The role of wetlands in the land-atmosphere interactions and hydrological processes

The wetlands and flood plains are among the freshwater bodies that play important role for the land-atmosphere interactions and hydrological processes. They provide important ecosystem services, among which biodiversity preservation, flood prevention and mitigation, biomass production, water purification, reduction of eutrophication, and carbon sequestration. Recently, the attention of researchers was attracted by the Danube River Basin which covers 801.463 km² with specific wetlands, flood plains, coastal wetlands and salt marshes in 19 countries.

The DaWetRest (Danube Wetlands and flood plains Restoration through systemic, community-engaged, and sustainable innovative actions) project performs research and innovation actions to improve the linkage between the Danube and its tributaries with the neighbouring wetlands. The activities include methodologies for freshwater monitoring to improve and control the freshwater ecosystems in line with the EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030” and specifically the Lighthouse “Danube and the Black Sea”.

Centuries of anthropogenic activities with low attention to nature preservation caused the loss of more than 70% of wetlands, flood plains, river meandering, and coastal wetlands, such as salt marshes in the Danube River Basin. The restoration and protection of some the above listed types of areas is considered as one type of mitigation measures for control of greenhouse gases emissions among a number of other topics.

DaWetRest applies a holistic approach for restoration of deteriorated connections of Danube River and its tributaries with still existing wetlands. Active and passive approaches are used in order to  ensure the improvement of ecosystems using nature-based solutions providing sustainable social and economic activities for the local population.