Advancing freshwater restoration

The IGB is Germany’s largest and one of the world's leading research centers for inland waters. It is also one of the oldest institutions in this field. The IGB collaborates closely with numerous national and international universities, as well as other partners from science and society.

Manolia Vougioukalou was selected as a Recreating Freshwater Showcase because she worked on a project that represents a rare habitat type in Greece, with only a few similar examples in the region. Its restoration was carefully planned over an extended period and required three separate project applications before approval. The initiative was carried out with strong involvement of the local community, ensuring local ownership and long-term sustainability. The technical solution applied is a proven method, but was adapted to local conditions: due to water availability constraints, inundation is only possible during irrigation periods.