Overview
Stream restoration measures have been demonstrated to improve biodiversity; however, they do not necessarily restore ecosystem functioning. The decoupling of biological diversity gains from functional ecological recovery raises critical questions regarding current stream management strategies.
Research Context
The EU Nature Restoration Regulation, adopted in 2024, established the restoration of ecosystem functions as an explicit objective of stream restoration initiatives. Traditionally, conventional restoration projects have focused primarily on modifying and restoring the physical structure of rivers and streams.
Findings
Evidence indicates that stream restoration improves biodiversity, yet it does not reliably result in the restoration of ecosystem functions. As a consequence, conventional interventions centered on structural rehabilitation do not inherently guarantee the fulfillment of functional recovery goals.
Why This Matters
Under the EU Nature Restoration Regulation adopted in 2024, the recovery of ecosystem functions is now a defined policy target. Evaluating whether standard restoration measures focused on physical stream structure can achieve functional restoration is essential for meeting these statutory requirements.