The EcoDaLLi project officially launched with a kick-off meeting on 31 January and 1 February 2023, organized by the project coordinator Steinbeis Europa Zentrum at its premises in Stuttgart, Germany. This two-day event brought together 17 project partners and one associated partner, marking the beginning of a coordinated effort to protect and restore the Danube river ecosystems.
Hosted in the Skye Room, the meeting provided an ideal space for collaboration, where participants engaged in strategic discussions, interactive sessions, and team-building activities. It was an opportunity for the project partners to meet in-person and to exchange knowledge and set the foundation for the next phases of the initiative.
The EU’s Mission ‘Restore our Ocean, Seas & Waters by 2030’
EcoDaLLi is deeply embedded in the EU’s Mission ‘Restore our Ocean, Seas & Waters by 2030’ and contributes to achieving the freshwater targets of the European Green Deal. The project takes a systemic approach to restoration, protection, and preservation within the entire Danube Basin, focusing on fostering innovation and strengthening governance structures.
At its core, EcoDaLLi aims to centralise governance in the Danube region, enabling the implementation of innovative solutions for ecological restoration and sustainable water management. By creating a well-connected Practices Living Lab System—supported by a dedicated digital portal—the project will facilitate knowledge exchange, stakeholder engagement, and policy alignment with the Mission Implementation Platform.
Driving Innovation and Governance in the Danube Region
The project will support the development of new governance tools and digital solutions, enabling a more efficient, collaborative, and cost-effective approach to water restoration. Improved governance structures will help shift mindsets, encourage ecosystem-based value chains, and support decarbonisation efforts in line with the Green Deal’s long-term vision.
Structured into eight work packages (WPs), with horizontal coordination in WP1 and WP8 and technical implementation in WP2 to WP7, the project will run from 1 January 2023 to 30 June 2026. Through these efforts, EcoDaLLi is set to enhance ecological restoration and drive sustainable innovation across the region.
The kick-off meeting in Stuttgart set a strong foundation for these ambitious goals. As EcoDaLLi moves forward, stakeholders can look forward to a series of collaborative initiatives, workshops, and knowledge-sharing activities to accelerate progress towards a healthier, more resilient Danube Basin.
