01 – Revitalisation of the River Ticino in Airolo
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Here in Airolo, the river landscape has been transformed: a major restoration project has given the river more space, continuity and vitality. Following the removal of the artificial embankments and the riverbed paving, and the subsequent renaturation, the river now features gentler banks, varied vegetation and conditions that support wildlife, thereby offering greater natural and landscape value.
Furthermore, to allow fish to swim upstream past the Airolo reservoir dam, a fish ladder and a lift have been constructed.
To find the lift, the trout actively follow the call of the water current flowing out of the fish ladder. Swimming against the current, the fish pass through the successive pools one by one until they reach the lift that will take them to the Airolo reservoir. From here, still following the call of the current, they can continue their journey towards the Bedretto valley.
In the coming years, following the covering of the A2 motorway, three new floodplains will be created: beaches that are enjoyable for both nature and for all of us.
Did you know that…
Restoring the natural processes of the watercourse also means allowing the river to develop different dynamics of currents, flows and water speeds, as well as areas of erosion.
This allows stones and gravel to move along the riverbed during flood events. In the widened areas, the gravel is allowed to settle more easily.
This gravel is essential for trout reproduction, as they use it as a substrate to lay their eggs.
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Fish ladder / Fish pass (1) Fish ladder (2) Brown trout (Salmo trutta fario)
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Before 
After Curiosity… In the past, many streams were buried or diverted, but today efforts are being made to recover them for their naturalistic and landscape value.
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cards_stack Play along the river