International Regulation of the Rhine

8 March 2019

The Rhine from the confluence of the Anterior Rhine (Vorderrhein) and Posterior Rhine (Hinterrhein) rivers near Reichenau (Grisons/ Graubünden) to its confluence with Lake Constance is known as the Alpine Rhine or the longest river in Europe.

As a result of the ever-increasing settlement of the Rhine valley, better flood protection was demanded in the 19th century.

The most devastating flood catastrophe occurred in 1817. Other devastating floods are those of 1888, 1927, 1954, and 1987 and, of course, the Magadalena flood of 1342.

The International Treaty of 1892 between Austria and Switzerland established the International Regulation of the Rhine (IRR, die Internationale Rheinregulierung).

In 2017, the IRR celebrated its 125th anniversary. This treaty was the beginning of closer cooperation between the two countries.

In the Rhy-Schopf of the Werkhof Widnau there is an exhibition about the beginnings and the future of flood protection on the Alpine Rhine and the flood protection project Rhesi.

Rhesi stands for Rhine – Recreation and Safety (Rhein – Erholung Sicherheit) in the lower Rhine valley.

The authorities want to prepare for a so-called 300-year flood.

The exhibition presents the current status of the work in all specialist areas as well as the accompanying planning and various subject areas.

(Source and further information: www.rhesi.ch).