In September 2025, the SWIM project officially kicked off in Zagreb, marking the start of an ambitious journey to restore habitats for migratory fish species and enhance the health of freshwater ecosystems. The launch event brought together 42 partners from 16 countries, setting the stage for a collaborative effort aimed at improving the Danube River Basin and the Northwestern Black Sea.
The SWIM project stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and action. With 13 activities spread across 7 pilot sites, we are implementing cutting-edge solutions in ecological restoration and biodiversity conservation.
Our mission extends beyond the scientific and technical aspects of river restoration; SWIM is also about fostering meaningful partnerships with governments, non-governmental organisations, researchers, and local communities. This holistic approach ensures that the changes we are implementing will be sustainable, long-lasting, and beneficial for future generations. Through this collective effort, we aim to restore biodiversity, increase resilience, and create lasting impacts for the ecosystems of the Danube and Black Sea.
Learning from experts… and sturgeons!
Day 2 of the SWIM kick-off continued the momentum with valuable insights from experts like Dr. Oz Sahim and Dr. Caroline Rosten, as well as from our sister project, DANUBElifelines.
Each of our pilot projects also took the spotlight as we dove deep into their plans, sparking lively discussion and new ideas.
On the third day of the meeting, we visited the Green Hatchery in Jagodno, witnessing the sustainable breeding of sturgeon – a significant step in our restoration efforts. The day also featured information exchange with DANSER project, fostering cross-border collaboration, followed by team-building activities that strengthened our consortium’s unity and dedication to achieve projects’ goals and a sustainable future.
Looking ahead
As we reflect on the first three days of our journey, we are excited about the path ahead. The SWIM project has already created a strong foundation for change, and our dedication to restoring the health of freshwater ecosystems is unwavering. With continued collaboration, innovation, and passion, we will make waves that will resonate for generations to come.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to advance this important mission together, making a lasting difference for the future of our rivers and seas.
