Resource description:
Large floodplain rivers are among the most dynamic and ecologically diverse ecosystems on Earth. They support a wide array of plant and animal species and provide essential ecosystem services. Throughout history, these rivers, along with their associated floodplains, have been vital to human societies. However, human activities such as dam construction, river regulations from flood risk management, land use alteration or navigation purposes, urbanization and agriculture use of floodplains have significantly altered and degraded many of these rivers. This has led to a loss of biodiversity, declines in water quality and increased vulnerability to flooding.
In response to these challenges, designing restoration plans for large floodplain rivers, like the Danube, has become increasingly important. These plans aim to restore the natural functioning of river systems, enhance habitat diversity and improve overall ecosystem health. By implementing well-designed strategic restoration actions, we can mitigate the negative impacts of human activities and promote the resilience of these vital ecosystems. Restoration plans for large floodplain rivers offer significant benefits for various stakeholders, including local communities, businesses and governments.
The purpose of this document is to outline a Regional Scalability Plan (RSP) for the lower Hungarian portion of the River Danube (MERLIN pilot site case study 7b, Middle-Danube, Hungary) to promote sustainable water management. Firstly, we explain why this region is particularly important for developing large-scale restoration plans on the Danube. Secondly, we detail the roles of different stakeholder groups, without which the RSP cannot be effectively conducted. Thirdly, we introduce the Green Deal goals essential to be addressed by the RSP in this region. Finally, we identify specific actions necessary for the sustainable water and landscape
management of the target area. While there are good examples of small- scale restoration actions in this lower Hungarian Danube portion, we believe that strategic large-scale planning involving various stakeholder groups is necessary for the sustainable use of river resources. This approach promises a harmonious balance between ecological integrity and socio-economic advancement. The RSP also outlines the required policy frameworks and interventions essential for realizing the objectives, aligning with the overarching goals of the EU Green Deal.
The content of the document was developed as part of the MERLIN project, funded under the H2020 program of the European Commission. Most of the groundwork was conducted in close cooperation between WWF Hungary as implementation and the HUN-REN Balaton Limnological Research Institute as scientific partners in the MERLIN project. The RSP also benefited from several workshops where researchers, local and national policy makers and a variety of stakeholders discussed possibilities of restoration actions in the Hungarian portion of the Danube. It is our intention that these interdisciplinary groups, consisting of ecologists, environmental scientists, conservationists, water engineers, legal experts, financial administrators, on-site implementers and sector representatives continue to collaborate to realize the vision of large scale restoration actions in the investigated section of the Middle-Danube, Hungary.
Author/Contact:
Tamás Gruber (WWF Hungary), Andrea Samu (WWF Hungary), Tibor Erős (HUN-REN Balaton Limnological Research Institute)
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