Certified: The Morge becomes the seventh River Pearl PLUS
On 11 June a seventh river was awarded the quality label. It is sponsored by the two Lower Valais municipalities of Savièse and Conthey, which have committed themselves to a five-year action plan for maintaining and improving their river.
The Morge is known for its natural beauty and spectacular scenery. It rises in the Tsanfleuron glacier, the foreland of which is already listed in the federal inventory of floodplains of national importance.
What makes the Morge so special is its highly dynamic flow and the undisturbed transportation of sand, gravel and stone. The natural structure of the upper reaches constantly creates new and diverse habitats and offers a unique insight into glacier morphology. This unspoilt nature makes the Morge an important refuge for biodiversity. As well as various species of alpine animals, rare plant species can also be found here.
The River Pearls PLUS Association has long recognised the great potential of the Morge because of its pristine character and rich diversity of species. In 2023, for instance, the Morge was honoured at the national rivers festival, while the nomination trophy was handed over the same year. The municipalities of Savièse and Conthey subsequently decided to apply for the River Pearls PLUS label. The necessary participation process, in which numerous stakeholders collaborated to draw up the five-year development plan, was completed in November and December 2024.
Left to right: Walter Wagner, President of the River Pearls Association; Marie Zuchuat, President of Savièse Municipality; Philippe Germanier, Conthey municipal Councillor (c) G. Aebli, River Pearls Association