Deadline: 13-Mar-2026
The Open Rivers Programme is accepting applications to support the preparation and removal of small river dams to restore natural river systems and improve ecosystem health. The programme funds dam identification, pre-demolition studies, and demolition activities in high-impact catchments through structured grant categories. It prioritises projects that deliver measurable river restoration and long-term ecological benefits.
Overview of the Open Rivers Programme
The Open Rivers Programme supports projects that enable the removal of small river dams to restore free-flowing rivers, reconnect habitats, and improve overall ecosystem health.
The programme focuses on strategic, science-based interventions in catchments where dam removal is expected to deliver the greatest benefits for biodiversity, river processes, and climate resilience. Funding is designed to move projects from early identification stages through to full dam demolition.
Core Objectives of the Programme
The Open Rivers Programme aims to accelerate effective small dam removal by supporting activities that remove barriers to river connectivity.
Key objectives include identifying and prioritising dams for removal, completing technical and regulatory preparations, carrying out dam demolition, and ensuring that funded actions directly contribute to long-term river restoration outcomes.
Grant Categories and Structure
The programme offers two main funding categories, Category A and Category B, which together support the full lifecycle of dam removal projects.
Category A focuses on preparatory work and demolition activities, while Category B supports complementary interventions linked to dam removal outcomes. Applicants must select the category and subcategory that best matches their project stage and objectives.
Category A Grants Explained
Category A is divided into four subcategories, each addressing a specific phase of the dam removal process.
Category A1: Barrier Identification and Prioritisation
This subcategory supports the identification and strategic prioritisation of small dams that may be removed in the future.
Funded activities may include creating or improving barrier inventories where none exist, collecting data on dam location and dimensions, producing photographic records, and conducting field verification. Outreach and community engagement activities are also eligible where they support future dam removal. Applications must clearly demonstrate how A1 activities will lead to later demolition.
Category A2: Pre-Demolition Preparation
Category A2 funds essential preparatory work required before dam removal can take place.
Eligible activities include feasibility studies, technical design development, environmental assessments, and securing legal permissions and permits. Projects funded under this category are expected to progress toward demolition through subsequent programme support.
Category A3: Dam Removal Without Programme-Funded Preparation
This subcategory supports the demolition of small dams where pre-demolition work is not required or has already been funded by a third party.
Applicants must demonstrate that all necessary preparations have been completed and that the project is ready for immediate implementation.
Category A4: Dam Removal Following Programme-Funded Preparation
Category A4 supports demolition activities where pre-demolition work was previously funded by the Open Rivers Programme under Category A1 and/or A2.
This ensures continuity of support and effective progression from planning to implementation.
Partnerships and Project Coordination
The Open Rivers Programme strongly encourages collaborative applications involving partnerships across sectors.
Eligible partners may include non-governmental organisations, government bodies, academic institutions, private sector entities, community groups, and individuals. Each application must identify a coordinating partner responsible for overall project management, financial administration, grant agreement signing, and successful delivery.
The coordinating partner is generally expected to be based in the country where the project will be implemented. Non-resident coordinating partners must clearly justify their role and added value.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Eligibility varies slightly by grant category.
Charitable organisations and organisations with not-for-profit status are eligible to apply for all grant categories. Public sector entities are eligible to apply for Category A3 and Category B grants only.
Most applicants are expected to demonstrate an environmental focus and a proven track record in river restoration, freshwater ecology, or related environmental work.
How to Apply
Applicants should begin by identifying the project stage and selecting the appropriate category or subcategory.
The application process typically involves defining the dam removal context, explaining expected ecological benefits, outlining technical readiness, and demonstrating stakeholder support. Applicants must also clearly define partner roles, project timelines, and management responsibilities.
Applications must name a coordinating partner and demonstrate how the proposed activities will lead directly to dam removal and river restoration outcomes.
Why This Programme Matters
Small dams are among the most significant barriers to river connectivity worldwide.
By supporting targeted dam removal, the Open Rivers Programme helps restore natural flow regimes, improve fish migration, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen climate resilience. The programme plays a critical role in turning river restoration strategies into practical, on-the-ground action.
Common Mistakes and Application Tips
Applicants should avoid proposing projects without a clear pathway to dam removal or failing to demonstrate ecological benefits at the catchment scale.
Strong applications clearly link activities to future or immediate demolition, provide evidence of technical readiness, and show coordination with relevant authorities and stakeholders. Selecting the correct category and subcategory is essential for eligibility and successful assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of dams are supported by the Open Rivers Programme?
The programme focuses on small river dams whose removal will significantly improve ecosystem health and river connectivity.
Can projects focus only on studies or inventories?
Yes, under Category A1 and A2, provided the work clearly leads toward future dam removal.
Who can act as the coordinating partner?
Any eligible organisation with the capacity to manage the project and finances may act as the coordinating partner.
Are partnerships required?
Partnerships are encouraged but not mandatory, provided the coordinating partner can demonstrate sufficient expertise and capacity.
Can public sector organisations apply?
Yes, but only for Category A3 and Category B grants.
Do projects need an environmental focus?
Yes, applicants are expected to demonstrate experience in environmental, river restoration, or ecological work.
Conclusion
The Open Rivers Programme provides a structured, strategic funding pathway to move small dam removal projects from concept to completion. By supporting identification, preparation, and demolition activities, the programme enables lasting river restoration and ecosystem recovery in high-potential catchments. For organisations committed to restoring free-flowing rivers, this funding opportunity represents a critical step toward tangible environmental impact.
For more information, visit Open Rivers Programme.
