Switzerland and France Strengthen Environmental Cooperation with Agreements on Managing the Rhine River and Lake Geneva
Switzerland and France have expressed their commitment to enhancing environmental cooperation by signing two bilateral agreements on the sustainable management of the Rhine River and Lake Geneva this Thursday in Geneva.
The agreements were signed by Swiss Federal Councillor Albert Rösti and French Minister for Ecological Transition Laurent Saint-Martin, aiming to bolster joint coordination in managing cross-border water resources, especially during periods of flooding, drought, or extreme climate events.
The first agreement establishes a bilateral framework committee for the management of the Rhine River, addressing challenges related to climate change and ensuring better coordination among authorities on either side of the border.
The second agreement pertains to the regulation of Lake Geneva’s waters, outlining consultation mechanisms to protect local communities and secure both economic and environmental uses of the lake and river, including safe drinking water, biodiversity, and hydropower production.
The Rhine River, which flows from the Swiss Alps, passes through Lake Geneva before extending over 500 kilometers into France, ultimately reaching the Mediterranean Sea. Lake Geneva is the largest lake in Western Europe and represents a shared strategic resource for both countries.
The Swiss cantons of Geneva, Vaud, and Valais, directly involved, participated in the negotiations and will contribute to the implementation of these new agreements.
This step reflects the shared commitment of Switzerland and France to facing future water and climate challenges and enhancing long-term cooperation surrounding the Rhine River and Lake Geneva.
