DanubeLifeLines aims to develop a pioneering, transdisciplinary blueprint for the recovery of migratory fish and their habitats in the Danube River Basin. Through cross-border collaboration, evidence-based strategies, and nature-based solutions, we strive to restore ecological connectivity, enhance biodiversity, and secure the Danube as a vital ecological, economic, and social lifeline.

A Common Goal: Reconnecting Rivers, People, and Nature

At the heart of DLL lies a simple yet transformative idea: restoring the ecological connectivity of river systems. This means improving the natural flow of rivers, revitalizing floodplains and wetlands, and enhancing biodiversity—while also involving and benefiting local people.

To achieve this, the project will investigate Nature-Based Solutions across its demonstration sites. These include removing obsolete river barriers, re-naturalizing riverbanks, rewetting wetlands and reconnecting tributaries. Each site is embedded within a Living Lab structure that fosters cooperation between scientists, stakeholders and authorities.

Eight Sites, One Shared Vision

The project´s activities will be anchored at eight demonstration sites spanning the upper, middle, and lower Danube River Basin, including river stretches in Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria. These eight sites, such as the Inn, Pielach, Sava, Ipoly, Raba, and the Danube, were selected for their ecological value and the opportunity they present to reconnect critical migration routes and habitats.

Each demonstration site will test innovative restoration pathways tailored to local conditions and needs, contributing to the overarching EU goal of restoring at least 25,000 km of free-flowing rivers by 2030.

Restoring Ecological Corridors and Biodiversity

Migratory fish species—such as sturgeons, shads, barbel, and the Danube salmon—are vital indicators of river health. Yet, they are among the most threatened vertebrates in Europe due to habitat fragmentation, pollution, and the loss of free-flowing rivers. The project addresses these challenges by applying nature-based, transdisciplinary solutions and promoting systemic change that links ecology, economy, and society.

At the core of DLL is the development of a Blueprint for Action—a scientifically grounded, stakeholder-driven plan for restoring migratory fish species and their habitats throughout the Danube Basin. The blueprint will be informed by hands-on restoration work, data collection, and knowledge sharing at demonstration sites, and will be designed for replication in other European river basins.

---