DANUBElifelines: Working together for migratory fish species and healthy rivers in the Danube basin

The aim of the DANUBElifeline project (Safeguarding Migratory Fish and their Habitats in the Danube River Basin and beyond) is to restoring the ecological connectivity of river systems throughout the Danube region, thereby creating better living conditions for migratory fish species such as sturgeon, barbel and Danube salmon. Over the past 50 years, stocks of these fish species in the Danube basin have declined by around 80 per cent. This is partly because dams and destroyed habitats prevent the fish from reaching their spawning grounds – with serious consequences for ecosystems and biodiversity. 

The EU project DANUBElifelines aims to halt this trend and promote the recovery of fish stocks and their habitats throughout the Danube basin. To this end, the project combines cutting-edge science with practical real-world measures. Key components of the project also include intensive stakeholder engagement, the delivery of training and communication initiatives, and the development of an action plan and a roadmap designed to ensure the approach can be replicated in other river basins.

In eight demonstration sites, the plan is to investigate the implementation of nature-based solutions in close cooperation with interest groups and local authorities. These include removing outdated river barriers, renaturalizing riverbanks, rewetting wetlands, and reconnecting tributaries.

Comparative analysis of planning and legal frameworks

Based on the idea that rivers and migratory fish do not stop at man-made borders, the project aims to demonstrate how genuine ecological transformation across the entire Danube region can be achieved through transnational and cross-sectoral collaboration. Commonalities and differences in the transnational protection of the river landscape in the Danube basin also play a role in the work carried out by the Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development (IOER) as part of the project. Together with Hochschule Geisenheim University (HGU), the IOER is analysing the planning and legal instruments of the ten riparian states. 

In doing so, the researchers are comparing, for example, how the countries have so far implemented EU directives such as the Water Framework Directive, the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive. The aim is to identify similarities and differences in the national regulations. They also aim to highlight where harmonisation of different regulations would be appropriate and feasible. The analyses provide an important foundation for ensuring better protection of ecosystems and biodiversity in the Danube basin, even across national borders.

Background 
The DANUBElifelines project (Safeguarding Migratory Fish and their Habitats in the Danube River Basin and beyond has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme (grant agreement No. 101213836). The project forms part of the EU mission “Restore our oceans and waters”. Coordinated by BOKU University, Vienna, the project brings together more than 20 partners from eleven countries. It combines research, practice and policy to ensure the long-term availability and accessibility of habitats for migratory fish species.

More Information 
Project’s website on ioer.de 
Official website of the project (external) 

Scientific Contact at the IOER
Prof. Dr. Juliane Albrecht, e-mail: j.albrechtioer@ioer.de 
Marius Werner, e-mail: m.wernerioer@ioer.de