SUNDANSE – Sustainable Sediment solutions for the Danube – Black Sea system

SUNDANSE is a 48 months long initiative that brings together 20 innovation stakeholders and educational entities from 10 different European countries – Romania, France, Belgium, Israel, Serbia, Estonia, Ukraine, Austria, Bulgaria and Ireland. Throughout the duration of the project, SUNDANSE will launch two Open Calls and distribute financial support to at least five Associated Regions (up to 100 000€ each). 

The Danube River has been incredibly important for both people and wildlife for hundreds of years. However, human activities since the late 1800s have significantly changed how the river functions to better serve our needs. These changes include straightening its path, building dams for energy, extracting water, constructing nuclear power plants, farming along its banks, and making it easier for ships to navigate.

Unfortunately, these alterations, combined with the effects of climate change, have disrupted the river’s natural balance. This disruption has led to increased flood risks, changes in power generation, reduced navigability, and impacts on the diverse ecosystems along the Danube Basin.

SUNDANSE will conduct a survey of the configuration and dynamics of the Danube River, with the central component being the research vessel REXDAN. This research vessel belongs to the project coordinator, UDJG, and is the newest and most advanced research vessel in Europe, delivered in August 2023. With this, a complete picture of the main characteristics of the Danube River from Vienna to the Black Sea will be gained.

SUNDANSE project aims to address these issues by:

• Conducting thorough studies to understand the problems affecting the Danube River and its surroundings.
• Creating maps to identify areas with excessive sedimentation or erosion and working to restore natural flow patterns.
• Using advanced tools to measure microplastics and other pollutants in the water.
• Developing computer models to predict how sediment moves in the river.
• Designing a smart plan to manage sediment in a sustainable way.
• Formulating a strategy to share these solutions with other regions facing similar challenges.
• Collaborating with other projects and initiatives for a coordinated approach.
• Strengthening cooperation between different groups and countries to ensure effective governance and implementation of EU strategies for the region.

Work packages:

• WP1 – Sediment Management Handbook
• WP2 – Sediment Prediction Model
• WP3 – Sediment Monitoring and Measurements
• WP4 – Uses cases
• WP5 – Dissemination, Communication, Exploitation, and FSTP Management 
• WP6 – Coordination and Project Management