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The Open Rivers Programme, which focuses on the removal of dams and barriers that prevent rivers in Europe from returning to their natural flow, is opening its 2026 grant call on February 16th. In the program, where NGOs from Turkey can apply, up to 100,000 euros of support is provided for barrier removal and preparatory work.
The program aims to restore river ecosystems and enhance biodiversity by demolishing (removing) small dams, weirs, and barriers on rivers to allow rivers to flow freely again.
Who can apply?
- NGOs: Associations, foundations, and non-profit organizations.
- Public Institutions: May apply only in certain categories, especially during the demolition phase, or may partner with NGOs.
Supported activity categories
- Category A1 (Identification and Prioritization): Identification of barriers that need to be removed in a river basin and feasibility studies.
- Category A2 (Pre-Demolition Preparation): Technical drawings, permitting processes, legal preparations, and stakeholder consultations.
- Category A3 (Demolition/Removal): Actual demolition of the barrier and construction works.
- Category B (Empowering Others): Funding of the preparation phase (permits, project, etc.) when demolition costs are covered from another source.
The general upper limit for preparation and identification projects (Category A1/A2) is around 100,000 Euros.
Although there is no specific upper limit for physical demolition (Category A3) projects, the "cost/performance" balance (cost per kilometer of river restored) is taken into account.
Applications will be made in English via the program's online portal (Grant Management System) starting from February 16, 2026.
Detailed information: https://openrivers.eu/grants/apply-for-a-grant/
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