
- Activities directly related to barrier dismantling
Category A4 – Follow-Up Demolition Grants
This category supports dam removal projects that build upon earlier Open Rivers Programme-funded activities.
Projects may qualify if they follow:
- A1 barrier identification projects
- A2 pre-demolition preparation projects
The purpose of A4 funding is to help move previously supported projects from planning into implementation.
Category B: Enabling Dam Removal by Third-Party Funders
Category B grants focus on supporting preparatory work when the actual demolition costs will be financed by another organization or funding source.
Many dam removal projects struggle to secure funding for feasibility studies, technical assessments, and permits. Category B addresses this challenge by covering the preparatory activities needed to make projects ready for external investment.
Eligible activities may include:
- Feasibility assessments
- Technical studies
- Environmental reviews
- Design development
- Regulatory approvals
- Permit acquisition
Eligible Activities
The programme supports a broad range of activities related to river restoration and barrier removal.
Examples include:
- Barrier identification and mapping
- Barrier prioritisation studies
- Ecological surveys
- River assessments
- Feasibility studies
- Engineering and technical design
- Environmental impact assessments
- Permit and approval processes
- Dam demolition
- Barrier removal operations
- River restoration activities
- Habitat enhancement measures
- Biodiversity recovery initiatives
- Fish migration improvements
- Sediment transport restoration
- Community engagement and outreach
- Stakeholder consultations
Who Is Eligible?
The programme welcomes applications from organizations working to improve river ecosystems and freshwater biodiversity.
Eligible applicants for all grant categories include:
- Charitable organizations
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Environmental NGOs
- Conservation organizations
Public sector entities may apply under:
- Category A3
- Category B
Projects may also involve partnerships with:
- Government agencies
- Academic institutions
- Research organizations
- Private sector partners
- Community groups
- Individual experts
However, the lead or coordinating organization must meet the programme’s formal eligibility requirements.
Geographic Eligibility
Projects must be implemented within Greater Europe.
In addition:
- The coordinating organization must be registered in Greater Europe.
- Project activities must take place within the eligible geographic region.
- Applicants should demonstrate local support and engagement where relevant.
What Types of Barriers Are Supported?
The programme prioritizes the removal of small artificial barriers that disrupt river connectivity and ecological processes.
Examples include:
- Small dams
- Weirs
- Culverts
- Sills
- Sluices
- Fords
To be eligible, projects must generally remove barriers to their full vertical extent in order to restore natural river function and connectivity.
Why This Programme Matters
Europe’s rivers are among the most fragmented river systems in the world due to the presence of numerous artificial barriers. While many of these structures were originally built for industrial, agricultural, or water management purposes, a significant number are now obsolete and continue to negatively affect river ecosystems.
Removing these barriers can generate substantial environmental benefits, including improved habitat connectivity, increased fish populations, enhanced biodiversity, and healthier freshwater ecosystems.
Key benefits include:
- Restoration of natural river processes
- Improved aquatic biodiversity
- Better fish passage and migration
- Enhanced ecosystem resilience
- Improved water quality
- Reconnection of fragmented habitats
- Long-term environmental sustainability
Project Requirements
Applicants should ensure that their projects meet the programme’s core requirements.
Projects should:
- Focus on the removal of eligible small barriers
- Demonstrate clear ecological benefits
- Restore river connectivity
- Secure stakeholder and administrative support
- Include realistic timelines and budgets
- Comply with applicable regulations
The programme generally supports projects that can be completed within twelve months.
Applicants must also provide:
- Detailed activity schedules
- Comprehensive project budgets
- Cost estimates in Euros (€)
- Documentation supporting proposed activities
All requested funding should relate directly to future project implementation.
How to Apply
Organizations interested in applying should follow a structured preparation process.
Step 1: Identify an Eligible Barrier
Determine whether the proposed barrier negatively affects river connectivity and ecological processes.
Step 2: Select the Appropriate Grant Category
Choose the funding stream that best matches the current stage of project development.
Step 3: Conduct Preliminary Assessments
Gather technical, ecological, and operational information needed to support the project proposal.
Step 4: Develop a Project Plan
Prepare a detailed work plan outlining objectives, activities, timelines, and expected outcomes.
Step 5: Prepare a Budget
Develop a comprehensive budget that clearly explains all anticipated project costs in Euros.
Step 6: Engage Stakeholders
Seek support from local communities, authorities, landowners, and relevant partners.
Step 7: Submit the Application
Complete the application process and provide all required supporting documents.
Tips for a Strong Application
Organizations can improve their chances of success by:
- Demonstrating significant ecological impact
- Providing strong technical evidence
- Showing clear stakeholder support
- Presenting realistic timelines
- Preparing accurate budgets
- Explaining long-term environmental benefits
- Highlighting biodiversity outcomes
- Demonstrating project readiness
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid several common issues that can weaken a proposal.
- Applying under the wrong grant category
- Submitting incomplete technical information
- Providing insufficient ecological justification
- Failing to demonstrate stakeholder support
- Presenting unrealistic budgets
- Underestimating permitting requirements
- Proposing activities outside the programme scope
Careful planning and preparation can significantly improve application quality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Open Rivers Programme?
The Open Rivers Programme is a grant initiative that supports the removal of small dams and river barriers to restore river connectivity and ecosystem health across Greater Europe.
Who can apply for funding?
Charitable organizations and not-for-profit organizations can apply for all grant categories. Public sector entities may apply for Category A3 and Category B grants.
What types of barriers are eligible?
Eligible barriers include small dams, weirs, culverts, sills, sluices, and fords that affect natural river processes.
Can feasibility studies be funded?
Yes. Feasibility studies, technical assessments, and preparatory activities are eligible under Category A2 and Category B grants.
Does the programme fund actual dam removal?
Yes. Categories A3 and A4 provide funding for barrier demolition and removal activities.
Can projects involve multiple partners?
Yes. Partnerships with NGOs, government agencies, academic institutions, private organizations, and community groups are encouraged.
How long should projects last?
The programme generally supports projects that can be completed within twelve months.
Conclusion
The Open Rivers Programme plays a vital role in restoring Europe’s rivers by supporting the removal of small dams and artificial barriers that disrupt natural ecosystems. Through funding for barrier identification, project preparation, demolition, and river restoration, the programme helps create healthier, more connected freshwater environments.
Organizations involved in river restoration, biodiversity conservation, freshwater management, and ecosystem recovery can use these grants to develop impactful projects that improve river health, restore ecological processes, and contribute to long-term environmental sustainability across Greater Europe.
For more information, visit the Open Rivers Programme.
