DANUBE4all – RESTORATION OF THE DANUBE RIVER BASIN WATERS FOR ECOSYSTEMS AND PEOPLE FROM MOUNTAINS TO COAST

The Danube4All project is an ambitious initiative aimed at restoring the ecological health of the Danube River Basin, addressing issues ranging from its source in the Alps to the Danube Delta. Funded under the Horizon Europe program as part of the EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030,” this five-year project combines science, innovation, and public participation to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing Europe’s second-longest river.

Objectives and Approach:

The project’s primary goal is to create a comprehensive Restoration Action Plan that improves the ecological status, enhances biodiversity, reconnects ecosystems, and mitigates risks from floods and droughts. By integrating a wide range of stakeholders—local communities, SMEs, investors, policymakers, and researchers—the project emphasizes co-creation to ensure practical, inclusive solutions.

The Danube4All project employs nature-based solutions (NBS) at three key demonstration sites:

  1. Upper Danube (Austria): Focused on riverbank restoration, floodplain reconnection, and sediment flow improvement.
  2. Middle Danube (Hungary): Addressing river dynamics and biodiversity challenges.
  3. Danube Delta (Romania): Tackling habitat loss and sediment transport to preserve one of Europe’s most biodiverse ecosystems​
Key Challenges:
  • Loss of Biodiversity: Extensive habitat degradation has significantly reduced species diversity, particularly among fish populations.
  • Floodplain Disconnection: Over 80% of the Danube’s natural floodplains are disconnected from the river, reducing their ecological and hydrological functions.
  • Sediment Depletion: Dam constructions and other human interventions have disrupted sediment transport, causing riverbed deepening and erosion in downstream areas.
  • Plastic and Pollution: Microplastic contamination and pollution further endanger the river’s ecosystems​
Proposed Solutions:
  • Reconnecting floodplains and side arms to restore river dynamics.
  • Removing hard stone revetments to promote natural bank formation.
  • Introducing measures for sediment and nutrient flow restoration.
  • Upscaling findings through GIS tools and citizen science platforms, enabling broader application across the basin.
  • Engaging communities and local governments to ensure long-term sustainability and public support​
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Broader Impact:

This project not only addresses ecological restoration but also aims to build resilience to climate change impacts like extreme floods and droughts. By fostering collaboration between science, local communities, and policymakers, Danube4All seeks to create a replicable model for other river restoration efforts across Europe and beyond.

Basic information

Start date: 01-01-2023

End date: 31-12-2027

Budget in Euro: Overall: 8 422 267,50

EU Contribution: 7 968 216,13

Call: HORIZON-MISS-2021-OCEAN-02

More information is available via the following website: DANUBE4all