WINNER SHOWCASE

SEDIM-Cahul

Moldova

Integrated Sediment Management and Ecosystem Rehabilitation of Lake Frumoasa (SEDIM-Cahul)

LEAD AUTHORITY

Municipality Cahul

Region

Cahul

City, Country

Cahul, Moldova

THE CHALLENGE

Limited capacity

The Frumoasa Lake is an approximately 8-hectare urban freshwater reservoir on the eastern outskirts of Cahul, within the Danube–Black Sea Basin. Long-term sediment accumulation, eutrophication, uncontrolled runoff and reduced sediment mobility have progressively decreased water depth and degraded aquatic and riparian habitats. An estimated 60,000 m³ of sediment has accumulated, affecting water quality, biodiversity, recreational value, water-storage capacity and local flood-regulation functions.

Although Cahul Municipality has initiated dredging and rehabilitation works, the site lacks a systematic environmental baseline, harmonized sediment-quality data, and a long-term framework for monitoring, handling, and potentially reusing dredged material. Limited local technical capacity and public awareness further constrain preventive management. SEDIM-Cahul therefore addresses the SUNDANSE thematic area of sediment quality assessment, including identifying pollution pressures, along with awareness-raising on sediment-flow alterations and sustainable sediment governance.

THE SOLUTION

Integrated evidence base

SEDIM-Cahul will apply and adapt SUNDANSE replication methodologies to a small urban lake. The pilot combines A1 Baseline Assessment and A3 Mapping with A5–A8 sediment-quality activities: granulometric characterization and assessment of microplastics, organic pollutants, and toxic metals in representative sediment samples. Supporting water-quality observations, documented sampling, and quality-assurance procedures will provide a robust evidence base for ecological risk assessment and municipal decision-making.

Results will inform the evaluation of sediment handling, treatment, and safe reuse options, including potential circular applications in landscaping or green infrastructure where analytical evidence and regulatory requirements permit. The technical work will be complemented by a feasibility-oriented assessment of biodiversity measures, small-scale riparian rehabilitation with native vegetation, and Sediment Watch Cahul stakeholder activities. Evidence and stakeholder input will be consolidated into a Local Sediment Management Action Plan and a documented replication pathway for comparable urban water bodies.

THE IMPACT

Transferable model

The project will provide Cahul Municipality with its first integrated evidence base for managing sediments at Lake Frumoasa. Reliable data on particle size, contaminants, and potential reuse will reduce uncertainty around dredged-material decisions and support proportionate, environmentally sound management. Nature-based riparian measures are expected to stabilize selected shoreline areas, reduce erosion and future sediment and pollutant inputs, and improve habitat quality and ecosystem resilience.

The Local Sediment Management Action Plan will translate project findings into monitoring priorities, responsibilities, maintenance measures, and future investment needs, helping the municipality shift from one-off rehabilitation to preventive, adaptive management. Workshops and participatory activities will strengthen cooperation among public authorities, environmental institutions, researchers, civil society, schools and residents while increasing local stewardship of the lake. By documenting methods, costs, lessons, and enabling conditions, SEDIM-Cahul will create a transferable model for other small urban lakes in Moldova and the Danube–Black Sea Basin, contributing to the EU Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030.