These eight Swiss river pearls are being honoured
Natural bodies of water are essential for people and nature. That is why we are honouring municipalities that are committed to preserving their wild streams and rivers.
- These water bodies were recognized at today’s ceremony in Zurich. Zulg (BE), Chiene (BE), Brancla (GR), Necker/Thur (SG), Magliasina (TI), Buron (VD), La Tièche (VS), Lorze (ZG, ZH).
They do still exist in Switzerland: free-flowing, thriving rivers and streams that provide habitats for many animal and plant species, and offer valuable opportunities for us humans to experience nature. There are only a few left though (4%!) and they are at risk. These last remaining untouched streams and rivers must be protected and appreciated. After all, they are not only important recreational areas for us humans, but often the last refuge for endangered species, such as the kingfisher, the sandpiper or the yellow damselfly (a type of dragonfly). In natural water bodies, these species can survive and hopefully gradually reclaim their habitats from there.
Numerous municipalities are striving for the River Pearl PLUS label
On behalf of the association Gewässerperlen and WWF Switzerland, an independent jury, chaired by Christa Rigozzi, has selected eight Swiss streams and rivers on the basis of their natural state and beauty. The respective local municipalities now have the opportunity to have their commitment to the nominated watercourses recognised, with the River Pearl PLUS label. The association Gewässerperle awards this label to municipalities that draw up a plan for the next five years, so as to keep protecting their water bodies.
There is great interest in the label: The rivers Beverin (commune of Bever in the Canton of Graubünden (GR)) and Chamuera (commune of La Punt Chamues-ch GR) have already been certified. Other communes are in the process of drawing up protection plans. A total of eight certifications are in progress, e.g. for the Goldach (Canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden), Roggenhauserbach (Canton of Aargau), Mässerbach (Canton of Valais (VS)), Breggia (Canton of Ticino), Morge (Canton of Vaud (VD)) and Printse (VS) watercourses. The latter three certifications were celebrated at the first Watercourse Ceremony last year.
The eight selected streams and rivers, and the communes situated alongside them:
- Zulg: Eriz, Horrenbach-Buchen, Homberg, Unterlangenegg, Oberlangenegg, Fahrni, Teuffenthal (BE)
- Chiene: Reichenbach i.K. (BE)
- Brancla: Valsot, Scuol (GR)
- Necker/Thur: Lütisburg, Bütschwil-Ganterschwil (SG)
- Magliasina: Alto Malcantone, Miglieglia, Novaggio, Curio, Puro, Aranno (TI)
- Buron: Essertines-sur-Yverdon, Belmont-sur-Yverdon (VD)
- La Tièche: Crans Montana (VS)
- Lorze: Maschwanden (ZH), Hünenberg, Cham (ZG)