LIFE LivingRivers

The main goal of the LIFE Living Rivers project is to contribute to the implementation of the 3^rd River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) for the Danube (2021-2027) by implementing measures to eliminate hydromorphological pressures, and by addressing ecological targets of the Water Framework Directive and Habitats Directive via the management of protected areas, and via sustainable forestry, land and fishery management.

The project aims to achieve multiple specific objectives focused on enhancing climate resilience, restoring ecosystems, and improving water management practices in the region. Key goals include implementing nature-based solutions and green infrastructure to improve water retention, reduce flood risk, and enhance biodiversity within river basins. The project also seeks to demonstrate cost-efficient and sustainable restoration methods, including stakeholder engagement, monitoring, technical planning, and permitting processes.

Efforts will focus on restoring both longitudinal and lateral connectivity of water bodies. This includes removing or reconstructing barriers, restoring sediment transport, and improving the hydraulic, morphological, and ecological functions of existing in-channel structures. Additionally, the project will reconnect main river channels with their floodplains by re-establishing natural riverbanks, reconnecting side arms, and restoring wetlands and stagnant waters to enhance groundwater storage, habitat diversity, and fish migration and spawning. The restoration of degraded natural ecosystems and native fish populations is another priority, alongside improvements to the hydrological regime and flow dynamics of rivers. The project will introduce sustainable land, wetland, and forest management practices in water-dependent Natura 2000 sites, while also restoring vegetation cover along riverbanks and floodplains.Innovative monitoring methods will be implemented, including the screening of emerging substances, telemetric surveys of Danube fish movement, ichthyoplankton monitoring, biodiversity assessment using DNA metabarcoding, and mapping through drones and remote sensing tools.

To ensure broader impact, the project will replicate successful actions in other regions within the Danube and Vistula river basins in Slovakia, fostering knowledge transfer, stakeholder cooperation, and participation in water management planning. It also aims to increase public awareness and acceptance of nature-based solutions and restoration activities while mobilizing complementary funding to fully implement the River Basin Management Plan (RBMP).