Supported by
Visit website

The fight for free-flowing, wild rivers

WET (Wildwasser Erhalten Tirol) is a dedicated nature conservation organisation in Austria committed to protecting the last free-flowing rivers in the Alps. They are a strong voice against the further exploitation of Alpine waterways for large-scale hydropower plants and infrastructure, and fight to preserve the ecological integrity of these unique ecosystems.

Visit website Donate now

Why

Most of Europe’s natural rivers have already been tamed, dammed or irreversibly altered. The few wild rivers still left in Tyrol are under immense pressure from new and destructive hydropower projects. These projects destroy irreplaceable habitats, threaten biodiversity and disrupt the natural water cycle. WET Tirol is taking action to stop this destruction, because once a river ecosystem has been developed, it is lost forever.

Impact

Mission & goals

Mission: Protecting, preserving and restoring wild rivers and alpine aquatic ecosystems in Tyrol for nature and future generations.

Goals:

  • Stopping ecologically destructive hydropower and infrastructure projects.
  • Defending the ecological, social and recreational value of free-flowing rivers.
  • Pressuring policymakers to make more sustainable water management choices.
Actions
  • Legal action: Filing objections and pursuing legal proceedings to protect nature reserves, such as the Kaunertal and the Isel, from dams.
  • Public campaigns: Raising awareness through petitions, documentaries, and local and national protests.
  • Collaboration: Mobilising a broad network of scientists, local residents, and outdoor enthusiasts, such as kayakers, to defend rivers.

“Wild rivers are the lifeblood of our planet. Once they’re encased in concrete, they’re lost forever. We must do everything we can to protect what remains.&#8221

Marieke Vogt – Wildwasser Erhalten Tirol

How your donation helps

With your donation, you directly support WET Tirol in its legal and social efforts to protect rivers. Your contribution funds urgently needed expert reports, legal action against destructive dam projects, and large-scale awareness campaigns. You’re giving the last wild rivers in the Alps a strong voice and helping preserve these irreplaceable natural areas.

Popup content