Implementation of the river basin management plan in selected river sub-basins in Slovakia

Sound water management is one of emerging challenges that cannot be resolved without an integrated approach. The project will contribute to the implementation of the 3rd RBMP for the Danube (2021-2027) in Slovakia through implementation of measures to eliminate hydromorphological pressures. It addresses ecological targets of the Water Framework Directive and Habitats Directive via management of protected areas, sustainable forest, land management, fishery management and active measures to support natural reproduction of native fish species. The goal of the project is to transpose the identified solutions of the new Water Policy Conception (2021-2030 with prospects till 2050) through an integrated cooperation of public bodies and stakeholders and to connect the (often) contradictory interests within the use of ecosystem services towards an integrated river basin management in the pilot sub-basins. Proposed actions comprise an expertise in several scientific disciplines such as hydrology, hydraulics, morphology, biology, water quality and engineering. This project will demonstrate integrated water resources management at a variety of scales, promoting and utilizing collaborative management and applying the demonstrated best practice examples to wider solutions on a countrywide level. The main goal of the LIFE Living Rivers project is to contribute to the implementation of the 3rd River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) for the Danube (2021-2027) by implementing measures to eliminate hydromorphological pressures, and by addressing ecological targets of the Water Framework Directive and Habitats Directive via the management of protected areas, and via sustainable forestry, land and fishery management. Specific objectives are to: Propose and implement nature-based solutions and green infrastructure principles to increase climate resilience, water retention in the river basin, enhance biodiversity and reduce flood risk; Demonstrate step-by step procedures leading to cost-efficient and sustainable restoration (e.g., stakeholder engagement, monitoring, technical documentation, obtaining permits);Restore longitudinal connectivity of selected water bodies by removal or reconstruction of barriers, restoration of sediment transport and management of sediments, and improvement of hydraulic, morphological and ecological effects of existing in-channel structures; Restore lateral connectivity of the main channel with its floodplains by reconnecting side-arms and re-establishing natural river banks, and restoring wetlands and stagnant waters as natural water retention areas, to improve groundwater storage, habitat diversity, and to facilitate migration and spawning of fish species of the region;Improve hydrological regime and flow dynamics of the rivers;Restore degraded natural ecosystems and native fish species populations;Introduce land, wetland and forest management practices in water-dependent Natura 2000 sites (SCIs and SPAs), and restore vegetation cover on river banks and in floodplains; Implement innovative monitoring methods (e.g., screening of emerging substances in surface water, telemetric surveys of Danube fish movement, ichthyoplankton monitoring, biodiversity survey using DNA metabarcoding of water and benthos samples, ultrasound probes, mapping using drones and remote sensing tools); Replicate actions in other regions within the Danube and Visla river basins in Slovakia, knowledge transfer, learning, cooperation and participation of stakeholders in water management planning and implementation; Increase awareness and public acceptance of nature-based solutions and restoration activities; Mobilise and coordinate complementary funds leading to full implementation of the RBMP. In addition to the IP budget itself, the project will facilitate the coordinated use of € 86,119,000 of complementary funding from the Recovery and Resilience Facility Plan (€62,400,000), from the Operational Programme Quality of Environment (€23,694,000), and from private funds (€25,000). Expected results:Nature-based solutions and green infrastructure implemented to increase climate resilience and enhance biodiversity; Connectivity of water bodies restored, improving ecosystems and wetlands habitats, habitat diversity, migration and spawning of fish species, and flow dynamics of rivers; Wetland and forest management practices introduced in Natura 2000 sites that restore vegetation cover on river banks and in floodplains; Innovative monitoring methods implemented to assess the effectiveness of project actions; Actions replicated in other river basin areas in Slovakia; Increased awareness and public acceptance of nature-based solutions and river restoration activities.