RO25 Fish for Life - Restoring natural processes on the Gilort River.

We left Târgu Jiu in the morning and headed for Targu Carbunesti and the Gilort river. There, a member of the Fish for Life project welcomed us near a dam on the river and gave us some information.

The Fish for Life project (The rehabilitation of migratory corridors and habitats for Gilort River fish species - is co-funded by the European Commission through the LIFE + Nature Program. It is an ambitious and innovative ecological reconstruction project for Romania, which aims to develop best practices for creating a good river environment.

Through pioneering measures and proposed integrated approaches - creating passages to allow species migration along the Gilort River course, stabilization of banks, creation of feeding, rest and reproduction habitats - the project aims to improve the status of the existing species, but also to contribute to the sustainable development of human communities. Under the project, reforestation actions will also be carried out, thus contributing to the restoration of forests in flooded areas. The site spreads along Gilort River on a 19 km distance, from Pociovalistea in the North, to Doseni in the South. Near the Northern boundary, the site includes approximately 3.5 km from Galbenu River.

We had a long walk along the river to discover and appreciate the different measures taken so far. The guide accompanied us all the way and gave us information at every stage.

The students learnt about the importance of biodiversity and the role of river ecosystems in maintaining environmental balance. They understood the significance of the Natura 2000 network and the European Union's strategy for protecting endangered species and habitats. They were able to discuss with environmental specialists  involved in the project to understand the science and logistics behind river restoration efforts. They were led to reflect on how local actions can contribute to global environmental goals.