The Pardinho River is a vital freshwater resource for communities in Rio Grande do Sol province in southern Brazil. However, years of erosion, pollution and poor land management have reduced water quality across the river system.
This multi-year program is tackling the problem at source. By restoring riverbanks, improving soil and water management and systematically monitoring water quality, this intervention aims to regenerate the watershed. As a result, it is improving access to clean water, which in turn promotes more productive farming, biodiversity and greater resilience to the impacts of climate change.
The program integrates the monitoring of chemical and biological water parameters with practical restoration actions along the Pardinho River. Water quality is being tracked at multiple points, while rural sites are analyzed to identify and address erosion, soil degradation and other pressures affecting the system.
Restoration work will cover 12 particularly degraded sections across more than three kilometers of river, using reforestation, bioengineering and fencing to stabilize banks – in turn protecting soil quality and creating green corridors for wildlife.
Local farmers are also being engaged through interviews, training and field activities, promoting conservation awareness that will reduce erosion and improve agricultural productivity. Together, these measures will improve water security and public health, protect agricultural land and mitigate climate change-related impacts to the benefit of almost 180,000 people in five surrounding municipalities.
25 years of investment in disaster management
Countries where we have supported our partners’ work in response to a growing range of threats to life and livelihood
Million CHF invested since 2001 to help communities better prepare for and recover from disasters
Projects addressing disaster-related challenges and supporting community resilience
