Advancing freshwater restoration

Leonidas Svardakas was selected as a Recreating Freshwater Showcase because he lead a restoration project in Greece. The project aimed to improve the conservation status of two endangered native fish species (Squalius keadicus and Pelasgus laconicus), both listed by the IUCN. The project focused on four main actions: (1) creating summer refugia to counteract river drying due to severe seasonal water abstraction, (2) eradicating invasive Gambusia holbrooki populations, (3) translocating native fish to safe habitats, and (4) establishing an ex situ backup population at the institute's facilities in Athens. He highlighted that while the ecological methods were scientifically sound, the project underestimated the complexity of social and institutional dynamics. Lack of engagement from local authorities and poor stakeholder cooperation—exemplified by the conflict with the farmer—were major obstacles. He emphasized that successful freshwater restoration requires not only technical expertise but also collaboration with social scientists to improve stakeholder communication, gain local support, and integrate socioeconomic realities into project design. As a lessons learned, Leonidas stressed the need for more flexible project planning, and recommended to incorporate socio-economic expertise from the outset to navigate local governance challenges and public perception. While the project had mixed success, it provided valuable experience and clear directions for improving the integration of ecological and social dimensions in future freshwater conservation initiatives.

Jasmin Sadiković was selected as a Recreating Freshwater Showcase for his leadership in the DRAVA LIFE project—Croatia’s first large-scale freshwater restoration initiative, which spanned an exceptional nine years. As project coordinator, he played a central role in managing one of the most ambitious restoration efforts in the region, funded through the EU LIFE programme.
Sadiković highlighted that a key challenge was overcoming institutional and ideological divides among stakeholders. Achieving consensus required sustained dialogue, compromise, and joint technical innovation. The involvement of international consultancy firms with experience in EU-funded restoration projects was critical in bridging knowledge gaps and aligning diverse priorities.
Beyond technical and engineering measures, the project placed strong emphasis on awareness-raising and stakeholder engagement. This included public events, educational programs in schools, and community outreach to communicate the co-benefits of restoration—such as improved flood protection, enhanced fish spawning habitats, and more resilient landscapes.
Although the process was long and at times difficult, Sadiković emphasized that the ecological outcomes—such as the creation of new habitats and an increase in species richness—made the effort deeply rewarding. His advice to others pursuing similar work is to remain persistent, flexible, and committed, noting that success in long-term restoration depends not only on technical solutions but also on trust-building, cross-sector collaboration, and belief in the shared value of restored ecosystems.