Getting involved in protecting a water body
It's not laws that protect water bodies, it's people! It was this conviction that led to the creation of the River Pearls PLUS quality label, setting in motion a bottom-up movement. Local people connect with each other, develop a shared vision for “their” water body and get involved in the long-term maintenance, protection and upgrading of their pearl.
Here’s why getting involved is worth it
You are making an effective contribution to the preservation of our natural water bodies.
Rivers and streams can only be effectively protected from impairment by people who are committed to their preservation. Your involvement is the critical factor for the successful protection of our water bodies and species.
You are helping to give Swiss water bodies a voice in the future as well.
The more people in the local area work together to protect a water body, the more effective and broadly supported its future development will be. Your commitment is helping to give Swiss water bodies a lasting voice.
You are experiencing the most meaningful impact of your involvement.
Joining others in doing something that has a direct effect on nature is meaningful and fosters a sense of identification with the region. Your involvement, then, means that you also benefit personally.
Here’s what you can do
We’ve put together a few examples of specific ways you can do something for a water body near you. You can join existing teams or medium-term volunteer groups, register your water body as a possible candidate for the label or get involved in your local area.
Collaborating in an ongoing certification process
A number of certification processes in which future visions for river pearls are being developed are in progress at the moment. Find a working group near you that you can get involved in.
Register a water body as a candidate
Do you know a river pearl that could be suitable for certification?
If you register your candidate with us, we’d be very happy to consider whether the water body is suitable for nomination.
Get your town or municipality to submit a candidature
Do you know a water body that meets the certification criteria? Then get your town or municipality to submit a candidature for the River Pearls PLUS label! You could, for instance, contact the person responsible for maintaining water bodies, the building department, a member of the municipal council or the nature and environment committee and draw their attention to the label.
Get involved with teams
You can join existing volunteer groups or help out for a day here.
