The ‘Rivers Oscar’ goes to the Chiene
The Chiene, the dominant feature of the Kiental valley in the Bernese Oberland, is one of eight Swiss watercourses to be honoured this year by the River Pearls Association and the WWF. Its mystical alluvial plains and gorges make it particularly valuable, which is why it was nominated for the ‘River Pearl PLUS’ label. The ‘Rivers Oscar’, a stone trophy specially made for the occasion, was presented to the representatives of the municipality of Reichenbach i.K. and the local ‘Schützt das Kiental’ conservation association in a ceremony on the Griesalp.
The Chiene and Gamchibach streams are natural jewels beyond compare, which is why they have been honoured by the River Pearls Association and the WWF. The Gamchibach drains an area above Bundstäg which is characterised by glaciers, where it forms a wonderful alpine floodplain. The impressive, almost mystical Tschingel alluvial plain further downstream is also significant. Distinct rare plant and animal species live on the gravel and sand banks of the two floodplains, which are regularly inundated. The lower course between Rufenen and Ruedis is characterised by the ‘Chienegrabe’, a long, still untouched stretch of the gorge with equally unique and valuable habitats - a pearl of which one can be justifiably proud! The two sections of the Gamchibach above Bundstäg and the ‘Chienegrabe’ gorge section were therefore nominated as potential candidates for the ‘River Pearl PLUS’ label this year. On Friday, 20 September 2024, Hans-Ulrich Mürner (chairman of Reichenbach i.K.), municipal councillor Daniela Luginbühl, Martin Gerber (chairman from 2025) and Paul Schmid from the ‘Schützt das Kiental’ conservation association accepted the nomination trophy on site.
