DAnube WETlands RESToration (DaWetRest) aims to develop and demonstrate concrete solutions applied on the Danube and Black Sea to address the challenges faced within inland and coastal wetland ecosystems.

These transformative and innovative solutions will be validated by local communities and main Regional and European-wide stakeholders.

By combining science, technology, and community engagement, the DaWetRest project aims to not only restore ecosystems but also create lasting benefits for local communities and the environment.

The EU Mission Restore Our Ocean and Waters aims to protect and restore the health of oceans and waters by 2030. Through research, innovation, citizen engagement, and blue investments, it will help achieve climate neutrality and restore nature.

To meet these goals, the Mission focuses on four major EU sea and river basins: Danube-Black Sea, Baltic-North Sea, Mediterranean, and Atlantic-Arctic. These areas serve as “Mission Lighthouses” for piloting and showcasing key activities.
DaWetRest is one of seven innovation projects supporting the Danube-Black Sea Lighthouse, working to drive positive change in this vital region.

This process is divided into three phases:

1

Develop and demonstrate concrete solutions applied on the Danube basin

2

Validate the solutions by the local communities and European-wide stakeholders

3

Prepare and plan to replicate, deploy and scale up the solutions

Mission Ocean Objectives supported by DaWetRest

Protect and restore marine and freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity

Prevent and eliminate pollution of our ocean, seas and waters

Make the blue economy carbon-neutral and circular

DaWetRest will focus on actions to enhance wetlands, floodplains, coastal wetlands, and salt marshes through both active and passive restoration methods, employing an integrated system approach to manage the complex inter dependencies of ecological, socioeconomic, and technological factors.

Biodiversity, water and soil monitoring activities

Strategy development for wetland improvement

Business Models based on wetland potential

Green hatchery concept

Digital portal for citizens engagement

Automated operation of locks

Ponton power generator

Intelligent monitoring

Combined remote sensing, hydraulic modelling and in-situ monitoring

Reed management and monitoring for improved carbon sequestration

Improvement of hydrological conditions in lakes & salt marshes

Improved Recirculating Aquaculture System for fish farming solutions