Welcome

to the website of the International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine.

For the benefit of the Rhine and of all of its tributaries the members of the International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine (ICPR) Switzerland, France, Germany, Luxemburg, Netherlands and the European Commission successfully co-operate with Austria, Liechtenstein, the Belgian region of Wallonia and Italy. Focal points of work are sustainable development of the Rhine, its alluvial areas and the good state of all waters in the watershed.

Since 1950, representatives of the governments of the states concerned jointly draft recommendations for programmes of measures within the ICPR which are implemented and financed by the individual countries. The ICPR coordinates this work and discusses its results. Currently, work is focusing on the following objectives and tasks:

• Improvement of the chemical and ecological state of the Rhine by sustainably developing the ecosystem and uses of Rhine water, taking into account the relief of the North Sea.
• Comprehensive flood prevention and protection taking into account ecological requirements;
• Support of the co-ordinated implementation of European regulations, such as the Water Framework Directive and the Floods directive in the watershed of the Rhine.

Work is done in coordination with representatives of associations interested, economy, local authorities whose work is related to the river and other international commissions working in the Rhine watershed. The work of the Commission is supported by a secretariat located in Koblenz.

Today, 96 % of the population are connected to wastewater treatment plants. Many big industrial plants have their own wastewater treatment plant. Thus, water quality and the biological state of the Rhine and of many of its tributaries have distinctly improved. The number of animal and plant species has increased. Since 2006, salmon and other migratory fish migrating upstream from the North Sea may again reach Strasbourg.

Considerable efforts have been made to reduce the negative impacts of floods. Among others, additional flood retention areas have been created.

A great success for the co-operation of all member states under the umbrella of the ICPR. However, much remains to be done!