River ecosystems perform important city-forming functions in cities, such as water supply, transportation routes, recreation, and fishing. The coasts are a picturesque space of attraction for citizens, a place of natural power, relaxation and inspiration. Because of its consumerist attitude to its vast water and land resources, Ukraine has become a water-poor country - among European countries, we are among the three water-poor countries. Our river ecological systems are dying. With the powerful recreational potential of a large river ecosystem, the Dnipro has lost the ability to provide vacationers with convenient infrastructure, clean beaches, and comfortable recreation centers. Of the 981 km of the Dnipro riverbed, only 100 km have been preserved in their natural state on the territory of Ukraine. Navigation on the Dnipro has almost disappeared. The European model of management of the Danube ecosystem shows different results. The Danube River is a trans-European highway, a southeastern corridor, and belongs to the highest category E river shipping routes: the 2500 km stretch from the mouth to the port of Kielheim carries significant cargo and passenger traffic. The Danube is a multifaceted, interesting, and profitable recreational destination that enriches the lives of the people of the Danube countries. The degradation of the Dnipro river ecosystem requires revitalization: reducing the area of reservoirs, implementing dredging measures, stabilizing the banks, eliminating shallow water, and greening the southern sections of the river. Traditionally, the two largest rivers, the Dnipro and the Danube, remain promising waterways for the development of river navigation and active recreation. It is necessary to renew the river fleet and develop river infrastructure, as well as to adopt a number of legislative and regulatory initiatives aimed at simplifying the work of river carriers. The experience of active use of river transport by European countries on the example of the Danube demonstrates its energy efficiency, low cost and environmental friendliness. Ukraine's inland waterway transport has the necessary potential for revival, modernization and entry into the Trans-European Transport System.

Розглянуто річкові екосистеми Дніпра та Дунаю як містоутворюючий фактор. Висвітлено їхні природні та містобудівні характеристики. Зазначено причини деградації природних якостей річок. Проаналізовано сучасний стан дніпрової та дунайської навігації. Запропоновано інженерно-технічні заходи ревіталізації річкових екосистем України.