DWeLL

DWeLL brings together scientific knowledge, citizen participation and digital tools to monitor and assess wetlands along the Lower Danube. The project will develop and test a model that supports the protection of water and biodiversity and can be adapted to other wetlands in the region.

Full title: Danube Wetland Eco-Resilience – A Scalable Community-Led Model for Monitoring and Integrated Assessment of Blue-Green Infrastructure

About the project

Wetlands along the Lower Danube face pressures from changes in water regimes, nutrient pollution, biodiversity loss and climate impacts. Their management requires comparable data and the active involvement of local communities.

DWeLL’s pilot activities will take place in Balta Mică a Brăilei Natural Park in Romania. The project will combine scientific observations with data collected by citizens to assess interconnected aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems — blue-green infrastructure.

Main activities and expected results

• Developing a common framework and field protocols for monitoring water quality, water regimes, habitats and biodiversity.
• Conducting monitoring campaigns involving local residents, fishers and schools.
• Providing training and educational activities to improve understanding and conservation of wetlands.
• Creating a digital platform for collecting, sharing and visualising environmental data.
• Developing and testing an integrated ecological assessment index.
• Preparing practical guidance and tools for applying the model in other wetlands.

Via Pontica Foundation’s contribution

The Foundation leads Work Package 8 — development and transfer of the model for monitoring with the participation of local communities. Its contribution includes bringing together the project’s methods and tools, preparing practical materials for their application and engaging with organisations that can use the results.

Via Pontica will organise a knowledge exchange event in Bulgaria and support cooperation among stakeholders in the Danube–Black Sea region.

Partners

This activity has received funding from the European Union, via the SoS2LearnDBS project, under the grant agreement No 101217667.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. (SoS2LearnDBS, Project No 101217667.)