The DANSER project – DANube SEdiment Restoration, submitted to the Horizon Europe program with the support of INOVA+, has been approved with a budget of €9.1M and will receive €8.5M in funding. The goal is to promote innovative solutions to restore sediment balance and improve water quality along the Danube basin. Led by the Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare Delta Dunarii (DDNI) in Romania, the project officially begins this month.

The DANSER consortium brings together 35 partners, including 7 associated partners, from 7 different European countries – Portugal, Romania, Croatia, Austria, Ukraine, Bulgaria, and Ireland – in a joint effort to tackle critical challenges in sustainable sediment management and the protection of the Danube’s ecosystems. After supporting the consortium during the application process, INOVA+ will be responsible for communication and dissemination of the project’s activities, promoting the engagement of local communities and replicable sustainable solutions.

DANSER Project Objectives

Running for 4 years (2025–2029), DANSER will implement 13 pilot actions distributed across three main intervention areas along the Danube basin. Key activities include:

  • Sediment studies and modeling to understand the impacts caused by natural and human factors;
  • Historical reconstruction of critical zones to anticipate future processes;
  • Nature-based solutions (NBS) to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services;
  • Hydrotechnical interventions to restore connectivity between rivers and adjacent habitats.

Impact on the Danube Basin and Contribution to the Ocean Mission

Aligned with the European Mission “Restore our Oceans and Waters”, DANSER aims to promote sustainable and resilient practices, directly contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Expected impacts include:

  • Improved water quality and ecosystem regeneration;
  • Increased environmental resilience to climate change;
  • Active involvement of local communities through awareness and environmental education initiatives.

With this innovative approach, DANSER seeks to establish a reference model for integrated sediment management, combining science, innovation, and collaboration, with a direct impact on the sustainability of the Danube basin and its preservation for future generations.

Did you know that INOVA+ is the Portuguese company with the highest participation in Horizon Europe Missions? We have a specialized team that ensures access and support for the participation of various organizations in international consortia and projects. Learn more here!