About the project

The Danube River has been incredibly important for both people and wildlife for hundreds of years. However, human activities since the late 1800s have significantly changed how the river functions to better serve our needs. These changes include straightening its path, building dams for energy, extracting water, constructing nuclear power plants, farming along its banks, and making it easier for ships to navigate.  

Unfortunately, these alterations, combined with the effects of climate change, have disrupted the river’s natural balance. This disruption has led to increased flood risks, changes in power generation, reduced navigability, and impacts on the diverse ecosystems along the Danube Basin. 

 SUNDANSE will conduct a survey of the configuration and dynamics of the Danube River, with the central component being the research vessel REXDAN. This research vessel belongs to the project coordinator, UDJG, and is the newest and most advanced research vessel in Europe, delivered in August 2023. With this, a complete picture of the main characteristics of the Danube River from Vienna to the Black Sea will be gained.

What are sediments ?

Sediments are solid materials that are moved and deposited in new locations. They can consist of rocks, minerals, and the remains of plants and animals. Sediments can range in size from tiny grains of sand to large boulders.
For example, water can transport sediments like gravel or pebbles from a creek into a river, eventually depositing them in the river’s delta.

Sediments play a crucial role in enriching the soil with nutrients, making areas rich in sediments often rich in biodiversity. Sedimentary soils are typically more fertile and better for farming. Consequently, regions such as deltas and riverbanks, where significant sediment deposition occurs, are often the most fertile agricultural areas.

How do climate change and human activities disrupt sediment balance and what are the risks?

Increasing floods

Disrupted sediment dynamics can lead to increased frequency and intensity of flooding. Sediments play a critical role in shaping riverbanks and beds, and their imbalance can cause rivers to overflow, damaging properties, infrastructure, and agricultural lands.

Altering hydropower production

Decreasing the navigability of rivers

Excessive sediment deposition can decrease the depth of rivers, making navigation more difficult for vessels. This can impact transportation and commerce, leading to economic losses and increased costs for dredging operations to maintain navigable waterways.

Affecting biodiversity

Changes in sediment transport and deposition can disrupt habitats for various species. Aquatic life, such as fish and invertebrates, rely on specific sediment conditions for spawning and feeding. Alterations can lead to the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystems, impacting species health and survival.

Maintaining the natural balance of sediments is crucial to mitigate these risks and protect both human and environmental health.

SUNDANSE project aims to address these issues by:

Conducting thorough studies to understand the problems affecting the Danube River and its surroundings.
Creating maps to identify areas with excessive sedimentation or erosion and working to restore natural flow patterns.
Using advanced tools to measure microplastics and other pollutants in the water.
Developing computer models to predict how sediment moves in the river.
Designing a smart plan to manage sediment in a sustainable way.
Formulating a strategy to share these solutions with other regions facing similar challenges.
Collaborating with other projects and initiatives for a coordinated approach.
Strengthening cooperation between different groups and countries to ensure effective governance and implementation of EU strategies for the region.

Work packages

WP1 – Sediment Management Handbook

The purpose of WP1 – Sediment Management Handbook is to enhance knowledge in the field of sediment management. This will be achieved by developing a comprehensive sediment management handbook that encompasses:

1. Identification of legislative frameworks, strategies, and policies within the vDanube basin.
2. Recognition of the main actors involved in sediment management.
3. Outline of procedures and technologies relevant to effective sediment management.

This handbook aims to provide a thorough understanding of the current sediment management practices, facilitating improved strategies and informed decision-making within the Danube basin.

WP2 - Sediment Prediction Model

The purpose of WP2 – Sediment Prediction Model is to integrate expertise on sediment dynamics in the Danube River basin into a conceptual model. This involves:

1. Combining knowledge and expertise on sediment dynamics to create a comprehensive conceptual model for the Danube River basin.
2. Developing tools and methodologies for predicting sediment transport based on advanced research and analysis.

The goal is to enhance the ability to forecast sediment transport processes, thereby supporting better management and planning within the Danube basin.

WP3 - Sediment Monitoring and Measurements

The purpose of WP3 – Sediment Monitoring and Measurements is to enhance the understanding and management of sediment dynamics through precise monitoring and analysis. This will be achieved by:

1. Identifying areas with significant sediment deposits and extreme erosion through hydrological and hydromorphological measurements and analysis.
2. Determining the quantity and quality of sediment at identified critical points.
3. Developing a microplastic analyzer to monitor and assess sediment quality.
4. Creating a field-operable fiber-optic biosensor sediment monitoring system.

These efforts aim to provide detailed insights into sediment distribution and quality, supporting more effective sediment management strategies.

WP4 - Uses cases

The purpose of WP4 – Use Cases is to showcase sustainable and effective sediment management solutions within river basins through practical demonstrations. This will be accomplished by:

1. Identifying specific scenarios or use cases to demonstrate effective sediment management solutions.
2. Setting up the requirements for the locations chosen for the demonstration activities.
3. Validating the methodologies, strategies, and approaches developed in WP1 by conducting demonstration activities in Serbia, Romania, and Bulgaria.

These efforts aim to illustrate the practical application of sediment management techniques, ensuring their effectiveness and adaptability in real-world settings.

WP5 - Dissemination, Communication, Exploitation, and FSTP Management

The purpose of WP5 – Dissemination, Communication, Exploitation, and FSTP Management is to ensure effective communication, stakeholder engagement, and strategic exploitation of project outcomes. This will be achieved by:

1. Developing an advanced communication and dissemination plan, strategic framework, and toolkit to ensure optimal stakeholder involvement and successful open call campaigns.
2. Fostering a culture of active stakeholder engagement, collaborative knowledge co-creation, and extensive outreach activities.
3. Establishing a networking infrastructure with clusters, forging alliances with mission activities, relevant partnerships, associations, and influential working groups.
4. Creating comprehensive business plans, innovative business models, and market strategies while managing performance indicators, intellectual property rights (IPR), and implementing exploitation roadmaps.

These efforts aim to maximize the impact of the project, ensuring broad dissemination of results, active collaboration, and effective exploitation of project innovations and outcomes.

WP6 - Coordination and Project Management

The purpose of WP6 – Coordination and Project Management is to ensure the smooth execution of the project, maintaining cohesion and compliance with the project plan and grant agreement. This will be achieved by:

1. Providing a professional management framework that minimizes the administrative burden for partners while adhering to all EC regulations.

These efforts aim to facilitate efficient project coordination and management, ensuring all activities align with the project objectives and regulatory requirements.