DANSER represents a multidisciplinary holistic and scientific based approach focused on the Danube River basin, a vital yet sensitive ecosystem facing climate change and human impacts. DANSER addresses pressing sediment management needs in the Danube River ecosystem, incorporating cutting-edge technologies and aligning with EU policies and directives. Especially attaining the core guidelines of the Danube Sediments Management Guidance. DANSER delivers a pilot phase and envisages the deployment phase, with a strong emphasis on demonstrating active and passive innovative solutions, such as a) spatio-temporal mapping of natural and anthropogenic fluvial processes, b) sediment transport modelling, (c) sediment dating by radionuclide and radiometric methods, d) historical pollution analysis (e) geophysical survey and 3D historical reconstruction of the demonstration sites, (f) river-groundwater dynamics and pollution transport modelling, (g) river processes forecast simulations based on historical and active processes, (h) sediment budget analysis based on sedimentation measuring stations, UAV and bathymetry surveys, (i) water levels and quality monitoring and analysis j) river-side arm hydrotechnical connectivity interventions, (k) stakeholder-engaged sediment parametric evaluation and co management and (l) Nature based solutions for biodiversity characterization monitoring and improvement. On the soft measures side, DANSER enforces proactively a transnational sediment task force, from cooperating with all related instances, and commits with local communities and citizens engagement, including participatory tools. DANSER seeks to restore sediment balance, improve sediment flow and quality, characterise pollution transport mechanisms and integrate such actions and knowledge with EU and worldwide counterparts while still sustaining local and regional economies. DANSER will contribute significantly to the create a sustainable and harmonious human-Danube relationships.

The Danube River has played a vital role in supporting both human and animal life for centuries. Since the late 19th century, human interventions have significantly altered the natural flow of the river to optimize its utility. These interventions have included actions such as straightening the riverbed, constructing hydropower plants, collecting freshwater, establishing nuclear power plants, engaging in agriculture, and facilitating navigation. The combined effects of climate change and extensive river regulation have led to a significant disruption in the natural balance of sediment in the Danube River, increasing flood risks, altering hydropower production, decreasing navigability of the river, and affecting in biodiversity within the Danube Basin. SUNDANSE will: • carry out a conceptual Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response with multiple levels of analysis (catchment level, water body level, etc.) to understand and address environmental issues of the uniqueness of Danube river lighthouse • realize maps for observation of critical points for excessive sedimentation and/or excessive erosion, sediment transport and flow restoration • perform innovative actions of measurements using cutting-edge portable on-vessel equipment prototypes for the direct analysis of microplastics and toxicity • achieve an advance numerical prediction model of sediment transport process in the Danube River basin, to have a comprehensive overview of river dynamics • develop an Innovative Sediment Management Framework for enhanced and sustainable sediment management within the Danube River basin • produce an Action plan and Roadmap for associated regions to upscale demonstrated sustainable and effective solutions for sediment management • fulfil interconnections synergies with DanubeSediment and SIMONA projects and ICDPR initiatives • improve the trans - national and cross - sectorial cooperation, contributing to a better governance in region and to implementation of EU strategi