The alternating phases of drought and flooding as well as the loss of biodiversity show that we are facing major challenges in water management. As neighbouring countries, we can solve these most effectively together.“ With these words, Tom Schaul from the Luxembourg Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity, together with ICPR President Miriam Haritz and ICPMS President Marc Hoeltzel, welcomed the delegates and recognised observers.
At its plenary assembly, the ICPR presented a report on the development of water temperatures in the Rhine since the 1970s, a report on extreme low water in the Rhine catchment area in 2022 and the report on the results of the workshop on ‘Heavy rainfall and flash floods’. For the first time, the ICPR experts also drew up recommendations for fish protection and downstream fish migration at hydropower plants.
After the flood events in July 2021 and May 2024 led to the designation of further areas with a potentially significant flood risk on the German side, the ICPR decided at its 63rd plenary assembly that the preliminary assessment of flood risks in the Moselle and Saar catchment area carried out in 2019 must be reviewed and updated.
Based on their joint low water monitoring network, the ICPMS decided to produce a synthesis report on 60 years of low water monitoring in the international Moselle-Saar catchment area. It emphasises the complexity of the effects of climate change and the need to continue addressing this issue. The ICPMS also decided to carry out an international exercise in autumn 2025 as part of their international warning and alarm plan for joint action in the event of cross-border pollution. This exercise is part of the exercise and training strategy drawn up by the ICPMS.
Contact for queries
International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine (ICPR)
Marc Daniel Heintz
marcdaniel.heintz(at)iksr.de
0049-261-94252-19
International Commissions for the Protection of the Moselle and the Saar (ICPMS)
Daniel Assfeld
assfeld(at)iksms-cipms.org
0049-6501-607090-4
Background information on the ICPR
In the International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine (ICPR), Switzerland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and the European Union have been working together for mor than 70 years on the basis of a convention under international law to reconcile the diverse uses and protection of water bodies. With a view to implementing European directives, the cross-border cooperation was extended to Austria, Liechtenstein, Italy and the Belgian region Wallonia.
At present (2023-2025), Miriam Haritz from Germany holds the ICPR presidency. She and the different ICPR groups are supported by the international staff of the permanent secretariat in Koblenz (Germany).
See also www.iksr.org/en and LinkedIn
Background information on the ICPMS
The contracting parties of the ICPR, Germany, France and Luxembourg, have been working closely together in the Moselle and Saar catchment area for over 60 years on the basis of two international treaties. In order to cover the entire river basin, the ICPMS also co-operates with the Walloon Region.
Cross-border cooperation serves to protect and improve water quality and aquatic ecosystems as well as flood protection.
The current president is Marc Hoeltzel, Regional Director of DREAL Grand Est. Like the groups of the ICPMS, he is supported by the secretariat based in Konz (Germany), at the confluence of the Moselle and Saar rivers.
See also www.iksms-cipms.org