Knowledge Sharing – a Success Factor
Sharing knowledge is key in successful environmental protection, for developing effective restoration measures, and finding sustainable solutions for the future. Over the last 25 years, the implementation of the European Water Framework Directive showed the benefit of countries coming together and jointly developing methods to reach a common goal – improving and protecting the aquatic environment and therefore the resource water.
The Environment Agency Austria (EAA) has been thoroughly involved in know-how transfer processes and fulfilled a major role in peer-to-peer exchange in various Twinning projects and other programmes within and beyond EU borders during the last decades. Working with international, national, and regional institutions the EAA was able to transfer knowledge on river basin management planning to countries in the Western Balkan, Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and other regions.
Even tough a lot has been achieved in a quarter of a century, much work remains to be done. This applies to member states and those wishing to become so alike. Making experiences and knowledge available means that one will not have to start from scratch when faced with specific problems. By jointly implementing effective actions, even measures on a smaller scale will have a bigger effect if combined across regions and borders. One such project where this opportunity arises is DANUBElifelines through the Call for Associated Regions. As a member of the project consortium EAA will lead the activity of replicating and transporting experiences on restoration measures for migratory fish to these regions.
What are Associated Regions?
DLL is currently being implemented across different European countries, including Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, Hungary, The Netherlands, Serbia, United Kingdom, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain.
Since the findings generated under DLL will be relevant beyond the above listed partner countries, it is envisaged to identify additional countries and relevant sites for applying and upscaling the knowledge generated by the DLL project. These additional countries and sites outside of the partner countries are termed “Associated Regions” (ARs). Interested Associated Regions are currently being identified through an open call: DANUBElifelines – Call for Associated Regions in the Danube Basin. DLL will provide financial support of up to EUR 100,000 to these Associated Regions for participating and benefitting from the project.
The call is open until 31 December 2025.
Who is Eligible to Apply for Associated Regions?
Entities eligible to apply include local or regional authorities (potentially along with non-governmental or research partners) outside of the partner countries listed above, and where responsible counterparts have a good command of English. Associated Regions will also need to comply with standard EC Grant Agreement requirements.
Applicants for Associated Regions can be local or regional entities within EU Member States, within European Environment Agency (EEA) countries, as well as within European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) countries associated with Horizon Europe.
What can Associated Regions expect from DLL?
DLL will develop an Action Plan - referred to as the „Blueprint for Migratory Fish Recovery“ - that integrates ecological, socio-economic, and policy dimensions into an evidence-based restoration strategy.
In parallel to the development of the DLL Blueprint, the Associated Regions will develop their own replication roadmaps that will benefit from the activities and knowledge created within DLL. Thereby DLL will assist Associated Regions in adopting innovative restoration strategies, as well as in capacity building. DLL will also link-up the Associated Regions with the DLL demonstration sites in the partner countries.
By joining as an Associated Region, you will gain access to DLL’s open tools, knowledge, and support to:
Monitor fish populations and habitat conditions;
Plan and implement habitat restoration for migratory fish;
Design and assess restoration measures (including feasibility for dam removals);
Engage stakeholders and integrate local knowledge;
Replicate experiences in Associated Regions to support migratory fish species (Task 3.5).
What tangible actions will be funded for Associated Regions?
Each selected Associated Region can receive up to EUR 100,000 in funding.
Tangible activities that are eligible for support in the Associated Regions under DLL include:
Restoration measures for habitats of migratory fish
Monitoring and habitat assessment of migratory fish
Planning of restoration measures for migratory fish
Feasibility studies for restoration measures (incl. dam removal) for migratory fish
River connectivity, river-sea reconnection;
River dynamics improvement
Dam removal
Business plan implementation
Stakeholder involvement
Only actual costs incurred during the implementation of supported activities can be reimbursed by DLL.
Where can I find more information?
You can find more information on DANUBElifelines – Call for Associated Regions in the Danube Basin
or reach out to:
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU)
Project coordinator: Florian Borgwardt
Email: dll@danubelifelines.eu
