France and Switzerland complete Foron river renaturation project

France and Switzerland have inaugurated the final stage of a renaturation project for the Foron river at its confluence with the Arve. The project, which concluded in late September 2026, involved the restoration of 750 linear meters of the riverbed, completing a larger 5-kilometer effort spanning the border between Geneva and Haute-Savoie.

The initiative aims to mitigate flood risks caused by climate change and historical surges in the Arve river. To achieve this, a four-hectare floodplain was created upstream of the confluence. The project included widening the riverbed by removing restrictive walls, de-paving soils, and replacing them with vegetation and riprap to support biodiversity and create biological corridors for aquatic and terrestrial fauna.

In addition to flood protection, the works establish new paths for pedestrians and cyclists, connecting various sectors via a transboundary greenway. Officials noted that the project is part of a broader regional strategy to adapt to extreme weather patterns, including increased spring snowmelt and more intense seasonal water fluctuations.