RESTORIVER – Climate resilient, natural water retention focused restoration of riversides and riparian areas adversely affected by human interventions along the Danube and its tributaries within the Danube Region

The RESTORIVER project focuses on restoring and strengthening the climate-adaptation capacity of rivers and riparian landscapes that have been heavily degraded by human activities. River regulation, loss of floodplains, and the replacement of natural riverbanks with artificial infrastructure have reduced water retention, weakened ecosystems, and increased vulnerability to droughts, floods, and heatwaves. RESTORIVER addresses these challenges by reconnecting river management with climate, flood protection, and nature conservation policies, helping rivers and surrounding areas function again as resilient, natural systems that support both people and biodiversity across the Danube basin.

To achieve this, RESTORIVER brings together water authorities, municipalities, research institutions, and environmental organizations from seven Danube countries to design and test natural water-retention measures (NWRM). The project prioritizes urban and peri-urban river sections, where ecosystem-based solutions can visibly improve climate resilience and quality of life for citizens. Through pilot actions, knowledge sharing, capacity building, and policy recommendations, RESTORIVER promotes better coordination between local and transnational planning, supports decision-makers, and raises awareness among stakeholders—ultimately strengthening disaster risk management and climate adaptation in the Danube Region.

 

Basic information

Start date: 01-01-2024

End date: 30-06-2026

Budget in Euro: Overall: 2.412.656

Priority: A greener, low- carbon Danube Region

Specific objective: Promoting climate change adaptation and disaster management on transnational level

More information is available via the following website: DRP-RESTORIVER