SUNDANSE PROJECT - Sustainable Sediment Solutions for the Danube–Black Sea System
SUNDANSE is an ambitious 48-month project funded under the Horizon Europe Programme and contributes to the EU Mission "Restore our Ocean and Waters". The project aims to develop innovative and sustainable sediment management solutions for the Danube-Black Sea system, addressing key environmental challenges related to sediment dynamics while enhancing the resilience of aquatic ecosystems.
During its four-year implementation period, SUNDANSE pursues three strategic objectives:
* Develop a Sediment Management Handbook providing science-based guidance and best practices for the sustainable management of river systems;
* Develop and validate a Sediment Prediction Tool to support evidence-based decision-making in river management;
* Engage key stakeholders across Europe by promoting knowledge exchange, sharing best practices, and strengthening cooperation in river basin management.
As part of the project, a comprehensive investigation of the Danube River`s morphology, hydrodynamics, and sediment processes will be carried out. A key asset for the scientific activities is the research vessel REXDAN, owned by the project coordinator, "Dunarea de Jos" University of Galati (UDJG). Commissioned in August 2023, REXDAN is among the most advanced research vessels in Europe. Through integrated surveys and monitoring campaigns, high-precision data will be collected on the main characteristics of the Danube River along its entire course - from Vienna to the Black Sea-providing the scientific basis for developing sustainable river management solutions.
MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE SUNDANSE PROJECT
The SUNDANSE project contributes to sustainable sediment management and the improvement of the ecological status of the Danube River through:
* conducting comprehensive scientific research to analyse the processes affecting the riverbed and riparian ecosystems:
* mapping areas affected by sediment deposition and erosion and developing solutions to restore natural river processes;
* applying advanced technologies for monitoring and measuring microplastics and other pollutants in the aquatic environment;
* developing numerical models to predict sediment transport and dynamics;
* designing an intelligent and sustainable sediment management framework for the Danube River Basin;
* developing a strategy for transferring knowledge and best practices to other European river basins facing similar challenges;
* coordinating activities with other European projects and initiatives to create synergies and maximise project impact;
* strengthening transnational cooperation among research organisations, public authorities and stakeholders to support the effective implementation of European policies and strategies for the Danube Region.
PARTNERS
The project consortium is coordinated by "Dunarea de Jos" University of Galati (Romania) and brings together 20 partner organisations, including research institutes, universities, public authorities and innovation organisations from 10 European countries: Romania, France, Belgium, Israel, Serbia, Estonia, Ukraine, Austria, Bulgaria and Ireland.
DURATION
48 months - from 3 June 2024 to 2 June 2028.
Further information is available on the official project website: https://sundanseproject.eu/
