Selection of projects funded by the EU
CityRiver reconnecting town and river
Lead:
Prof. Dr. Bernd Cyffka (Mathematisch-Geographische Fakultät; Professur für Angewandte Physische Geographie/
Aueninstitut Neuburg)
Project partner:
LEW Wasserkraft GmbH, Augsburg
Description:
Like many rivers in the EU, the Danube in the urban area of Donauwrth has been significantly modified. Flood protection and barrages have led to poor biodiversity, deepening of the riverbed, sinking groundwater levels, a lack of particles in the water being transported along the riverbed (known as bed load), and missing floodplains, resulting in poor habitats for fauna and flora. Furthermore, citizens rarely have access to the river, and drinking water supply and agriculture are negatively affected. Destabilisation of river banks can be dangerous for buildings, bridges and flood protection facilities.
Under the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD), artificial and heavily modified water bodies are required to achieve good ecological potential. The details of how to achieve this are left up to the stakeholders concerned.
The LIFE CityRiver project will demonstrate a new approach, better serving the different needs of flood protection, flora, fauna and citizens. The starting point is an environmentally friendly solution for stabilising the riverbed, by constructing a so-called breach ramp stretching about 1 km within the river. Combined with bed load management and an open riprap revetment in the downstream river, this will guarantee good passage for fish and provide near-natural river structures, spawning areas and valuable key habitats, meaning the project will also contribute to the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC). LIFE CityRiver aims to have strong involvement of citizens and regional stakeholders, fostering a growing relationship with their river and increasing environmental awareness. The projects solution will be cost-efficient and transferable to rivers all over Europe.
Funding organization:
EU Life+
Project period:
2019 - 2025
KU.fordoc:
Controlling Temperature and Oxygen in rivers with diversion plants
Lead:
LEW Wasserkraft GmbH, Augsburg
Partner:
Prof. Dr. Bernd Cyffka (Mathematisch-Geographische Fakultät; Professur für Angewandte Physische Geographie/
Aueninstitut Neuburg)
Description:
The aim is to actively control temperature and oxygen in rivers with diversion hydropower plants, to balance the demand for renewable energy from hydropower and the ecological functions as well as the eco-systems of the river. The impacts of climate change on European rivers are broad: For one thing, periods of low water occur more frequently with rising water temperatures, while, on the other hand, also flooding events happen more often. Declining groundwater levels, which are a consequence of dry periods, jeopardise alluvial forests with their sensitive habitats. Hydropower providers therefore have to reduce or even stop energy production, to provide the required residual amount of water in the natural river bed. This leads to a loss in energy generation and revenues.
Funding organization:
EU-Life21
Project period:
2022 - 2027
Website:
https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/life/publicWebsite/project/details/101073824
KU.fordoc:
https://fordoc.ku.de/id/eprint/3292/
Danube river basin lighthouse – restoration of fresh and transitional water ecosystems (DALIA)
Lead:
Prof. Dr. Bernd Cyffka (Mathematisch-Geographische Fakultät; Professur für Angewandte Physische Geographie/
Aueninstitut Neuburg)
Project partner:
General Directorate of Water Management, Budapest (Hungary)
Description:
Home to nearly 80 million people, the Danube River Basin stretches across 19 European countries. Unfortunately, its main artery, the Danube River, is heavily affected by pollution. In this context, the EU-funded DALIA project will bring together 22 expert organisations from eight EU and associated countries to properly manage this complex and fragile ecosystem. The project will provide an integrated tool for better decision-making and improved restoration of fresh and transitional water ecosystems in the Danube River Basin. DALIA will contribute to the EU Water Framework Directive. It will also collaborate with a wider network of ecosystems and related EU Missions and projects.
Funding organization:
EU, Horizon Europe
Project period:
2023 - 2026
KU.fordoc:
fordoc.ku.de/id/eprint/3293/
Restoration of wetland complexes as life supporting systems in the Danube Basin - Restrore4Life
Lead:
Dr. Barbara Stammel (Mathematisch-Geographische Fakultät; Professur für Angewandte Physische Geographie/
Aueninstitut Neuburg)
Description:
Restore4Life showcases the remarkable socio-economic benefits derived from a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to restoring freshwater and coastal wetlands in the Danube basin.
By creating new blue-green infrastructure that bolsters regional climate change resilience and mitigation efforts, Restore4Life paves the way for a sustainable future.
With four demonstration sites and six monitoring sites spread throughout the Danube basin, Restore4Life aims to demonstrate the substantial enhancement of crucial ecosystem services. These services include water and pollutant retention, carbon sequestration, tourism opportunities, and the overall resilience of water-dependent habitats. The project further reveals the multitude of socio-economic synergies that arise from these improvements, opening doors for sustainable businesses and investments.
Funding organization:
EU, Horizon Europe Climate
Project period:
2023 - 2027
Website:
restore4life.eu
KU.fordoc:
fordoc.ku.de/id/eprint/3401/