Valuable streams and rivers: These nine Swiss river pearls honoured
Living streams and rivers are of inestimable importance for people and nature alike. That’s why the River Pearls Association and the WWF are honouring those municipalities that are committed to preserving them at the annual River Gala.
These were the watercourses honoured at today’s celebration in Zurich:
- Menthue (VD), Grosse Fontanne (LU), Rì di Lodano (TI), Laggina (VS), Gäbelbach (BE), Ibach (BL/SO), Rein da Sumvitg (GR), Säntisthur & Seebach (SG) and Littebach/Cholge (AG).
- Untamed, free-flowing streams and rivers are a rarity in Switzerland. The majority of watercourses have been straightened, channelled or fragmented and divided by weirs and dams. The River Pearls Association draws attention to the huge value of these last natural watercourses.
Rare and precious, these untamed waters meander and loop their way through the countryside. There are only a few of them left (4%!), though, and they are under threat. These last untouched streams and rivers need to be protected and valued, because they are not only important recreation areas for us humans, but often also the last refuge for endangered species such as the kingfisher, the sandpiper and the common clubtail (a type of dragonfly). These species can survive in natural waters and, hopefully, gradually begin to reclaim their habitats from there.
Many municipalities seeking the “River Pearls PLUS” label
On behalf of the River Pearls Association and WWF Schweiz, in 2025 an independent jury chaired by Christa Rigozzi selected nine Swiss streams and rivers based on the criteria of naturalness and beauty. The municipalities in which they are located now have the opportunity to have their commitment to the nominated watercourses recognised with the “River Pearls PLUS” label. This is given by the River Pearls Association to those municipalities or sponsors which draw up a plan ensuring the continued protection of their waters for the next five years.
Interest in the label is huge: the Beverin (municipality of Bever GR), Ova Chamuera (municipality of La Punt Chamues-ch GR), Goldach (municipalities of Trogen, Speicher, Rehetobel, Wald AR), Mässerbach (Binntal Nature Park, VS), Breggia (municipalities of Breggia and Castel San Pietro TI) and Roggenhausenbach (Aarau Citizens’ Community) have already been certified. Further municipalities are in the process of drawing up their own conservation plans and applying for the label. Certification processes are currently underway for the Morge (VS), Tièche (VS), Magliasina (TI) and Buron (VD), all of which were initiated as a result of the two previous river galas.
