The D-CLEAN project – Improving Water Quality in the Danube River Basin: Nature-Based Solutions for Sustainable Wastewater and Stormwater Management in Small Settlements – officially launched with a vibrant Kick-off Meeting on 10–11 June 2025 in Vienna, Austria.
Hosted by IAWD, the event brought together the full partnership of 10 project partners, along with several associated strategic partners from across the Danube Region. The two-day gathering focused on establishing strong collaboration, refining the project’s roadmap, and jointly planning the first steps to deliver tangible, sustainable water solutions.
In the focus
Water quality in the Danube River Basin (DRB) is a pressing challenge, especially in small settlements where infrastructure and financing for wastewater and stormwater management are limited. D-CLEAN responds to this challenge by promoting the application of nature-based solutions that are low-cost, effective, and climate-resilient.
The project aligns with the goals of the EU Water Framework Directive and the revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, and aims to:
• Develop practical nature-based solutions through pilot actions in four Danube sub-basins (Sava, Drava-Mura, Tisza, Lower Danube), co-designed with local stakeholders.
• Create a transnational strategy for sustainable wastewater and stormwater management across the Danube Region.
• Establish a decision-support tool and knowledge hub to provide practical guidance, data, and best practices to municipalities and practitioners.
• Provide training and guidance for small communities to increase local capacity and empower them to implement effective, affordable wastewater and stormwater management practices.
• Raise awareness about the environmental, social, and economic benefits of nature-based solutions in wastewater and stormwater management among decision-makers, practitioners, and local communities.
What’s next?
With the project entering its active implementation phase, partners are now:
• Co-designing pilot solutions with local communities and technical experts.
• Engaging stakeholders to assess local conditions and co-create feasible approaches.
• Developing training content and knowledge products to support small settlements in scaling up effective solutions.
These efforts aim to equip local actors with the tools and knowledge they need to drive change beyond the project's duration. !
Stay tuned: The D-CLEAN project website will be launched soon! Until then, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Let’s make the Danube cleaner, healthier, and more resilient together!