The Isère Amont integrated development project has received a 2026 FIDIC Project Award in the category ‘Adapting existing systems to tackle the causes or effects of climate change’ at the FIDIC Global Infrastructure Awards held in New Delhi. This international recognition confirms the project’s standing as a benchmark for climate adaptation, less than a year after it was awarded a prize in one of the categories of the 2025 Grand Prix National de l’Ingénierie (France)*. This dual distinction celebrates a pioneering approach that combines flood protection, climate adaptation and ecological restoration on a valley-wide scale.
A territorial resilience project with measurable impacts
Located in the Grésivaudan Valley, between Grenoble and Pontcharra, the project addresses a major challenge in terms of territorial resilience. Faced with a flood risk likely to affect more than 300,000 residents across 29 local authorities, the teams have developed an approach based on the principle of ‘giving space back to the river’, rather than continuing to constrain it.
Spanning more than 40 kilometres of the valley, the project includes, in particular, 16 controlled floodplains covering 3,600 hectares, capable of storing up to 35 million m³ of water, as well as more than 400 hydraulic and environmental structures. This strategy both reduces the risk of flooding and sustainably restores the river’s natural functions.
Beyond its hydraulic aspects, Isère Amont is also a major ecological restoration project involving the removal or setting back of dykes, the reconnection of alluvial forests and wetlands, the enhancement of ecological connectivity, and the return of iconic species such as the beaver and the narrow-leaved cattail.
Delivered in 2023 after 18 years of consultation, studies and works, the project represents an investment of 135 million euros and is now an international benchmark for sustainable river management.
Key figures
- 40 km of redeveloped river valley
- 29 municipalities protected
- 300,000 residents affected
- 16 controlled floodplains
- 3,600 ha utilised
- 35 million m³ of storage capacity
- Over 400 structures built
- 18 years of consultation, design and construction
- €135 million invested
- 2025 Grand Prix National de l’Ingénierie – category prize
- FIDIC Project Award 2026 – Medium to Large Project category
Project owner and project manager
Led by SYMBHI (Syndicat Mixte des Bassins Hydrauliques de l’Isère) with the support of its delegated project owner, Elegia Territoires 38, the project was designed and delivered by a consortium comprising Egis (lead project manager), Artelia (upstream designer) and Hydrétudes (environment and ecology consultant).
*Award won in the category Adapting existing systems to tackle the causes or effects of climate change
