Resilient rivers – the place we would like to be

CCB • August 22, 2023

August 2023 - “Over several days, we explored firsthand the significance of freshwater ecosystems for nature-based water management, sustainable forestry, waterway management, environmental accident mitigation, the practical challenges of rewilding, and so much more. It was a truly immersive experience that highlighted the beauty and fragility of rivers and reinforced the need to protect these ecosystems” commented Valerie Kendall, from MKO Ireland and one of the lecturers of the 4th edition of River University, which took place in the unique Oder Delta landscape, in Germany, on 31 July-4 August 2023.


The environmental catastrophe in the Oder river in 2022 still shows its negative consequences nowadays - along with new issues and challenges - making it difficult to reach a full and smooth recovery. To experience, understand and discuss the importance and the need of an integrated water management plan in the whole basin, the participants of this year's edition of River University gathered in the Oder river basin, hosted by the co-organizer Rewilding Oder Delta.


KEY PROBLEMS IN ODRA BASIN


The biggest problems of the Oder river and its basin relates mainly to the poor quality of its surface waters and its hydromorphological transformation [1]. Above-normal amounts of toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and heavy metals are present in surface waters which result in poor chemical status of Oder waters.This pollution comes from fossil fuel burning, transport and industrial emissions. Relying on fossil fuels in transport, energy and heating, doesn't help the recovery. Coal mines, which still function in the trilateral Odra basin, are responsible for brine discharges that have a significant impact on the high salinity of the Oder river. Additionally, large technical investments in new dams for inland navigation and hydropower stations negatively affect the river's natural capacity to self-regulate, and by consequence contribute to the current climate crisis. 


In such a vulnerable riverine ecosystem, the concerns are high both in the Polish and German borders. 




THERE IS STILL HOPE 


Data science gives hope to the local communities: the Oder River is alive [2]. Different species of fish and conditions for breeding are present, yet it's our human work to be done to help this river to return to its full swing of life. 


A coordinated approach of the different states (Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic) is essential: responsible ministries as well as the lower authorities and intergovernmental organizations like the Helsinki Commision (HELCOM) and the International Commission on the Protection of the Oder against Pollution (ICPO) have to cooperate with each other for the management and protection of the Oder basin.


The pressure on the Oder river is high and it’s not the only one. This is the point when catastrophe only waits to appear.”, commented Pavel Danihelka from UNECE Joint Expert Group on Water & Industrial Accidents, during River University 2023 [3].


Continuous water quality monitoring is critical for detecting and preventing pollution discharges. Still, in the entire territory of the international basin of the Odra River, this activity is not being carried out now at any locality. It was done in the period 2004-2014, helping to discover and record a number of cases of significant deterioration of the biological quality of waters, but despite the advantages the river basin management institutions stopped the activity after ten years [4]. Also, macroinvertebrates can play a role in biomonitoring, providing valuable information on the trends of biological changes based on their role in the ecosystem and unique characteristics [5].


CCB River University 2023 - Credit: Agnieszka Soboń, Rewilding Oder Delta


INPUTS FROM RIVER UNIVERSITY 2023


During the 5-days event, speakers, practitioners and guides stressed the importance of river´s resilience, the ways to improve it, and urgency to speed up the fulfillment of the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) to protect our biodiversity including the Odra river waters and natural resources that rely on them.


The lectures, field visits and expert discussions revealed that there are plenty of tools available to reduce risks and avoid critical situations, e.g.:


We strongly believe restoring ecosystems on a landscape scale is achievable when various institutions, businesses, organisations and individuals cooperate and share the same vision. We are excited to see the new collaborations that have emerged from the River University, bringing us closer to achieving this goal.”, remarked Ewa Leś and Peter Torkler, co-organizers of River University 2023.


CCB River University 2023 - Credit: Agnieszka Soboń, Rewilding Oder Delta


The Oder river is not only an infamous example of what can happen when human pressures damage the environment, but it could also represent a good example of holistic approach and joint transboundary improvements to make the recovery possible [8] and to ensure the resilience of the river.


***

Article written by Ewa Leś, CCB Eutrophication Working Area Leader & founder of River University.


NOTES

[1] CCB Report “Major Challenges For Water Management In Poland” (2023), extended analysis of the CCB report “The Greatest Water Management Challenges in the Baltic Sea Region” (2023).


[2] Lecture at River University 2023:
’Dying river – what the Oder catastrophe has shown us’, Christian Wolter, IGB.


[3] Lecture at River University 2023:
‘The potential problem of chemical accidents on rivers’, Pavel Danihelka, University of Ostrava & Member of UNECE Joint Expert Group on Water & Industrial Accidents.


[4]-[7] Lecture at River University 2023:
'Accidental pollution of rivers', Přemysl Soldán, T.G. Masaryk Water Research Institute.


[5] Lecture at River University 2023:
'Benthic macroinvertebrates: tiny creatures - big environmental clues’, Valerie Kendall, MKO, Irland. 


[6] Lecture at River University 2023:
'Tools to support resilient, nature-based water management', Aaron J. Neill, Institute of Hazard, Risk and Resilience, Durham University (UK).


[7] See note n. 4.


[8] Online article on the Green European Journal (14 August 2023):
‘Odra Disaster, One Year On: Poland’s Rivers Still Need Saving’, Ewa Leś, CCB Eutrophication Working Area Leader & founder of River University.



By CCB October 3, 2025
3 October 2025 - Coalition Clean Baltic, together with its Member Organization BUND - Friends of the Earth Germany and the citizens’ initiative “ Lebensraum Vorpommern ”, have launched a petition to stop new oil and gas drilling projects in the Baltic Sea . The petition comes in response to plans to exploit a deposit just 6 km offshore Świnoujście , Poland, in the transboundary waters of the Oder Estuary and Pomeranian Bay. The planned site lies at the heart of NATURA 2000 protected areas , which are vital for biodiversity, climate action, and local communities. Oil and gas extraction in the Baltic Sea poses severe threats to its fragile ecosystems. Industrial activities such as drilling, pipeline construction, and ship traffic risk polluting the water with chemicals, oil leaks, and toxic waste. Underwater noise from pile driving and increased traffic would further degrade marine habitats. These pressures add to the already critical challenges faced by the Baltic Sea, including biodiversity loss, eutrophication, and the accelerating impacts of climate change. The consequences extend far beyond nature. Local communities rely on a clean and healthy Baltic for tourism, fishing, and quality of life. Expanding fossil fuel infrastructure would also undermine Europe’s climate commitments and lock in carbon emissions for decades to come. The petition calls on the Ministry of Climate and Environment of Poland, the Helsinki Commission (HELCOM), the European Commission, and the Secretariat of the Espoo Convention to : Stop the plans for oil and gas extraction in the Oder Estuary and the Pomeranian Bay; Ban any new oil and gas extraction across the Baltic Sea; Ensure strong cross-border cooperation and communication amongst all involved states. The petition is open through the WeMove Europe´s platform and can be signed here .
By CCB October 1, 2025
Job Title: Coalition Campaign Manager - Common Fisheries Policy Position type : Full-time consultancy contract. Open to part-time arrangements initially if needed. Contract duration: Short-term contract until end of March 2026, with possibility of extension subject to funding availability Reports to: Steering Committee Location : Flexible(remote/home office) with regular travel. Working in Brussels is of advantage. Starting date : ASAP In close cooperation with the Steering Group of the coalition, lead, plan, coordinate, and support the campaign of an NGO network working together towards the implementation of the EU Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and the evaluation thereof. The campaign manager's responsibility is to develop and ensure the successful and timely delivery of political advocacy and public engagement activities of the campaign, both at EU and Member State level. Job description Strategy & Planning Develop and implement short-, and long-term campaign strategies aligned with coalition objectives, in close cooperation with the Steering Group. Set clear goals, timelines, and performance indicators for the campaign and ensure timely delivery thereof. Analyse policy development, political climate, media and public opinion, and stakeholder landscapes to inform tactics. Campaign Delivery Manage day-to-day execution of the campaign activities at Brussels and Member State level. Coordinate coalition partners and ensure communication between Steering Group and coalition members, as well as relevant groups/coalitions/experts and other stakeholders outside the coalition. Advise coalition members on strategic delivery of advocacy activities at all levels, including Member State level. Join Steering Group meetings in an advisory capacity. Report back to the Steering Group on the delivery of the campaign's activities, meeting of targets and milestones, and report back on activities, budget and impact. Advocacy & Stakeholder Engagement Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, key stakeholders, and allies to support campaign aims. Analyse opportunities of engagement, advise on policy language. Organise/coordinate/prepare and support relevant activities, including events, briefings, and advocacy activities in close cooperation with coalition members. Ensure relevant knowledge management and information flow within the coalition and across partner organisations. Liaise with communication experts on message framing, strategy and timelines. Management Support CCB administrative and finance staff managing grants to coalition partners. Ensure coalition partners receive information and materials that enable them to effectively contribute to achieving campaign goals (political information, policy briefings, templates, policy language, opportunity analyses). Support fundraising efforts as needed/requested by the Steering Group. Lead on funders narrative reporting. Qualifications & Skills required The consultant must be legally authorised to provide services and work as a consultant within the EU, based in an EU Member State. Fisheries and ocean expertise (preferred), or other environmental background. Degree (or equivalent experience) in communications/campaign management, political science, resource management, fisheries, or related field. Proven track record in designing and delivering successful advocacy or public campaigns at EU or Member State levels involving a larger coalition. Strong understanding of political processes at EU level and Member State levels, media landscapes, and public engagement. Excellent project management and organisational skills. Skilled communicator and coordinator, able to craft persuasive messages and engage a larger network into a common goal within tight deadlines. Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and adapt to rapidly changing circumstances. Fluency in English is required; additional EU languages are a plus. Application Should you be interested in applying for this assignment, please send your CV (max. 2 pages) together with a personal letter (max. 1 page) before 9 October 2025 , COB, to secretariat@ccb.se Please include your consultancy rate in your application inclusive VAT (if applicable). Applications should be submitted in English. Incomplete applications (e.g. lacking either CV or personal letter) will not be considered . Any inquiries related to this assignment should be forwarded to the above email or to CCB Executive Secretary Mikhail Durkin at mikhail.durkin@ccb.se and +46 739 770 793. In the application and hiring process, CCB will not discriminate against any individual based on race, colour, sex, language, religion, national or social origin, property, disability, age, family status, sexual orientation and gender identity, economic and social situation. .