Join Us at the 2024 Paddle Sports Show for an Inspiring Talk by Beatrice Alducci
Beatrice Alducci, from the World Fish Migration Foundation and the Dam Removal Europe coalition, will be presenting at this year’s Paddle Sports Show. Beatrice and the team are at the forefront of global efforts to remove obsolete man-made barriers from rivers and restore them to their natural free-flowing state. Her presentation will be followed by a debate on critical topics such as the future of our rivers, how we can defend and restore them, and the ecological and energy challenges we face.
Paddle Sports Show: Bea, what is the main message you hope to convey to the audience this year?
Beatrice Alducci: Our rivers are under threat, and one of the greatest dangers is obsolete man-made barriers. These barriers no longer serve their original purpose, are often unmaintained, unlicensed, or past their intended lifespan. But there is a solution: we can remove these obsolete barriers. Paddle sport enthusiasts, who know their local rivers intimately, can join us in this mission to restore our rivers and make a positive impact.
“Since the 1970s, migratory fish populations have drastically declined due to man-made barriers.”
Paddle Sports Show: Can you tell us more about the World Fish Migration Foundation and the Dam Removal Europe coalition?
Beatrice Alducci: The World Fish Migration Foundation was founded 10 years ago to raise awareness about the challenges fish face when migrating in rivers around the world. Since the 1970s, migratory fish populations have drastically declined due to man-made barriers. To combat this, we partnered with six other organisations to create the Dam Removal Europe coalition. Our goal is to promote and mainstream barrier removal as a proven, effective, and affordable method to help local communities, improve public safety, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Paddle Sports Show: How does the paddle sports community play a key role in this fight against dams? Is this a fight against all dams?
Beatrice Alducci: The paddle sports community is a key player in preserving free-flowing rivers and opposing questionable hydropower projects. River protection and restoration must go hand in hand. While protecting rivers is crucial, we also need to focus on restoring the many rivers currently in a degraded state. By challenging unnecessary barrier developments that offer minimal community benefits, the paddle sports community helps prevent future damage and restoration efforts. I believe that every new dam project should be carefully examined, weighing environmental, social, and economic factors alongside other sustainable options like alternative energy sources.
“There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Different energy needs call for different solutions.”
Paddle Sports Show: There is often a debate between nuclear power and dams. As outdoor lovers, we are torn between these two energy sources. What’s your take?
Beatrice Alducci: There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Different energy needs call for different solutions. Nuclear power generates significantly more energy than hydropower without destroying river ecosystems. Additionally, the climate crisis is casting doubt on the long-term viability of hydropower, as unpredictable flood and drought cycles could affect their reliability. We need to critically assess whether dams can provide the necessary energy for a sustainable transition, or if there are better alternatives.
Paddle Sports Show: Should we be optimistic about the future of our rivers?
Beatrice Alducci: Yes, we have reason to be optimistic. The dam removal movement is growing every year, and there is an increasing commitment to restoring rivers to their natural state. With the recent adoption of the Nature Restoration Law and support from the European Union, we can expect even more kilometers of rivers to be restored in the coming years.
Beatrice Alducci will be speaking on September 24th at 1:00 PM.
For more information about the Paddle Sports Show 2024 Conference Program, visit: www.thepaddlesportshow.com/conferences-talks-program/
Learn more about the World Fish Migration Foundation: worldfishmigrationfoundation.com
