DANUBElifelines Blog

Back from Belgrade: connecting people, ideas and rivers

by Mira Lehocká, WWF Slovakia

Three days in Belgrade brought DANUBElifelines partners together to exchange ideas, share progress and shape the next steps for river restoration across the Danube Basin.

More than 3,000 young sturgeons, one shared goal for the Danube

by Cristina Curelea, WWF Romania

More than 3,000 young Russian sturgeons have been released into the Danube in Romania – supporting efforts to restore migratory fish populations and a healthier, more connected river.

IAD Conference 2026 in Baja: A Danube Community Joining Forces for a Resilient River

by Sibylle Schroer, FVB-IGB

Around 50 researchers and practitioners from across the Danube Basin gathered in Baja, Hungary, for the IAD Conference 2026. Four days of scientific exchange highlighted the urgent challenges facing the Danube – and the power of cooperation, restoration and shared knowledge to build a more resilient river.

The man who wouldn't give up on the Ipoly: Ján Gábor

by WWF Slovakia

For nearly fifty years, Ján Gábor held on to one idea: the Ipoly River he grew up with was worth protecting. Today, his persistence has helped create Slovakia’s first private reserve established purely to keep a river alive.

Why Danube side channels matter for fish diversity

by Tibor Erös, BLRI

A new study shows why Danube side channels are vital for fish diversity. These dynamic habitats act as biodiversity amplifiers – and their restoration can help create a healthier, more resilient Danube ecosystem.

The longbarbel gudgeon returns: What two fishways reveal about the River Inn

by Julius Gorenz, TUM

Researchers at TUM discovered the longbarbel gudgeon in two nature-like fishways on the River Inn, highlighting their role in habitat restoration and fish migration.

July field work in the Lower Danube: Sturgeon and Pontic shad habitats under the microscope

by WWF Bulgaria

DANUBElifelines field work at Belene and Gomotartsi assessed sturgeon and Pontic shad habitats through benthic sampling, sonar surveys and fish monitoring.

Tackling illegal fishing in the Lower Danube: new evidence reinforces the need for action

by Cristina Munteanu, WWF Romania

Illegal fishing and wildlife crime remain among the greatest threats to migratory fish in the Lower Danube.

Entrepreneur Viorel Gagu

by Alexandru Căpăţînă, UDJG

Three stories, one river: how local entrepreneurs are turning the Danube into an experience

Strengthening Science-Policy Collaboration for Nature Restoration: DANUBElifelines at the BioAgora SPI Dialogue Workshop

by Sibylle Schroer, FVB-IGB

DANUBElifelines participated in the BioAgora SPI Dialogue Workshop in Bucharest, contributing to discussions on implementing the EU Nature Restoration Regulation and strengthening science-policy collaboration for river restoration

Listening to Rivers: Regional Workshops Across the Sava Basin for the Future of Danube Salmon

by Leja Bernard, Institute REVIVO

Regional workshops across Slovenia brought together communities and experts to discuss the future of rivers and Danube Salmon conservation. The discussions highlighted the importance of river restoration and ecological connectivity.

DANUBElifelines Workshop in Kranj: Experts Unite to Protect Migratory Fish

by Tom Buijse, Deltares

Experts from across the Danube Basin met in Slovenia to assess the conservation status of migratory fish species and identify the most urgent threats to their survival.

A collaborative research agenda for restoring free-flowing rivers

by Florian Borgwardt, BOKU

A new collaborative research agenda on free-flowing rivers highlights that restoration in Europe is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Focusing on Austria and the Danube Basin, the article shows how ecological goals must be balanced with governance, economic realities, and societal needs.

Unlocking Europe’s Veins: Why Spatial Planning is the Key to Free-Flowing Rivers

by Virgilio Hermoso, CSIC

Spatial planning is essential to restore Europe’s fragmented rivers, prioritising barrier removal to maximise ecological impact while balancing limited resources and socio-economic constraints.

A harmonised field study of spawning habitat ecology across the Danube River Basin

by Christian Schlautmann, UDE

Harmonised field study across the Danube Basin examines spawning habitats of migratory fish and delivers comparable data for effective, transnational river restoration strategies.

Rivers – Allies That Cannot Be Tamed

by Institute REVIVO

Rivers are dynamic systems shaped by change. This article explains why regulating rivers and building on floodplains fuels floods and droughts—and how restoration offers a way forward.

World Wetlands Day: Why wetlands matter for rivers and fish

by Emma Cordier, Wetlands International

I love February - not only because January is finally over, nor because Valentine’s Day fills the middle of the month with hearts and flowers. I love February because it begins, on the 2nd, with World Wetlands Day.

Three Inspiring Days at the DANUBElifelines Workshops

by Christoffer Nagel, TUM

A three-day DANUBElifelines workshop in Freising/Munich strengthened shared methods, collaboration, and field expertise across demo-site teams from the Danube Basin.

Barrier Passability Experts Met in Vigo

by Prof Carlos García de Leaniz, SWAN

Experts from seven countries met in Vigo to develop improved methods for assessing river barrier passability and enhancing free-flowing river restoration.

Waterwise Workshop Inspires Students on River Protection

by Marija Smederevac‑Lalić, IMSI

Students at Primary School “Bora Lazić” explored freshwater science through the Waterwise project, learning from researchers about river health and restoration.

The Endangered Danube Salmon

by Žiga Tertinek, Institute REVIVO

The Danube salmon, a powerful predator and symbol of the Danube basin, is struggling to survive amid habitat loss and hydropower expansion in the Balkans.

DANUBElifelines Launched in Hungary.

by Tibor Erös, BLRI

Kick-off stakeholder workshop opens joint dialogue on river restoration.

From an Idea to Impact: Your Journey through the DLL Business Club

by DANUBElifelines

Join the DLL Business Club to turn your eco-friendly idea into a sustainable business along the Danube. Learn, mentor, network, and access funding opportunities.

Rivers of Knowledge: Driving Restoration Across Europe

by Daniel Trauner, EAA

Sharing expertise to restore habitats and support migratory fish across Europe through DANUBElifelines.

Giants and Sprinters: Safeguarding the Danube’s Migratory Fish

by WWF Bulgaria, WWF Romania

Sturgeons and shads face extinction on the Romanian–Bulgarian Danube. Danube LifeLines restores habitats and supports local communities to protect them.

Hands-On Learning, Achievable Results: The Value of Business Training in the DLL Business Club

by DANUBElifelines

Running a business often feels like navigating a river, as you need to know the currents, understand the obstacles, and spot the opportunities flowing past...

WWF’s Work on the Danube – From Exhaustion to Fulfillment

by WWF Bulgaria

WWF Bulgaria works tirelessly to map the river and protect endangered sturgeon and Pontic shad, safeguarding biodiversity and habitats.

Cutting Red Tape or Cutting Nature? The Role of SPI in a Time of Crisis

by Sibylle Schroer, FVB-IGB

The DanubeLifelines project engages in the SPI Dialog

Why Small Streams Matter for Danube’s Migratory Fish

by Tibor Erős, BLRI

From Barriers to Biodiversity: Why River Connectivity Matters More Than Ever

by Florian Borgwardt, BOKU

Tackling biodiversity loss, fragmentation, and climate risk through river restoration in the Danube River Basin