Project Overview

The Danube River Environmental Assessment and Monitoring (DREAM) Project is a cross-border initiative between Bulgaria and Romania, aimed at safeguarding the Danube's ecosystem. The Danube River is the lifeblood of many communities, industries, and ecosystems, but it faces growing challenges due to pollution, industrialization, and climate change. The DREAM Project introduces cutting-edge technology to enhance environmental monitoring, improve scientific data collection, and empower stakeholders to make informed, sustainable decisions. By integrating advanced environmental monitoring tools - including UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), air and water quality sensors, and a solar-powered boat - we provide real-time, data-driven insights into the health of the river. These tools allow us to measure air and water pollution, noise levels, and biodiversity indicators, ensuring that authorities, researchers, and communities have access to accurate environmental data. The pilot system will be implemented in the section of the Danube River - Silistra/Călărași - Ruse/Giurgiu. The area of operation covers the river and both banks within a radius of 3-5 kilometers, including a number of reserves, wetlands and protected areas under programs such as UNESCO, NATURA 2000 and others.

Our Mission

Enhance protection and preservation of the Danube River by creating an early warning system for pollution and ecosystem degradation.
Provide accurate, real-time environmental data to support evidence-based decision-making at the local, national, and EU levels.
Promote cross-border collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and community-driven solutions to ensure long-term environmental sustainability.
Encourage innovation by integrating AI-driven data analysis and renewable energy-powered monitoring systems.
Raise awareness among local populations and stakeholders about the importance of conservation and pollution reduction efforts.

Why it matters?

The Danube is Europe's second-longest river, flowing through ten countries and supporting millions of people. However, this vital waterway is under increasing pressure from:

Pollution - Industrial and agricultural runoff, untreated sewage, and microplastics threaten water quality.
Habitat Destruction - Urbanization and infrastructure development disrupt natural ecosystems.
Climate Change - Rising temperatures, unpredictable water levels, and extreme weather impact biodiversity.
Overfishing & Invasive Species - Affecting the balance of aquatic life.
The DREAM Project acts as a bridge between science, policy, and community action. By tracking these issues in real time, we provide authorities, researchers, and the public with the data needed to implement sustainable solutions. Our project aims to set a new standard for environmental monitoring that can be replicated in other European rivers and ecosystems worldwide.

Project Partners

University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev"
Bulgaria
- Responsible for project coordination, research, and data analysis.
- Ensures scientific rigor in all environmental monitoring activities.
COMOTI - National Research and Development Institute for Gas Turbines
Romania
- Specializes in UAV development for aerial monitoring.
- Designs and integrates custom systems for air quality tracking.
ICPE-CA - National Institute for R&D in Electrical Engineering
Romania
- Leads the development of the energy storage and propulsion systems of the vessel.
- Ensures sustainable power solutions for the environmental monitoring equipment.

Funding and Implementation Period

The DREAM project is co-funded by the European Union through European Regional Development Fund under the Interreg VI-A Romania-Bulgaria Programme, Priority 2 "A Greener Region", Specific Objective 2.7 "Enhancing protection and preservation of nature, biodiversity and green infrastructure, including in urban areas, and reducing all forms of pollution."

The project implementation period is 18 months.

Start date: 21.12.2024

End date: 20.06.2026

The financial contribution is distributed as follows:

European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) - Interreg VI-A Romania-Bulgaria

Provides 80% co-financing for the project's research and implementation.

National Governments (Bulgaria & Romania)

Supports local initiatives and contributes 18% of co-financing.

Project Partners
University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev" (Bulgaria)
COMOTI - National Research and Development Institute for Gas Turbines (Romania)
ICPE-CA - National Institute for R&D in Electrical Engineering (Romania)

Each project partner contributes with 2% of their budget as co-financing, ensuring their engagement and commitment to the project's success.

Total Project Budget: €733,294.60
ERDF Contribution: €586,635.68 (80%)
National & Public Co-financing: €131,993.03 (18%)
Own Contribution by Partners: €14,665.89 (2%)

How funds are used?

Technology & Equipment - UAVs, monitoring sensors, solar-powered boat.
Data Collection & Research - Fieldwork, analysis, and impact assessments.
Public Awareness & Education - Workshops, reports, and environmental policies.