Ticino River Basin
Planning a transboundary ecological corridor between the Alps and the Adriatic.
Shared by Switzerland and Italy, the 250 km-long Ticino river forms a functional terrestrial and aquatic ecological corridor linking the Alps, the Apennines and the Adriatic Sea. Its varied habitats support globally threatened species, but intensive agriculture, urbanisation and infrastructure development have degraded native ecosystems.
This planning grant supported the development of a shared transboundary restoration vision and laid the institutional foundations for coordinated action across the basin.
Switzerland and Italy
Istituto Oikos
US $83,900
November 2019 – February 2021
250 km river corridor connecting alpine and lowland systems
River channels, floodplains, wetlands and associated agricultural landscapes
Why This Landscape Matters
Habitats in the Ticino River Basin support a wide range of species, including amphibians like the European spadefoot toad.
The Ticino river basin connects major European biogeographic regions and provides an important corridor for species movement between mountains, lowlands and coastal systems. Its aquatic and riparian habitats support species such as adriatic sturgeon, white-clawed crayfish and Piedmont quillwort.
However, decades of agricultural intensification, urban expansion, transport infrastructure and industrial activity have fragmented habitats and altered natural river processes. Because the basin spans two countries, long-term ecological recovery depends on coordinated planning and shared objectives.
What the Project Did
The planning grant focused on governance, partnership-building and strategic preparation for future restoration. The project delivered:
The establishment of a dedicated Secretariat to coordinate cross-border collaboration.
A formal cooperation agreement signed by key institutional and technical partners.
Development of a shared transboundary restoration plan under the vision of ‘one river – many systems – one landscape’.
A strategic framework outlining priorities to restore ecological functionality, enhance ecosystem services and strengthen climate resilience.
Looking Ahead
The transboundary restoration plan provides the strategic basis for future funding applications and implementation.
By formalising cooperation and defining shared priorities, the project has strengthened alignment between Swiss and Italian partners. This groundwork positions the Ticino river basin for coordinated restoration action when further resources become available.
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