Restoring natural habitats to protect living systems

To protect biodiversity, it is essential to maintain, manage, and restore the original fluvial character — recreating meandering channels, alternating riffles and pools, and ensuring the presence of natural substrates and hydraulic load conditions that support the long‑term establishment of aquatic species and functional riparian zones.

The balance of populations depends on the mutual regulation of biological cycles, which in turn sustain spawning areas, refuges, and shelters for various species, resulting in a diversity aligned with the ecological conditions of the site.

The INGETEC team develops solutions ranging from modest to highly ambitious interventions (from R3 to R1), depending on the constraints of each project site. Each option is carefully evaluated and documented, enabling stakeholders to make the most informed and relevant choice.

Many rivers are obstructed by barriers that prevent fish from migrating upstream and sediments from flowing downstream. We work to remove these obstacles to achieve a healthier distribution of aquatic life and sediment along the river. To achieve this, we propose several types of interventions:

• Renaturation – restoring fish and sediment continuity while improving the river’s hydro‑ecological quality.

• Full or partial removal of structures (dam decommissioning or lowering) – eliminating a structure entirely or partially to restore the river’s natural processes, combined with accompanying mitigation measures.

• Bypass channels or nature‑like ramps – creating an artificial side channel when sufficient land is available, allowing species and sediments to bypass the obstacle.

• Fish ladder installation – when none of the previous solutions are feasible, this option is considered to enable target species to migrate freely and maintain sediment transport.

The goal, set by the European regulatory framework, is to restore the natural functioning of rivers and wetlands by 2027 in order to improve water quality and reduce flood risks.

To achieve this, we implement wetland restoration, a nature‑based solution that mitigates flooding naturally. Our team also works to allow rivers to reoccupy their natural floodplains, enabling them to meander freely across their space and thereby reducing flood intensity.

At Ingetec, we implement ecological engineering approaches. Instead of relying on heavy masonry or traditional riprap, we use vegetation’s natural capacity to reinforce soils and slow down erosion, helping safeguard biodiversity.

Our engineers favor nature‑based crossing solutions such as rock ramps and bed sills. These interventions perform effectively across a wide range of hydraulic conditions and seasonal flows, while supporting diverse aquatic species. They also restore sediment transport almost entirely and significantly reduce riverbank erosion.

At Ingetec, we assist clients with environmental permitting processes. By integrating environmental and regulatory considerations from the very start of project design, our engineering management approach ensures compliance is built in rather than treated as an afterthought. From the outset, we carry out a comprehensive environmental and regulatory scoping to identify potential issues and impacts. This early stage work allows us to anticipate constraints, guide project owners, and shape the project in line with regulatory requirements. Our assessments consider environmental impact in the broadest sense — covering the physical environment (soils, groundwater), natural habitats (wildlife, vegetation, ecological corridors), and the socio‑economic environment (communities, housing). Once the initial scoping is complete, we provide ongoing support throughout the project, ensuring regulatory compliance and securing the project timeline.