Brussels, Belgium – The Mission Forum 2025, part of the European Ocean Days held on March 3-7th, brought together policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders to discuss the progress of the Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030.” DaWetRest contributed to discussions, engaged with partners, and highlighted wetland restoration in the Danube–Black Sea system as crucial for climate resilience, biodiversity, and water quality.
Representing Mission-funded work on Danube wetlands restoration, DaWetRest participated in several sessions and exhibitions. The delegation, including representatives from CAWRI-BAS, GEOS, ADRM, UNIP, UNIZAG-FSB, MEWF, and AIH, engaged with policymakers, Mission projects, and researchers to promote collaboration on wetland restoration.
Mission Forum – Progress and Policy Review
European Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva emphasized the need for monitoring systems across Mission projects to assess environmental and societal impacts. DaWetRest’s wetland restoration efforts were highlighted as part of the Danube & Black Sea Lighthouse’s contribution to freshwater and coastal resilience.
In the first panel on Mission progress, EcoDaLLi (CSA of the Danube & Black Sea Lighthouse) presented an overview of regional achievements and governance advances, with DaWetRest’s wetland restoration work cited as part of the Lighthouse’s growing contribution to freshwater and coastal resilience. A subsequent session on ecosystem restoration highlighted the importance of nature-based solutions (NBS) and cross-basin collaboration, key themes of DaWetRest’s activities.
DaWetRest in the Exhibition Area
The Danube & Black Sea Lighthouse joint booth served as a focal point for stakeholder engagement throughout European Ocean Days. At the booth, DaWetRest showcased its Green Hatchery concept through a video presentation. The hatchery, located at the Ires Institute, breeds native fish species using renewable energy sources to support Danube biodiversity restoration.
Ahead of the Forum, UNIP delivered a flash pitch on DaWetRest’s data, demonstration cases, and management methodologies, discussing their relevance for Mission-scale replication in the “Waves of Collaboration” matchmaking session.
Moving forward
European Ocean Days 2025, with over 1,800 participants, showcased 67 projects and 223 demonstration sites driving restoration, pollution reduction, and sustainable blue economy efforts across Europe’s waters. DaWetRest’s wetland-based solutions continue to strengthen the Danube–Black Sea connection and contribute to Mission goals. Additionally, participants from across the Danube & Black Sea Lighthouse voiced a shared wish for stronger representation of the freshwater perspective in Mission communications and future policy processes particularly as the other three Lighthouses have a stronger ocean focus.
Insights from the forum will shape our field demonstrations, monitoring strategies, and policy engagement, ensuring wetlands and their ecosystem services are central to future restoration plans and investment frameworks.
