D-CLEAN – Improving Water  Quality in the Danube River Basin: Nature-Based Solutions for Sustainable Wastewater and Stormwater Management in Small Settlements

D-CLEAN addresses wastewater and stormwater pollution in the Danube River Basin by promoting smart, sustainable, and climate-resilient management solutions—especially for small and rural settlements that often lack adequate infrastructure. The project focuses on raising awareness, strengthening local capacities, and demonstrating practical, nature-based solutions (NBS) that are cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and adaptable to local conditions. By combining innovation with hands-on learning, D-CLEAN helps improve water quality while supporting healthier ecosystems and communities across borders.

Through transnational cooperation, pilot actions, and targeted training, D-CLEAN turns knowledge into action. The project co-designs decentralized wastewater and stormwater solutions in pilot areas across the Danube, builds long-term expertise through training and a shared Knowledge Hub, and develops practical tools such as a transnational roadmap and planning guidance. By bridging policy and practice, D-CLEAN supports the implementation of EU water legislation and empowers decision-makers and practitioners to create a cleaner, more resilient future for the Danube—leaving no community behind.

 

Basic information

Start date: 01-04-2025

End date: 31-03-2028

Budget in Euro: Overall: 2.107.600

Priority: A greener, low- carbon Danube Region

Specific objective:  Sustainable, integrated, transnational water and sediment management in the Danube River Basin

More information is available via the following website: DRP-D-CLEAN