Researchers throughout Europe - including Florian Borgwardt/BOKU-OEKB-IHG - are working to restore the Danube’s ecological health by reopening migration routes for fish and wildlife and creating a blueprint for river recovery across the continent.

Researchers work to restore the Danube’s flow and revive life along its course.

Florian Borgwardt and Tibor Erős, ecologists and life-long freshwater enthusiasts, have set their sights on helping restore the mighty Danube. They are working within an international partnership of scientists, conservationists and local communities to restore the river’s ecosystem and biodiversity.

Flowing through 10 countries and 4 capitals, Europe’s second-longest river is a vital artery for nature and people. Yet decades of human intervention have taken their toll. Dams and barriers fragment its flow, fish species are endangered, wetlands have been drained, and pollution degrades water quality.

As a result, fish populations have declined, ecosystems have weakened, and communities face growing risks from floods and droughts. Climate change is worsening these pressures, further reducing biodiversity and the quality of water.

Read the full article here:
https://projects.research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/en/horizon-magazine/researchers-bringing-danube-back-life

DANUBElifelines project website:
https://danubelifelines.eu
 

16.03.2026