Danube Sediment Balance - Sustainable, Integrated Transnational Sediment Quantity and Quality Management in the Danube River Basin

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Danube

Date of latest update: 2025-12-17

Description

Description (EN):

DanubeSediment_Q2 aims to improve the management of sediment quantity and quality in the Danube River Basin to achieve environmental objectives. The main output is the first Integrated Sediment Management Plan (ISMP) for the Danube River Basin. We will recommend concrete solutions and upscaling options to be taken up by International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) in the next Danube River Basin Management Plan as well as Flood Risk Management Plan. This plan will build on the DRB Sediment Improvement Strategy for Solutions building on concrete case studies in each partner country using up to date monitoring and modelling. To achieve this for the first time an improved and extended, combined sediment quantity and quality monitoring network and the outputs (i) new hydromorphological assessment method and (ii) sediment risk assessment method will be essential. Of central importance are the sediment management measures developed in an innovative co-design approach including 55 partners as well as stakeholders. These methods and measures will be tested in nine case study sites leading to practical solutions. The uptake of the outputs by the responsible institutions ICPDR, Sava Commission and national governments will lead to achievable results within the project and further on. To achieve these results, a transnational cooperation is needed. The value of this transnational cooperation is given by the fact, that sediments are transported from the mountains to the coast and thus only a joint effort of the countries along the Danube and the tributaries in the river basin will allow to improve sediment management. This will be reached by the initiated sediment cooperation between the Danube Basin countries, including governments, relevant stakeholders as well as interested groups. The DanubeSediment_Q2 consortium includes members from 14 different countries of the Danube River Basin. All riparian countries along the Danube River are represented in the consortium and also four countries from the Danube River Basin. Therefore, DanubeSediment_Q2 has excellent roots and connections in the Danube region and to larger transnational networks of local actors and communities, key opinion leaders and collaborators in the Danube River Basin to ensure successful implementation. Since the consortium consists of governmental institutions, NGOs, companies, research organizations, national parks, environmental agencies representing a wide range of professional experiences from engineering to ecology the needed expertise is available. In obtaining the defined outputs and results, it will be possible to contribute to the Significant Water Management Issue “Sediment Balance Alterations” firstly included in the 3rd Danube River Basin Management Plan. This decision to include sediment alteration was based on the projects DanubeSediment and SIMONA. These projects showed that the Danube has a completely disturbed sediment system, where either surplus or deficit of sediments dominate, also in relation to uncontrolled erosion and deposition of polluted sediments. Thus, there is an urgent need to improve the quantity and quality of sediments by harmonized management practices being not yet defined in the Danube River Basin Management Plan. The DanubeSediment_Q2 project will facilitate an improved sediment balance and morphodynamics ensuring a good sediment quantity and quality. This will lead to a restored sediment continuity at barriers, a reduced sedimentation in impoundments, reduced riverbed and coastal erosion and control on polluted sediment transport. Consequently, a dynamic river morphology, a decreased flood risk, an improved groundwater level, river ecosystem, navigation and hydropower are envisaged.

Actual Achievements (EN):

In this reporting period the collection of sediment quantity and quality data was started. For this, online questionnaires were prepared by the activity lead and project partners started with the collection of the necessary information and data on sediment quantity from sediment monitoring sites along the Danube and near the mouth of the major tributaries for the time period 2016-2023. Most partners have already collected the data and submitted completed questionnaires. The analysis of the new received data and the correlation with the previous series of data has begun. Furthermore, the partners' sediment quality experts discussed with the sediment quantity experts to further develop the joint monitoring of sediment quantity and quality. In addition, the collection and development of methodologies to quantify new terms in the sediment balance equation, compared to the DanubeSediment project, has started. As such, new data on sedimentation at groyne fields, side branches and floodplains will be gained. For the development of a harmonized HYMO assessment method for the Danube, a literature study on assessment methods was conducted. An online training on the SK HYMO method was provided by VUVH. BOKU applied the method on a test reach and provided feedback. ICPDR HYMO Task group was informed about the DanubeSediment_Q2 activities and the HYMO TG plans for HYMO assessment during JDS5 were discussed with VUVH and BOKU in order to harmonise the approaches. A draft concept for the risk assessment method was developed and discussed during meetings in the partnership. The proposed sediment risk concept aims to integrate significant hydromorphological drivers and pressures on sediment continuity and balance. Contaminant concentrations in sediment are also assessed to identify hotspots and recommend mitigation strategies. Documentation on sediment quality data and risk assessment were investigated and made available for the partners. For the categorization of sediment management measures, a review of the sediment management measures collected as part of the DanubeSediment project was carried out. In order to be able to assign potential measures to the case study sites, a questionnaire was prepared. The questionnaire was sent to all project partners with pilot areas and aims to define the framework of the existing sediment issues. These partners filled in information on the site characteristics, drivers, and pressures that alter the sediment regime, as well as the existing measures and regulations in force. The completed questionnaires will now be further processed. The modelling core group consisting of partners involved in the case study sites was officially formed. The first online meeting of this group was organized where the partners presented an overview of their individual case study sites. The partners presented the problems the sites are facing, the potential solutions, the software/code they have planned to use to numerically model the situation. The review on necessary data for the modelling, the data collection and the set-up of the numerical models were started. For the development of the Integrated Sediment Management Plan (ISMP) and the characterization of the system, a thorough investigation on data and information sources, Integrated sediment management Guidelines and good practices in the context of the WFD, recently published scientific papers and other relevant publications was performed. Data on the Danube River Basin was collected from publicly available sources and prepared for the GIS platform. A list on activity related data from the ICPDR DanubeGIS system was sent to ICPDR to request the data. Project partners also collected the GIS based data available from the previous Danube Sediment project and from other sources at national level. Sediment analysis documents, available for the sub-catchments of the Danube River Basin were compiled for the system analysis. Materials for the Sava, Drava and Tisza catchments were identified and collected for follow-up analysis. Additionally, results from the previous project such as DanubeSediment and SIMONA projects were compiled and investigated. A first strategy/implementation steps for defining objectives of the ISMP was drafted. The objectives of the ISMP are defined as achieving the good status/potential of the WFD in a time frame (including both short and long term). These first concepts, methods, strategies and implementation steps were presented by the activity leads at several meetings, such as the Kick-Off event which took place in Vienna, and the monthly online catch-ups. Project Partners participated at these meetings and contributed to the discussions. A concept paper of the Danube River Sediment Cooperation (DRSC) containing a description of the governance, the constitution, the partnership and the outreach and communication plan of the DRSC was drafted, which is currently under discussion. Throughout the second period, significant progress was made in all three specific objectives of the DanubeSediment_Q2 project. Data from both new and existing monitoring stations were gathered, processed, and analysed to update sediment data and improve the sediment budget analysis. Data collection not only comprised sediment transport data on the Danube River but was expanded to the important tributaries. An experimental sediment monitoring platform for a combined sediment quantity and quality monitoring was successfully installed in Hungary (Drava River). Fieldwork and sediment sampling campaigns were carried out, particularly in the Drava and Danube rivers, such as a post-flood sediment quality sampling in the Danube Gemenc Floodplain in December. Advancements were also made in improving sediment balance understanding by literature reviews and data modelling efforts to incorporate factors such as floodplain sedimentation sediment budget analysis. In the field of hydromorphological assessment, progress was made in developing a multi-hierarchical HYMO assessment method in collaboration with Blattfisch (company hired by ICPDR) and in coordination with the ICPDR HYMO task group. The idea of the cooperation was presented to the HYMO TG at the HYMO TG meeting in September and after their approval the elaboration was started. A first draft of the method is available for testing by the partners in January 2025. Together with ICPDR, the date for the Stakeholder Workshop, where the national experts of the HYMO TG and DanubeSediment_Q2 partners will be trained on the method, was set. First ideas on the methodology for sediment risk assessment were selected and preparations for the procurement of an external consultancy services in order to develop a sediment risk assessment matrix taking into account the sediment balance, morphological, ecological and habitat conditions, was started. The development of sediment management measures was another key focus, leading to the creation of a Compendium of Categorized Sediment Management Measures that addressed sediment measures from both quantitative and qualitative perspectives. To ensure practical applicability, an online stakeholder workshop was conducted to gather feedback for the finalization of the Compendium. In addition, the development of a Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) tool was started to select sediment management measures for the case study sites. For the numerical simulation of the to be selected measures at the case study sites, located at the Inn, Danube and Sava rivers, activities to gather necessary data to set up and calibrate the models took place and the first modelling work on the current state have started. Hydrodynamic models were refined, with updated riverbed geometries calibrated for mean discharge and flood events. Stakeholder engagement remained a central component, with on-site workshops focusing on discussing problems and objectives for sediment management in the case study sites, as well as a first online workshop in cooperation with two other EU projects. Efforts to develop the Integrated Sediment Management Plan (ISMP) were undertaken, with the characterisation of the system and spatial scope being far advanced. GIS tools played a crucial role in this process, with sediment data refined and integrated with DanubeGIS and HydroSHEDS datasets to improve sediment management unit determination. At a technical meeting in July the system characterization methodology was discussed, supporting a more structured and data-driven approach. The objectives of the ISMP were further refined and the collection of available information to describe sediment conditions, historical conditions and pressures in the sub-catchments of the Danube River Basin was started. Additionally, sediment management plans from other river basins were reviewed, and a stakeholder workshop is planned for June 2025 to facilitate engagement in ISMP development and ensure policy integration. Collaboration and policy development also advanced, particularly through the finalization and publication of the Concept Paper of the Danube River Sediment Cooperation (DRSC). This document outlined governance structures, partnership frameworks, and outreach strategies for fostering long-term cooperation in sediment management. These combined efforts mark a significant step forward in improving sediment management across the Danube Basin. The project has achieved significant progress across its various activities, thanks to the collaborative efforts of partners and stakeholders. All interested partners in sediment transport and morphological development activities, gathering additional data. A second platform for a combined sediment quantity and quality monitoring was successfully installed in Baziaș (RO), while the Barcs platform was upgraded with advanced laser technology. Several individual measurement campaigns were organized joint field sampling and comparative measurements, with participation from multiple partners were coordinated. The newly collected data is now being analyzed to support activities like suspended sediment budget calculations and assessments of floodplain sedimentation, side channel development, and sedimentation or erosion in groyne fields. An online training session on the HYMO assessment method was organized and the method was subsequently tested by several partners on selected river reaches. Feedback from these tests was used to refine the method, which was then presented at the first Stakeholder Workshop. During the workshop, partners demonstrated the application of the updated method in their case study reaches. Subsequently, a final draft of the HYMO method was prepared which will be applied during summer. Meanwhile, the risk assessment methodology was further developed and presented to the partnership in May. Feedback from partners was integrated into the ongoing work. In the area of sediment management measures, a draft compendium of 72 management measures for sediment quantity and quality was prepared, incorporating insights from stakeholder meetings and the development of the Multi-Criteria Assessment Method (MCA). A MCA-Tool was developed, which evaluates sediment measures using a set of main and sub-criteria. Following discussions with project partners, the tool was further refined, and stakeholder feedback is now being integrated. Once finalized, the MCA-Tool will be applied at pilot sites to select potential measures from the compendium. Numerical modeling activities for testing sediment management measures continued, with input data collected and initial model calibration and validation runs performed. Workshops with local stakeholders were organized by several partners, to discuss site-specific measures for the case study sites. Additionally, a Stakeholder Involvement Plan was drafted, focusing on preparations for upcoming stakeholder events. The development of the Integrated Sediment Management Plan (ISMP) has also advanced significantly. The document "Characterisation of the system and spatial scope" is nearing completion, with drafts presented at the partner meeting in Munich. A Summary of the system analysis was drafted and shared for comment. Additionally, ISMP objectives were further elaborated in collaboration with partners. Discussions focused on assigning sediment management measures to specific river reaches, identifying barriers and problematic situations, and justifying their implementation in terms of objectives. The first international stakeholder workshop, organized by BOKU at the BOKU Riverlab on 17 June 2025, emphasized the importance of co-design in ISMP development. The event featured opening remarks from EUSDR PA4, ICPDR, and the Sava Commission, and project partners and stakeholders highlighted the progress made in the ISMP. Stakeholder engagement and outreach have been integral to the project’s success. Stakeholders were kept informed through newsletters, social media posts, and invitations to the Munich meeting to ensure their acceptance of the ISMP. Additionally, BOKU presented the project at the 61st RBM EG Meeting organized by ICPDR in Vienna on 6–7 May 2025, showcasing the project’s progress and the importance of stakeholder collaboration. These achievements demonstrate the collective efforts of all partners and stakeholders in advancing the project’s objectives.

Project outputs: HYMO and Risk assessment methods tested in case studies(EN)
Sediment related risk assessment method(EN)
HYMO assessment method(EN)
Sediment management measures for case studies(EN)
Sediment management solution(EN)
DRB Sediment Improvement Strategy(EN)
Integrated Danube Sediment Management Plan (ISMP) for the Danube River Basin(EN)
Danube Region Sediment Cooperation (DRSC)(EN)
Website: https://interreg-danube.eu/projects/danubesediment-q2

Thematic information

Water management Governance, partnership

Priority: (VI-B_D_2) Priority 2 - A greener, low- carbon Danube Region

Priority specific objective: RSO2.5. Promoting access to water and sustainable water management

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO2 A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility

Type of intervention: 064 Water management and water resource conservation (including river basin management, specific climate change adaptation measures, reuse, leakage reduction)

Partners (15)

Lead Partner: Universität für Bodenkultur Wien

Partner’s ID if not PIC: ATU16285008

Department: Department of Landscape, Water and Infrastructure / Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and River Research

Address: Gregor-Mendel-Straße , 1180 Vienna, Austria

Department address: Muthgasse, 1190 Vienna, Austria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://boku.ac.at

Total budget: EUR 566 814.90

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 453 451.92

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 113 362.98

Geološki zavod Slovenije

Name: Geološki zavod Slovenije

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SI23064145

Address: Dimičeva ulica, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: National public authority

Total budget: EUR 119 509.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 95 607.20

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 23 901.80

Bálint Analitika Mérnöki Kutató és Szolgáltató Korlátolt Felelősségű Társaság

Name: Bálint Analitika Mérnöki Kutató és Szolgáltató Korlátolt Felelősségű Társaság

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HU 12079999243

Address: Kondorfa , 1116 Budapest , Hungary

Legal status: public

Organisation type: SME

Website: http://www.balintanalitika.hu

Total budget: EUR 356 199.99

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 284 959.99

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 71 240.00

Hrvatske vode

Name: Hrvatske vode

Department: Department of Development

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 28921383001

Address: Ulica grada Vukovara, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

Department address: Ulica grada Vukovara, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: National public authority

Website: https://www.voda.hr/en

Total budget: EUR 80 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 64 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 16 000.00

Országos Vízügyi Főigazgatóság

Name: Országos Vízügyi Főigazgatóság

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 15796019-2-41

Address: Márvány , 1012 Budapest, Hungary

Legal status: public

Organisation type: National public authority

Total budget: EUR 82 900.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 66 320.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 16 580.00

Univerzitet u Sarajevu

Name: Univerzitet u Sarajevu

Department: Research and Development Center

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 200494560007

Address: Obala Kulina bana, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Department address: Obala Kulina bana, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.unsa.ba

Total budget: EUR 99 450.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 79 560.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 19 890.00

Institut za vodoprivredu "Jaroslav Černi" AD

Name: Institut za vodoprivredu "Jaroslav Černi" AD

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 101968542

Address: Jaroslava Černog, 11226 Belgrade, Pinosava, Serbia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: SME

Website: https://www.jcerni.rs/

Total budget: EUR 204 017.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 163 213.60

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 40 803.40

Institutul National de Hidrologie si Gospodarire a Apelor

Name: Institutul National de Hidrologie si Gospodarire a Apelor

Department: Department of Hydrology

Partner’s ID if not PIC: RO24582488

Address: Bucuresti-Ploiesti , 013686 Bucharest, Romania

Department address: Bucuresti-Ploiesti , 013686 Bucharest, Romania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: National public authority

Website: http://www.inhga.ro

Total budget: EUR 148 600.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 118 880.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 29 720.00

Contractors:

Name: S.C Hydromet Service SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 17116582

Výskumný Ústav Vodného Hospodárstva

Name: Výskumný Ústav Vodného Hospodárstva

Department: Hydrology and hydraulics department

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SK2020798593

Address: Nabr. arm. gen. Svobodu , 812 49 Bratislava, Slovakia

Department address: Nabr. arm. gen. Svobodu , 812 49 Bratislava, Slovakia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: National public authority

Website: http://www.vuvh.sk

Total budget: EUR 186 480.40

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 149 184.32

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 37 296.08

Contractors:

Name: EkoTechnika, Czech Republic
VAT registration or tax identification number: 25147501

Inštitut za vode Republike Slovenije

Name: Inštitut za vode Republike Slovenije

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SI 97072842

Address: Einspielerjeva ulica , 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: National public authority

Website: http://www.izvrs.si/

Total budget: EUR 239 400.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 191 520.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 47 880.00

Contractors:

Name: Mlacom d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: SI23433116

Administratia Nationala Apele Romane

Name: Administratia Nationala Apele Romane

Partner’s ID if not PIC: RO24326056

Address: Ion Campineanu, 010031 Bucharest, Romania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: National public authority

Total budget: EUR 217 732.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 174 185.60

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 43 546.40

Contractors:

Name: Geoecomar
VAT registration or tax identification number: RO24326056

Изпълнителна агенция „Проучване и поддържане на р. Дунав“

Name: Изпълнителна агенция „Проучване и поддържане на р. Дунав“

Partner’s ID if not PIC: N.a.

Address: Slavyanska str., 7000 Ruse, Bulgaria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: National public authority

Website: http://www.appd-bg.org

Total budget: EUR 49 000.18

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 39 200.14

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 9 800.04

Technische Universität München

Name: Technische Universität München

Department: Chair of Hydraulic Engineering

Partner’s ID if not PIC: DE811193231

Address: Arcisstrasse , 80333 Munich, Germany

Department address: Arcisstrasse , 80333 Munich, Germany

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.tum.de

Total budget: EUR 345 384.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 276 307.20

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 69 076.80

Budapesti Műszaki és Gazdaságtudományi Egyetem

Name: Budapesti Műszaki és Gazdaságtudományi Egyetem

Department: Department of Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HU17783305

Address: Műegyetem rakpart , 1111 Budapest, Hungary

Department address: Műegyetem rakpart , 1111 Budapest, Hungary

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.bme.hu

Total budget: EUR 197 700.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 158 160.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 39 540.00

Český hydrometeorologický ústav

Name: Český hydrometeorologický ústav

Department: Solid Matrices Monitoring Department

Partner’s ID if not PIC: CZ00020699

Address: Na šabatce , 143 06 Prague, Czech Republic

Department address: Kroftova, 616 67 Brno, Czech Republic

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.chmi.cz/

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Geological Survey of Slovenia

Danube Sediment Balance - Sustainable, Integrated Transnational Sediment Quantity and Quality Management in the Danube River Basin

Partners and Projects info

Bálint Analitika Ltd.

Danube Sediment Balance - Sustainable, Integrated Transnational Sediment Quantity and Quality Management in the Danube River Basin

Partners and Projects info

Croatian Waters

Danube Sediment Balance - Sustainable, Integrated Transnational Sediment Quantity and Quality Management in the Danube River Basin

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Országos Vízügyi Főigazgatóság

Danube Sediment Balance - Sustainable, Integrated Transnational Sediment Quantity and Quality Management in the Danube River Basin

Partners and Projects info

University of Sarajevo

Danube Sediment Balance - Sustainable, Integrated Transnational Sediment Quantity and Quality Management in the Danube River Basin

Partners and Projects info

Jaroslav Černi Water Institute

Danube Sediment Balance - Sustainable, Integrated Transnational Sediment Quantity and Quality Management in the Danube River Basin

Partners and Projects info

National Institute of Hydrology and Water Management

Danube Sediment Balance - Sustainable, Integrated Transnational Sediment Quantity and Quality Management in the Danube River Basin

Partners and Projects info

Water Research Institute

Danube Sediment Balance - Sustainable, Integrated Transnational Sediment Quantity and Quality Management in the Danube River Basin

Partners and Projects info

Institute for Water of the Republic of Slovenia

Danube Sediment Balance - Sustainable, Integrated Transnational Sediment Quantity and Quality Management in the Danube River Basin

Partners and Projects info

National Administration Romanian Waters

Danube Sediment Balance - Sustainable, Integrated Transnational Sediment Quantity and Quality Management in the Danube River Basin

Partners and Projects info

Izpalnitelna agentsia "Prouchvane i poddarzhane na reka Dunav"

Danube Sediment Balance - Sustainable, Integrated Transnational Sediment Quantity and Quality Management in the Danube River Basin

Partners and Projects info

Technische Universität München

Danube Sediment Balance - Sustainable, Integrated Transnational Sediment Quantity and Quality Management in the Danube River Basin

Partners and Projects info

Budapesti Műszaki és Gazdaságtudományi Egyetem

Danube Sediment Balance - Sustainable, Integrated Transnational Sediment Quantity and Quality Management in the Danube River Basin

Partners and Projects info

University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna

Danube Sediment Balance - Sustainable, Integrated Transnational Sediment Quantity and Quality Management in the Danube River Basin

Partners and Projects info

Czech Hydrometeorological Institut

Danube Sediment Balance - Sustainable, Integrated Transnational Sediment Quantity and Quality Management in the Danube River Basin

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Danube Sediment Balance - Sustainable, Integrated Transnational Sediment Quantity and Quality Management in the Danube River Basin

Project acronym: DanubeSediment_Q2

Project ID: DRP0200029

Project start date: 2024-01-01

Project end date: 2026-06-30

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

DanubeSediment (Danube Sediment Management - Restoration of the Sediment Balance in the Danube River, DTP, 2017-2019) (EN) | In the DanubeSediment project, data was collected on sediment transport (suspended load and bedload), grain sizes, erosion/sedimentation, hydromorphological changes. Furthermore, the key drivers and pressures for sediment alteration were identified. These data were compiled in a data base and displayed in GIS maps. This data base is available for the use in DanubeSediment_Q2. Furthermore, general sediment management measures were compiled in a Catalogue of Measures and described in the Sediment Manual for Stakeholder. Based on this collection of sediment management measures, possible solutions will be selected, based on criteria which have to be defined in DanubeSediment_Q2, for and tested at the study cases in DanubeSediment_Q2.
A network of sediment-related stakeholders in the DRB was established, which was also provided to ICPDR, on which DanubeSediment_Q2 can build and expand to make the project and its results more known and to receive feedback to the projects work. (EN), SIMONA (Sediment-quality Information, Monitoring and Assessment System to support transnational cooperation for joint Danube Basin water management, DTP, 2018-2021) (EN) | The main objective of SIMONA, “providing support for the National and Regional Water Authorities to implement the monitoring surface water sediment quality required by WFD” has been achieved by delivering the SIMONA System comprised of the Sampling Protocol, the Laboratory Protocol, the Evaluation Protocol and the SIMONA-IT Tool. The SIMONA System was developed on 3 transnational Test Areas (Drava, Upper Tisa, South Danube), and tested and demonstrated on two National Baseline Points in each Danube Basin Country. Standard SIMONA Sediment Sampling kits were also delivered to the representative national authorities. DanubeSediment_Q2 benefits primarily from the SIMONA innovation and upgrade activity of the development and implementation of the passive sampling systems (JDS box, passive membranes, and electric probes) for the hazardous substances (metals, PAHs, pesticides) partitioning between suspended sediment and water phases monitoring in all 3 test areas, by adding the sediment quality monitoring component thus enabling the assessment of the temporally changing polluted sediment loads in the Danube Basin. The Evaluation Protocol will be utilized to the risk assessment of the measured sediment quality parameters. The established networks of trained field teams and sediment analytical labs serve the solid pillars for DanubeSediment_Q2 upgrades. (EN), SEDDON II (Sediment research and management at the Danube; Interreg AT-HU, 2016-2022) (EN) | In the recently finalized project SEDDON II, two suspended sediment monitoring stations were installed, one at the Danube River and one at the Raba River. This monitoring stations were equipped and are operated in accordance with the suspended sediment monitoring strategy harmonized in the project DanubeSediment and summarized in the Handbook on Good Practices in Sediment Monitoring. Furthermore, devices for bedload monitoring were purchased and enable the monitoring in accordance with this monitoring strategy. In the project DanubeSediment_Q2, monitoring will be performed at these new monitoring stations and by applying the new bedload monitoring devices. Thus, new data will be available to improve the suspended sediment balance and to close existing data gaps. (EN), DREAM SK-AT (Research and Management at the Danube in Slovakia and Austria, Interreg SK-AT, 2016-2022) (EN) | In DREAM SK-AT, two suspended sediment monitoring stations were installed, at the Danube River one upstream and one downstream of the HPP Gabcicovo. This monitoring stations were equipped and are operated in accordance with the suspended sediment monitoring strategy harmonized in the project DanubeSediment and summarized in the Handbook on Good Practices in Sediment Monitoring In the project DanubeSediment_Q2, monitoring will be performed at these new monitoring stations and the data will be available to improve the suspended sediment balance and to close existing data gaps. (EN), DanubeFloodplain (Reducing the flood risk through floodplain restoration along the Danube River and tributaries, DTP, 2018-2020) (EN) | The outcomes of the DanubeFloodplain project are very interesting for DanubeSediment_Q2 because in the regulated conditions are a sink for sediments not anymore eroded and thus showing aggradation leading to a modification of the hydrologic and hydraulic conditions. This directly influences a key parameter missing up to now in the sediment balance of the Danube River and tributaries. (EN), DANUBE4all (Restoration of the Danube River Basin for ecosystems and people from mountains to coast, Horizon Europe Mission, 2023-2027) (EN) | The current EU project DANUBE4all under the lead of BOKU aims to restore freshwater ecosystems in the Danube River Basin through the development of a comprehensive, scientifically-based and practically-orientated Restoration Action Plan (RAPDRB). The project seeks to address the lack of knowledge, awareness, and participation of local people and business actors in the implementation of freshwater ecosystem restoration. Within DanubeSediment_Q2, joint events and communication is planned to make the project DanubeSediment_Q2 known to a broader audience and to distribute project outputs and results. (EN), Danube Water Balance (to be submitted in the 1st call of the DRP) (EN) | In case both projects, Danube Water Balance and DanubeSediment_Q2, will get funded, online meetings, and meetings at ICPDR expert and task groups will be used for cross-fertilization of the two projects. Furthermore, joint communication will be used where appropriate. An overlap of 8 partners between the two projects will further guarantee an exchange of knowledge between the two projects. (EN), Danube Hazard m3c (Tackling hazardous substances pollution in the Danube River Basin by Measuring, Modelling-based Management and Capacity building, Interreg DRP, 2020-2023) (EN) | Danube Hazard m3c built on the three elements of water governance (measuring, modelling and management) complemented by capacity building. The inventory of concentrations of hazardous substances in the Danube River Basin was completed, in addition to the assessment of the main pollution sources and pathways. DanubeSediment_Q2 will use the generated pollutant inventory and assessment results in the evaluation of the monitored sediment quality and polluted sediment fluxes. Furthermore, integrated sediment quality and quantity monitoring contributes to closing the knowledge gaps in the monitoring of HS in sediments in order to support informed decision making on sediment management, under the conditions of climate change. Experts working in both projects will facilitate the operative transfer of information and experiences. (EN), Aquatic Plastic (EN) | Building on the results of the DTP project Tid(y)Up on the micro- and macroplastic pollution conditions in the rivers of the Danube Basin, Aquatic Plastic steps forward along multiple and harmonized lines of activities including the assessment of microplastics in the water column and biota, in addition to sediments. SIMONA established a cooperation relationship with Tid(y)Up already by sharing monitoring equipment and experience with the project, in addition to visits to their experimental microplastic lab and exchange of information. DanubeSediment_Q2 offers its sediment samples collected with the standard JDS4 passive sediment trap box and its sediment quality monitoring results to Aquatic Plastic for microplastic sampling, while receiving information on MIP contamination in the water column and biota. The mutual share of results, experience and contribution to communication events such as workshops and meetings are also planned. (EN), LIFE21-IPE-SK-LIFE Living Rivers (EN) | The strategic integrated LIFE Project is focused on Implementation of River basin management plan in Slovakia and one of the outputs will be 4 sediment monitoring stations on the Danube tributaries as part of the sediment monitoring network. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 2 893 187.47

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 2 314 549.97

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 80.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Report on sediment monitoring improvements
Manual for sediment assessment in JDS
Journal Publication
Conference Participation
Report on the combined assessment of sediment quantity and quality.
Stakeholder workshops
Draft HYMO assessment method
Sediment risk assessment toolkit
Report on sediment risk assessment in case studies
Stakeholder workshop
Compendium of categorized sediment management measures
Multi Criteria (MCA) tool for assessment of sediment measures
Summary on application of MCA tool in case study sites
Stakeholder event
Report on the calibrated and validated numerical and physical models applied for the measure tests.
Documentation of the evaluation outcomes and comparison of the measures developed in 1.3 & 1.4
D.2.4.1 Stakeholder involvement Plan
Stakeholder event
Concept paper of DRSC
Characterization of the system and spatial scope and scales
Kick-Off event
Summary of the system analysis
Set of suitable success indicators
Management options and recommendations
Plan of measures
Protocols of workshops
Documentation of study excursion
Documentation of expert meetings
Implementation Road Map
Hand-out
Final Event

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyDanubeRegion DanubeSediment_Q2 contributes to the following PAs: PA1a Navigation: navigation bottle necks at the Danube are mainly given by not enough fairway depth at low water conditions (min. 2.5m). The output of our project will serve as a baseline information to manage the fairway with respect to implement sustainable sediment management measures avoiding to dredge and extract sediments out of the river, to improve regulation measures such as groins to not accelerate river bed erosion and allow river bank restoration where not negatively impacting fairway.
PA4 water quality: is significantly influenced by sediment quality especially when it comes to fine sediments absorbing heavy metals and hazardous substances. The sediment quality data will form a backbone for future sediment quality assessments.
PA 5 biodiversity: biodiversity depends on an adequate river morphodynamics, habitat dynamics and absence of toxic substances; e.g. without the right substrate spawning places will not exist. Thus, the implementation of DAnubeSediment_Q2 will lead to unique opportunity for improving the totally disturbed hydromorphology of the Danube and tributaries.
Energy: reservoir sedimentation limits the hydropower production counteracting the needs for renewable energy. Measures suggested in the project will support the sediment continuity and reduce sedimentation.
PA floods damages related to morphological changes like erosion thus suggested measure will improve this.
EuropeanGreenDeal The following Policy areas of the WU green are positively affected by DanubeSediment Q2: preserving and restoring biodiversity need a sustainable management of sediments both sedimentation and erosion of river beds prohibit restoration and deteriorate the preservation. DanubeSediment Q2 will lay down a concrete action plan within the integrated sediment management plan in order to preserve (mainly focusing on the lower Danube) and restore (mainly focusing on the Upper and Middle Danube) the morphological conditions as prerequisites for ecosystems and biodiversity.
A second PA positively affect by DanubeSediment_Q2 is zero pollution for a toxic free environment. The direct contribution of DanubeSediment_Q2 relates to the sediment quality being with fine material responsible for the transport of toxic elements. This includes a contribution to the European climate pact since for example biofilms growing on the river bed are positively influencing the CO2 balance. By securing hydropower protection sediment continuity restoration directly improves the supply of clean, affordable and secure energy.
In the context of mobilizing research and fostering innovation the activation of education and training will be supported by sediment related knowledge basis support materials.
TerritorialAgenda2030 The territorial priorities for Europe are positively supported concerning the future perspectives for all places and people. Being the most international river basin on a global scale and having about 1/5 of the European population in the basin DanubeSediment_Q2 will engage with local decision makers to strengthen the cooperation on long-term place based strategies and address sustainable functional links between neighboring countries and areas by the management of sediments. With the ISMP, we supply a new strategic document to promote co-development and involve citizen across borders. This integration beyond borders will intensify the dialogue with policy makers at all governance level to coordinate national sector policies between countries and to diminish existing obstacles of cooperation by having a commonly agreed sediment management plan.
DanubeSedeiment_Q2 furthermore contributes to a healthy environment and better ecological livelihood. For this nature-based solutions will be developed concerning a better sediment management linking and improving ecosystems and protected areas. This includes an increase of resilience against floods and droughts impacted by climate change.
DanubeSediment_Q2 contributes to strengthening awareness and empowering local and regional communities to protect, rehabilitate, utilize and re-utilize (build) environment and landscapes by sediment management measures to be implemented as well by spatial planning. Reduced sedimentation in hydropower plants will contribute to strong and sustainable local economies and a globalized world.
Navigation as important trans-European network TEN, the Danube as corridor 7 is linking all Danube countries and beyond for which DanubeSediment_Q2 is delivering sediment management measures to sustainable manage this waterway.
Other EU Biodiversity strategy for 2030
Restoring freshwater ecosystems: DanubeSediment_Q2 directly contributes to restoring freshwater ecosystems where it is explicitly mentioned that this can be done by removing or adjusting barriers that prevent the passage of migrating fish and improving the flow of water and sediments. This contributes to the aim of restoring 25000 km of free-flowing rivers by 2030 through the removal of primarily obsolete barriers and the restoration of floodplains and wetlands. Especially by restoring the sediment continuity this includes large scale river and floodplain restoration investment defined in the ISMP that can and will provide a major economic boost for the restoration actors and for local socio-economic activities such as tourism and recreation. With sediment quality management measures a contribution to reducing pollution can be reached, knowing that especially suspended sediments are linked to nutrients, chemical pesticides, pharmaceuticals, hazardous chemicals and other waste including litter and plastics.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:

Programme Result Indicator:

ISI - Organisations with increased institutional capacity due to their participation in cooperation activities across the borders, Measurement unit: No. of organisations

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSDR

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Danube

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2025-12-17

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

138 / 138 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

1 413 / 1 413 (100%)

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Danube Sediment Balance - Sustainable, Integrated Transnational Sediment Quantity and Quality Management in the Danube River Basin

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Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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