Abstract: This article highlights the importance of integrative water management in the Ob catchment. The Trans-Siberian Railway, which crosses the Ob near Novosibirsk, is part of one of the most innovative infrastructure projects of the 21st century, the Breitspur-project. The hydropower plant on the Ob near Novosibirsk exemplifies the multi-purpose use of a hydropower plant (energy production, flood protection, recreational use, water storage - drinking water and irrigation). In contrast to Europe, governmental monitoring is based on hydrological and physico-chemical parameters (quantity and quality), but numerous scientific projects also work with bio-indication, which enables a holistic view of the river system. Finally, offset measures and biodiversity management in connection with coal mining in the Kuzbass show, that landfills can be successfully renatured with meadow-steppe. By using a grass-seed mixture of meadow and steppe forbs, the development time is reduced and the ecological and biological properties of the restored areas increased. Overall, we want to highlight that the scientific exchange between Europe and Russia is valuable – best practice examples in water management can be exchanged and at the same time natural systems can be used to analyse hydromorphological reference conditions and develop guiding principles for European rivers.     «

Abstract: This article highlights the importance of integrative water management in the Ob catchment. The Trans-Siberian Railway, which crosses the Ob near Novosibirsk, is part of one of the most innovative infrastructure projects of the 21st century, the Breitspur-project. The hydropower plant on the Ob near Novosibirsk exemplifies the multi-purpose use of a hydropower plant (energy production, flood protection, recreational use, water storage - drinking water and irrigation). In contrast to E...     »