The second phase of ecological groyne restoration works has begun at the DANUBE4all Middle Danube Demo Site in Sződliget, Hungary, within the Duna-Ipoly National Park area. The intervention combines habitat restoration with the needs of inland navigation, demonstrating how river management can benefit both nature and people.
Following the creation of openings in both groynes during the first phase, excavators are now digging a channel between these two river engineering structures. The channel will create a new habitat corridor, improving water flow and connectivity and providing more favourable conditions for fish and other aquatic organisms.
The groynes retain their function in supporting navigable conditions, while their ecological adaptation allows water to flow through the newly connected corridor. This approach demonstrates how existing navigation infrastructure can be adapted to improve river habitats while maintaining its essential purpose.
Completion of the measure also depends on natural river processes: a flood event is needed to complete the restoration. With excavation now underway, higher water levels will be an important next step.
Monitoring the ecological response
Restoration works are accompanied by biota monitoring focused on fish and macrozoobenthos — aquatic invertebrates living on or near the riverbed. Data collected by Dr Béla Csány will help assess how these communities respond to the intervention and evaluate its ecological impact. The findings will inform similar restoration activities elsewhere along the Danube.
DANUBEPARKS’ involvement across demonstration sites
At Sződliget, DANUBEPARKS is responsible for implementing the restoration measure. At the Upper Danube Demo Site on Paradeisinsel, in Austria’s Donau-Auen National Park, DANUBEPARKS prepared all the documentation required for the restoration works, which are now nearing completion. These complementary roles connect the preparation and practical implementation of river restoration across different sections of the Danube.
About DANUBE4all
DANUBE4all is a Horizon Europe project running from 2023 to 2027, contributing to the EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030”. It aims to restore freshwater ecosystems across the Danube River Basin through the development of a comprehensive, scientifically grounded and practically oriented Danube Basin Restoration Action Plan.
The project brings together scientific research, practical restoration and stakeholder participation. Activities at three demonstration sites, in the Upper Danube, Middle Danube and Danube Delta, will help develop and test approaches to improving river connectivity and biodiversity. The experience gained will support wider restoration efforts across the basin, taking account of ecological needs and the interests of communities and economic sectors.
DANUBE4all is funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 101093985.
Find out more on the DANUBE4all website.