H.E. Mr. Christian Frutiger Assistant Director General, Ambassador, Head of Thematic Cooperation Division, Swi

The flooding events were such that it was even given the name of “the Misery of the Rhine”! In 1892, the 130 years of formal transboundary river cooperation between Switzerland and Austria started with a treaty to jointly modify of the course of the river by building dykes and channels to regulate the river. [...] What will be the actions? - First removing built structures in the middle of the river and old dykes while keeping the external protection ones. [...] - Reforming the joint body for the regulation of the river, including enhancing the exchange of data. [...] At the same time, the material extracted from the river for the project will restore the fertility of the farming soil in other parts of the region. [...] This project is an excellent example of how, when rooted in the principles and provisions of the Water Convention, States can support the implementation of the climate and biodiversity conventions, and implement the Agenda 2030 and beyond.