Drome River Project Wins International Thiess Riverprize

The Drome River Valley in southern France has won the prestigious 2005 International Thiess Riverprize for its restoration and management efforts.

The AUD$150,000 International Thiess Riverprize was awarded at a gala function on 7 September during the 8th International Riversymposium in Brisbane, involving more than 450 delegates from 30 countries. This is the richest river prize in the world.

The Drome river, once too polluted for swimming and sucked dry by agricultural irrigation, has seen significant improvement in its water quality, wetland biology and flood risks.

"The restoration of the Drome River Valley is an excellent example of a collaborative partnership of local governments working through the Communaute de Communes du Val de Drome (CCVD) with local stakeholders to produce a model for European river management," said Professor Paul Greenfield, chair of the international judging panel.

"The panel was particularly impressed with the achievements and progress over a 20-year period to monitor river flows and upgrade sewage treatment facilities. The actions of the CCVD have ensured sustainable development of the Drome River Valley."

A delegation of French water experts is visiting Brisbane to participate in the symposium and receive the award.

Other international finalists for the International Thiess Riverprize were the Kissimmee River Restoration Project (USA), the St. Croix International Waterway project (Canada), the Sha River Restoration project (China) and the Hudson River Estuary project (USA).

In Australia, the Bulimba Creek Catchment Association won the $50,000 National Thiess Riverprize for restoration, revegetation and clean-up efforts of a large Brisbane urban creek.

Source: Coastal Cooperative Research Centre