Cumbrian River Restoration Partnership Programme selected as finalist in the Thiess International Riverprize Awards. Winner announced in Brisbane in September…reports Asian Lite News
The Cumbrian River Restoration Partnership Programme has been named a finalist in the highly esteemed Thiess International Riverprize Awards. This accolade, which recognises outstanding efforts in river restoration globally, sees the Cumbria programme competing against finalists from the Chicago River in the USA, the Vjosa River in Albania, and the Klamath River in the USA. The winner will be announced at a gala event in Brisbane, Australia, in September.
The Cumbrian River Restoration Partnership Programme, led by the Environment Agency and Natural England, has achieved remarkable success in restoring nearly 100 kilometres of rivers and over 150 hectares of floodplain across the Eden, Derwent, and Kent catchments. By reinstating natural river processes, such as reintroducing meanders, removing obsolete weirs, and planting native trees, the partnership is not only helping nature recover but also building climate resilience, reducing flood risk, improving water quality, and boosting biodiversity and sustainable agriculture.
This international recognition follows the programme’s previous win of the European Riverprize in 2022, further cementing Cumbria’s reputation on the global stage for its innovative nature-based solutions. Olly Southgate, the Cumbria River Restoration Programme Manager at the Environment Agency, expressed his pride in the nomination, stating, “The Cumbrian River Restoration Partnership Programme is about giving rivers room to breathe and nature the chance to recover while also supporting sustainable farming for the future. By allowing rivers to flow more naturally, we’re not only creating better habitats for wildlife but in some cases, we’re also helping to protect our communities by building climate resilience. It’s a win for people and a win for the planet. This nomination is a huge honour and a tribute to the power of partnership. We’re proud to showcase Cumbria’s leadership on the world stage and we thank the many dedicated landowners, local communities, and partner organisations who made it all possible.”
The partnership is a collaborative effort involving the Environment Agency, Natural England, the National Trust, the RSPB, Ullswater CIC, United Utilities, and the Eden, West Cumbria, and South Cumbria Rivers Trusts. The initiative addresses centuries of river modification across Cumbria, which has led to degraded habitats, increased flood risk, and the loss of wildlife. Over 100 projects have been delivered throughout the region, combining practical restoration with community involvement, education, and landowner collaboration.
In line with the Environment Agency’s goal to leave the environment in a better state for future generations, the Cumbrian River Restoration Partnership Programme exemplifies how nature-based solutions can restore ecosystems at scale and support thriving landscapes and communities. The programme’s holistic approach not only focuses on ecological restoration but also on engaging local communities and stakeholders, ensuring that the benefits are felt across the region.
The Thiess International Riverprize, awarded by the International River Foundation since 1999, is considered the world’s most esteemed prize for river restoration. The award recognises projects that demonstrate excellence in river management and restoration, highlighting innovative approaches and significant environmental and social benefits. Previous winners have included projects from around the globe, showcasing the best practices in river conservation and restoration.
The announcement of the finalists has generated excitement and anticipation within the environmental community, as the award ceremony in Brisbane approaches. The Cumbrian River Restoration Partnership Programme’s nomination is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all involved, and it highlights the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing environmental challenges.
As the world faces increasing environmental pressures, initiatives like the Cumbrian River Restoration Partnership Programme offer hope and inspiration. By restoring natural river processes and engaging local communities, the programme is setting a precedent for sustainable environmental management. Whether or not it wins the Thiess International Riverprize, the programme’s impact will be felt for generations to come, ensuring that Cumbria’s rivers continue to thrive and support both wildlife and human communities.
The gala event in Brisbane will be a celebration of global efforts in river restoration, and the Cumbrian River Restoration Partnership Programme’s nomination is a reminder of the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing environmental challenges. The programme’s success serves as an example for others to follow, demonstrating that with dedication and partnership, significant progress can be made in restoring and protecting our natural world.
