How the Rì di Lodano became a certified River Pearl
An extraordinary array of species, a largely untouched course and a valley of historic significance: the Rì di Lodano in the Maggiatal valley now bears the River Pearl PLUS label. A look back over the participative process that led to this award.
A few days ago, the Rì di Lodano became the latest water body to be awarded the River Pearl PLUS label. This certification furthers the long-term protection of the river in the Maggiatal valley, long sections of which are unspoilt, while at the same time reinforcing the bond between the regional population and their environment. Certification can be considered an invitation to embark on a journey together, because at its core is a development plan. The plan for the Rì di Lodano was drawn up in a participative process consisting of two workshops held in March and April 2026 in partnership with the local community.
A workshop with a vision
The workshop deliberately sought to achieve a broad mix of ages and backgrounds. One volunteer, Rachel Arnaud, found this to be a huge plus. She also had a positive memory of the open and enriching culture of debate and discussion.
It became particularly clear in the workshop that the Rì di Lodano has far more than just ecological value. As Rachel Arnaud says, «Obviously the focus is on protecting nature and habitats, but in the case of the Lodano valley the historical importance of the river also plays an important role. Indeed, the river as a force of nature was a dominant element, and I think it’s a positive thing that this aspect was also emphasised.»
This natural significance is reinforced by the old beech forests in the Lodano valley, which are part of UNESCO’s World Heritage. These are two awards that mutually enrich each other – and both of which identify the region as a natural environment worth protecting and conserving.
From discussion to certification
The results of the first workshop led to the creation of the development plan that formed the basis for the certification. These measures were then presented, discussed and finalised at the second workshop in April. The development plan comprises 16 measures covering the next five years. As analysis of the river has shown that the watercourse is in excellent condition, the most important measures relate to communication and raising awareness in the population of the value of natural streams and rivers – particularly among locals, tourists and students at schools in the Maggiatal region. These are supplemented by measures in other areas, such as protecting and improving biotopes, managing dead wood and neobiota, providing and promoting leisure activities and carrying out research.
«The Ri di Lodano has been honoured for its exceptional natural condition, but above all for the great commitment shown by the Municipality of Lodano in preserving their watercourse,» says Pietro Garzoli, a project worker at WWF Svizzera Italiana. All those taking part had driven the certification process forward with great enthusiasm, allowing the application dossier for the label to be submitted to the River Pearls Association within record time. «Huge thanks to everyone involved!»
Rachel Arnaud, who as a biologist is also engaged in environmental education, likewise sees the certification of the Rì di Lodano as hugely enriching for the valley, particularly when it comes to raising awareness of the issues among children.
The Rì di Lodano is a model example of how certification with the River Pearls PLUS label is a win not only for the protection of water bodies, but also for the cohesion and identification of the population with their region.
Shown left to right: Walter Wagner, River Pearls Association; Fabrizio Sacchi, Municipality of Maggia; Lorenzo Franscioni, President of the Lodano Citizens’ Community; Ruedi Bösiger, River Pearls Association