Wetland renaturation in the Danube basin (DaWetRest)

Renaturations are complex interdisciplinary projects where numerous stakeholders must be considered. The DaWetRest project implements three demonstration renaturation projects in the Danube basin. Their replication at comparable sites serves to develop a guideline for large-scale renaturation of wetlands, as envisaged by the EU mission 'Restore our Oceans and Waters' from 2030 onwards.

DaWetRest will test new modeling and investigation methods of coastal erosion and ecosystem functions. The wetland renaturation will be realized by restoring lateral connectivity of floodplains and lakes to the Danube and the Black Sea, as well as the vertical connectivity between groundwater and surface water. The measures will be accompanied by monitoring of biodiversity, water quality, carbon sequestration potential and water flow. For sustainable renaturation, the local population, authorities, and companies will be informed and involved by setting up a digital portal, offering special trainings and developing business models. To increase the reach of the project results and resulting policy recommendations, a 'Community of Practice' will also be established.

Steinbeis Europa Zentrum supports as a project partner:

• Setting up of a Danube Lighthouse ‘Community of Practice’
• Elaboration of a policy recommendation for the sustainable renaturation of wetlands
• Analysis of potential business models to finance renaturation projects
• IPR and exploitation strategy of DaWetRest
• Implementation of DaWetRest project results by other initiatives restoring wetlands

Further information:

• Project acronym: DaWetRest - Danube Wetland Restoration
• Funding: European Commission, Horizon Europe IA
• Project funding for all partners: 9,1 Mio. €
• Participating countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Moldova, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Ukraine
• Project duration: 06/2023-05/2027