Work Meetings Highlighted the Benefits of Nature-Based Water Management Solutions in the Danube Region

BSPB

At the end of April and May, three meetings with stakeholders were held within the framework of the international RESTORIVER project, coordinated by the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB). The purpose of the seminars was to present the overall project, its goals, and its implementation. Special attention was given to the effects and benefits of applying natural water retention measures, as well as the results of interviews and surveys conducted with stakeholders and citizens. The meetings were organised by the BSPB in partnership with the Municipality of Ruse.

The "RESTORIVER" project started on January 1, 2024. Its main objective is to support adaptation to climate change in the Danube River region and to manage environmental risk-related disasters on a transnational level through ecosystem-based solutions. Two of the seminars were held in the city of Ruse, and the third in the capital, Sofia, with a total of 60 participants. The meetings were attended by experts from various stakeholder groups: government institutions, scientists, business representatives, NGOs, members of the tourism sector, and others.

The main topics addressed during the meetings were related to efforts against and the adaptation to climate change affecting the entire Danube River basin, as well as potential nature-based solutions that can serve as mitigating measures. Emphasis was also placed on the effect of implementing natural water retention measures. The project plans to demonstrate its benefits at six pilot sites – in Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria, and Romania.

Also discussed were the results of the analysis of interviews and surveys conducted with stakeholders and the public in the early months of the project. Special attention was given to the pilot site in Bulgaria, where direct nature-based water retention measures will be implemented in West Prista Park in the city of Ruse – which sparked great interest and received positive feedback from attendees.

The RESTORIVER project is funded under the INTERREG VI-B Danube Region Programme 2021–2027 and brings together 15 organisations along the Danube River, with BSPB as the lead partner.