Bulgaria and Romania launch joint Danube flood and drought prevention project

Bulgaria and Romania are launching a joint strategic initiative titled ‘Danube Risk’ to mitigate the impacts of floods and droughts along the Danube River. Approved under the INTERREG VI-A Romania-Bulgaria 2021-2027 program, the project aims to enhance protection for populations and economic activities against climate change consequences.

Key components of the project include modernizing monitoring systems and technical infrastructure. In Northern Bulgaria, the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology will upgrade its monitoring network and establish a modern data center to improve meteorological and hydrological forecasting. This is intended to provide authorities and businesses with more reliable data for early warning and preventive planning.

The initiative also emphasizes nature-based solutions. Pilot activities will focus on restoring natural river terraces to allow water to overflow and be retained naturally during high river levels. This approach aims to restore river ecosystems and promote sustainable water resource management in the transboundary region.