There are numerous other areas along the Inn that have undergone a similar development. As the floodplain waters are very important habitats for a large number of rare animal and plant species, the LIFE project aims to renaturalise them and thus enhance the habitat.

Once completed, the still waters should remain in existence for decades and serve as a valuable habitat for fish, water birds, amphibians and insects in the Inn floodplains. Shallow water zones and deep areas will be created. By connecting the deep zone to the Inn, fish will once again be able to use the Aufhausener Lacke as a habitat. The shallow water areas will be re-covered by water-bound vegetation and thus offer a perfect environment for fish larvae and juvenile fish as well as for waterfowl.

The connection to the Inn will be limited to its downstream end in order to avoid rapid resedimentation due to the entry of suspended matter. Experience from other projects has shown that floodplain waters that are only connected to the river at their downstream end last the longest.

The restoration of the Aufhausener Lacke will therefore improve habitat diversity in the European nature reserve, thereby contributing to the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive.