Flowing waters run through our landscape like lifelines. Intact water bodies and their floodplains can be habitats for plants and animals, fulfill flood protection functions and offer recreation and nature experiences for the population.

However, intact water bodies and floodplains have become rare in our cultural landscape. In 2015, only 7% of German rivers and streams were in "good" or "very good" ecological condition or had the potential to be.

The EU Water Framework Directive adopted in 2000 called for a good ecological and chemical status of all water bodies by 2015. Despite great efforts and some successes, these goals could not be achieved. Now, running waters, lakes and groundwater are to be converted to "good status" by 2027 at the latest.

Local Landcare Associations support municipalities in meeting the obligations of the EU Water Framework Directive. They plan, coordinate and implement measures for the near-natural development of streams and rivers.

Landcare Germany supports the local landcare associations, for example, through training, consulting and nationwide networking.