International Accord to Clean Up the Rhine River

Back to Map Page April, 1999 Basel, Switzerland The Rhine River, which flows through some of Europe's biggest industrial districts, has long suffered from severe pollution, including chemical spills that have caused catastrophic fish kills. At times the water has been so contaminated that long stretches the river were emptied of living fish. In recent years several European governments have made special efforts to clean up and protect the Rhine. On April 12 conservation efforts moved forward with a new international convention (agreement) on the protection of the Rhine. Five countries signed the convention: Switzerland, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands (see map). The new agreement has impressive environmental protection goals. Included among these goals are Habitat protection along the river's banks. Flood management, including aims to re-establish parts of the river's natural course. By allowing the river more room to flood, severe floods, such as those that took place in Germany and the Netherlands last fall, could be avoided. Reintroduction of salmon, after an absence of almost 50 years, as far upstream as Basle, Switzerland. Recent pollution prevention efforts, as well as the installation of fish ladders to help the fish get around dams, have already helped salmon return to lower stretches of the river. The new convention also gives some environmental groups the right to observe progress by signing countries. Giving these groups a voice is an important step in ensuring that the words on paper will be translated into some sort of actual progress. Also important in the effectiveness of the agreement are extended powers of oversight and enforcement that will allow an international commission to ensure that signatory countries live up to their promises. For further information, see these related sites: European Rivers Network homepage Description of the Rhine River, from the World Meteorological Organization To read more, see Environmental Science, a Global Concern, Cunningham and Saigo, 5th ed. Water pollution: p. 435-37 Water pollution control: p. 451-455 Environmental Science, Enger and Smith, 6th ed. Wastewater treatment: p. 302-304 Water use and pollution in industrialized and developing countries: p. 300 Back to Map Page feedback form | permissions | international | locate your campus rep | request a review copy digital solutions | publish with us | customer service | mhhe home Copyright ©2001 The McGraw-Hill Companies. Any use is subject to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. McGraw-Hill Higher Education is one of the many fine businesses of the The McGraw-Hill Companies.