A complete diagnosis of the aquatic environment is a first step to any restoration measure.

This diagnosis helps to identify objectives to preserve or restore the environment and the possible solutions with all stakeholders involved. Some tools available as a support for this diagnosis are presented in the “Diagnosing alterations in rivers” section. For a coordinated and sustainable implementation of these objectives, an action program should be established, at river basin or catchment area level. A presentation of the main action plans existing in France is proposed in the “Organizing the implementation” section.

To make sure that all partners understand and agree with the restoration project, the interest of everyone must be taken into account: cooperation and communication are keywords for a successful project execution. Documentation and examples on how to implement such actions can be found in the “Partnership” section.