Background Medium-sized and large rivers flowing through densely populated urban areas typically fall under more than one jurisdiction in Germany. The national level is guardian of waterways development and security, whilst the local municipality has responsibility for local requirements. Their interests can overlap and compete in the management of rivers. As an example, a local wish for environmentally sound nature restoration measures and attractive riverfronts may be counterproductive to a national level focus on the river’s function as a transport route. Unco-ordinated and sometimes contradictory planning leads to significant disadvantages, heavy delays and wasted resources. The LIFE project targets the Ludwigsburg section of the river Neckar, which can serve as an example for river management in other European cities. Municipal investments in river improvement urgently need the broad support of citizens and stakeholders to move from planning to implementation. In the project area, the regional Waterways and Shipping Administration maintains and operates 15 lock chambers and 15 weirs. Objectives The project plans to co-ordinate concurrent investment plans at municipal, regional and national level in order to achieve unified, environmentally sustainable and durable river management. It thus aims to ensure appropriate and sustainable maintenance and development of the river Neckar as an important waterway. To achieve this, the project will establish co-operation routines between national and municipal levels, focusing on environmentally significant dimensions, including river restoration, city planning and local recreation. The beneficiary will implement the developed concept in two concrete demonstration projects. One will restore the natural river state in Ludwigsburg, making the riverbank accessible and clarifying ownership questions. The other will develop city planning in Remseck to provide a ‘green’ city centre with attractive local recreation options, accessible and attractive natural spaces and reduced traffic. The project actions will be supported by a marketing campaign highlighting the river as a brand, to boost the identification of the citizens and stakeholders with “MY FAVOURITE RIVER”. Expected results: A restored river in the city of Ludwigsburg; A ‘green’ city centre for the city of Remseck; Appropriate feedback from the demonstration projects for future planning; and An example of successful river management between administrative levels that can serve as a European model.