Two organizations with a common goal: restoring rivers and rebuilding biodiversity in the Upper Mureș Basin.
The project “Identifying barriers for removal to restore habitats and biodiversity in the Upper Mureș Basin”, is funded through the Open Rivers Programme – an organization dedicated to river restoration, and is implemented by the Romanian Wilderness Society together with Milvus Group and in collaboration with Fauna & Flora International. The initiative aims to restore river connectivity and facilitate fish migration by identifying and prioritizing barriers that fragment aquatic ecosystems.
Launch of a new project for free-flowing rivers in the Upper Mureș Basin
The Mureș River and its tributaries, from the source to Reghin, represent one of the most valuable ecological areas in Romania. The river hosts rich biodiversity – from huchen (Hucho hucho) and native brown trout (Salmo trutta fario) to grayling (Thymallus thymallus) and numerous species of amphibians and semi-aquatic mammals.
Unfortunately, the river’s natural connectivity is fragmented by numerous dams and artificial weirs, many of them currently non-functional or without utility. These obstacles block fish migration, affect water quality, and reduce the resilience of aquatic ecosystems. To address this challenge, the Romanian Wilderness Society and Milvus Group, in partnership with Fauna & Flora International, are launching the project:
“Identification of artificial barriers for removal in order to restore habitats and biodiversity in the Upper Mureș Basin”, funded through the Open Rivers Program
Our objectives
Mapping and analyzing over 550 km of river and tributaries to identify artificial barriers;
Assessing ecological impact and setting priorities for their removal;
Integrating the data into an interactive map;
Engaging communities and local decision-makers to ensure an inclusive and sustainable approach.
Expected results
The project will lay the foundation for a coherent ecological restoration plan at the basin level, through a detailed inventory of barriers and a priority list for future removal and ecosystem recovery actions.
Thus, the initiative will contribute to restoring ecological connectivity, protecting biodiversity, and increasing the resilience of aquatic ecosystems in the face of climate change.
Next steps
Between April 2025 – March 2026, our team will collect data and conduct expert assessments.
This is an important first step toward healthier rivers and connected habitats in the Eastern Carpathians.
For more details and to discover other projects from Romania and Europe, visit the Open Rivers Programme website.
Stay up to date with our latest activities
Open Rivers Project Launch
Wetlands – out allies against floodings
In the field
Rainy days in the field
Beaver dam near the source of the Mureș River © Antonia Bobbert
Huchen in the Mureș River © Milvus Group