Syr

We conducted interviews and workshops around the Syr River to analyse local challenges systematically and develop fields of action.

This was done in close cooperation with the Syr River Partnership (supported by natur&ëmwelt / Fondation Hëllef fir d'Natur) as well as with stakeholders from municipalities, municipal special-purpose associations ("syndicates"), administrations and ministries, agricultural consultancies, and other organisations.

The area

The Syr originates in Syren and flows into the Moselle at Mertert. The catchment area covers 207 km², and the total length of all watercourses is 234 km. Approximately 35,000 people live in the municipalities of the river partnership, which include Bech, Betzdorf, Biwer, Contern, Grevenmacher, Junglinster, Manternach, Mertert, Niederanven, Sandweiler, Schuttrange, and Weiler-La-Tour. Around three-quarters of the land is used for agriculture and forestry, though some municipalities are becoming increasingly built-up.

Water and nature

The flora, fauna, and water quality in the Syr river basin vary significantly. In some areas, obstacles such as weirs prevent fish from moving through the watercourses. In many places, the water cannot flow beyond the banks, contributing to the risk of flooding in certain areas. Due to increasing population numbers and the presence of the international airport, many nutrients (including nitrates, phosphates, and ammonium) enter the Syr and its tributaries via sewage treatment plants in some municipalities, and occasionally even untreated wastewater when overburdened. Soil erosion and livestock introduce sediments and nitrates into the watercourses, particularly in areas of intensive farming where riverbank fencing is absent. In some stretches of the river, there have been no trout for years.

Due to these factors, the Water Management Agency (AGE) rates the overall water quality and biodiversity in the river basin as moderate (see presentation below).

Additionally, many springs in the area are unsuitable for drinking water because of high levels of nitrate and pesticide contamination.

Protected areas:

Luxembourg is required by the EU to restore its water bodies to a "good status" by 2027 at the latest and to protect drinking water sources. Biodiversity must also not be allowed to deteriorate further. Therefore, the municipalities must carry out renaturalisation measures and establish drinking water protection areas around springs. Additionally, there are three Natura 2000 protected areas in the river basin with similar priorities.

Research and project activities:

In 2021, a case study was published as part of a dissertation (see Part IV of the case studies), which analyses renaturation projects and governance processes aimed at improving the Syr's water status. The focus was on developments and challenges related to the "Schlammwiss-Brill" nature reserve and renaturalisation projects between Mensdorf and Betzdorf. The study sought to identify which factors promote or hinder cooperation and learning processes among different stakeholders working to improve the condition of the watercourse.

The topic arose from a workshop organised in collaboration with the Syr River Partnership, where renaturalisation was identified as one of the most important fields of action for the river basin (see workshop report below).

Additionally, the dissertation offers recommendations on how actors from politics, administration, and practice can foster creative spaces and social learning (see also the summary in German).

Former project leader: Kristina Hondrila, University of Luxembourg