Wetland Restoration Project – Naturpark Pfyn-Finges

Restoring water cycles, enhancing biodiversity while demonstrating ecosystem restoration.

Location:

Bratsch, Switzerland

Date:

Fall 2023

Elevation:

980m a.s.l.

Environment:

Preserved

Partner:

Naturpark Pfyn-Finges

Restoring Water Cycles & Biodiversity

In collaboration with Naturpark Pfyn-Finges, this project focused on the creation of a pond landscape to restore wetland ecosystems with minimal impact through manual implementation.

These habitats are essential for water retention, biodiversity support, and climate resilience. By designing and building a series of small ponds by hand, the project contributes to the regeneration of natural water cycles and the re-establishment of diverse aquatic and terrestrial life.

Hands-On Regenerative Implementation

Executed in October and November 2023, the wetland restoration involved manual excavation, strategic placement of ponds, and ecological integration. The process included:

✔ Site preparation – clearing vegetation and removing excess material
✔ Pond layout & excavation – shaping and placing water-retaining features
✔ Final integration – ensuring optimal conditions for water flow, natural regeneration and ecosystem stability

Knowledge Sharing & Regenerative Water Management

As part of the initiative, a specialized workshop on water cycle regeneration was conducted, using this wetland project as a real-world case study. The session provided insights into water conservation, landscape hydrology, and practical ecosystem restoration techniques, offering participants hands-on experience in designing and implementing water retention landscapes.

This project stands as an example of how regenerative design can restore degraded landscapes, enhance biodiversity, and support long-term ecological resilience.