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Re-discovering rivers and lakes in cities

In Europe, extensive urbanisation poses a range of significant challenges for the natural resources and ecosystems within and close to urban regions, including the rivers, streams and lakes which are part of the landscape of cities and towns.

In recent decades, and after the gradual improvement of water quality due to wastewater treatment and reduced industrial activities, urban rivers and lakes have become increasingly important in the planning of urban ecology, green infrastructure and green areas in European cities. Especially, river and lake restoration are offering win–win situations: they improve flood control and ecological functions while offering recreational value and raising the quality of life in urban areas. They also mitigate the impacts of the urban heat island effect while providing better visual balance to the cityscape.