A shared roadmap for a thriving Danube

by Prof. Helmut Habersack, BOKU, Lead project coordinator

DANUBE4all is developing the first fully public, science-based Restoration Action Plan for the entire Danube River Basin - a key contribution to the EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030.”

The plan is the result of testing and physical restoration invervention measures in three project Demonstration Sites along the Upper, Middle and Danube Delta as well as knowledge exchange with our Associated Regions (seed-funded, regional restoration projects). It will present a shared vision and concrete pathway for upscaling river restoration across the Danube Basin, while also inspiring replication in other European regions.

From science to action

Designed to be practical, inclusive, and evidence-based, the Restoration Action Plan will bring together local communities, businesses, practitioners, scientists, and decision-makers. It will also provide valuable input for future updates of:

• Danube and national River Basin Management Plans

• Flood Risk Management Plans

• Upcoming National Restoration Plans

Nature-based Solutions at the core

Within DANUBE4all, a new approach has been developed to assess the relevance of restoration measures in relation to Nature-based Solutions (NBS). Based on the UN definition of NBS, this approach allows a more comprehensive understanding of how different measures contribute to restoration goals.

The Restoration Action Plan will focus on measures that address six key societal objectives:

1. Drought risk reduction

2. Flood risk reduction

3. Sustainable hydropower improvement

4. Sustainable navigation improvement

5. Ecological and biodiversity enhancement of rivers and floodplains

6. Hydromorphological improvement of rivers

A robust assessment framework

To solve for problem analysis, a newly developed Hydromorphological assessment methodology (developed by DanuebSediment_Q2) will be applied. Furthermore, other existing evaluations, for example concerning the ecological status, flood risk issues, navigation or hydropower topics will be taken up as a basis for measure assignment. This will be complemented by the already performed application of the EU free flowing River concept (with additions). Additionally, a scientific analysis of the biodiversity allows to identify the specific needs of improvement for the ecosystem.

Spatial planning, economics, and stakeholder engagement

Based on the identified pressures along the Danube and its tributaries, restoration measures will be spatially assigned across the river basin.

An economic analysis will then assess how investments in river restoration generate positive impacts at both macro- and micro-economic levels. Close interaction with stakeholders and the ICPDR will ensure alignment, relevance, and feasibility of the proposed measures.

Open access through Web-GIS

Finally, all measures included in the Restoration Action Plan will be visualised in an open Web-GIS platform, making the information accessible to everyone in the Danube River Basin and beyond.

Together, we foresee these efforts forming a shared roadmap towards a healthier, more resilient Danube, benefiting people, nature, and the economy.