Certification with the River Pearls PLUS label
Certification with the River Pearls PLUS label recognises the ecological value of a water body and the commitment of the local people. The label can be awarded to natural or revitalised stretches of water bodies at least 2 km long which meet the certification criteria. Find out more about what certification involves.
Here’s why certification is worth it
Certification helps to raise awareness among the local population and reinforces their sense of identification with the region
Often people do not understand the high ecological value of an unspoilt water body until they have the opportunity to experience these habitats for themselves. Certification helps to raise the awareness of the local population of the value of the water body, while the participative nature of the process fosters pride and a sense of identification with the region.
Certification lays the foundation for sustainable visitor management
The highly participative basis of the label makes it possible to effectively manage increased visitor traffic and to develop structures and processes that allow effective visitor guidance. Certification signals a clear commitment to gentle, sustainable and nature-driven tourism in the region.
Certification ensures connectivity for local people
The certification process sets a constructive dialogue in motion and systematically connects local players with each other. Out of this structured cooperation come viable partnerships, shared goals and binding principles for the long-term protection and sustainable use of the water body.
Here’s how certification works
At the heart of certification is the development plan, which is drawn up in a participative process. Together with a technical study, it forms the application dossier. Any legal person (municipality, association, park, tourist organisation, etc.) can be an applicant. The label is awarded by the River Pearls Association for 5 years and can be renewed. The technical examination of the 13 certification criteria is generally carried out by a specialist firm.
Requirements for certification
The water body is in a largely natural state.
For a stretch of river or stream to be certified, the landscape around it must be intact. In other words, it must offer a habitat for domestic flora and fauna.
- Minimum length 2 km (natural or revitalised)
- Natural morphology (undeveloped)
- Natural water flow
- Healthy aquatic environment
- Natural bedload regime
- Good water quality
The local people draw up a development plan.
All relevant stakeholders of a stretch of river or stream sit around a table, where they draw up a five-year plan to protect the water body. This plan contains measures relating to:
- Maintaining, upgrading and possibly expanding the certified section
- Dealing with conflicting uses
- Dealing with non-native/invasive species
- Awareness-raising and education
- Climate adaptation
Interested?
Would you like to know more about the certification process or the technical criteria? We would be happy to provide further information.