Life on the Erebe Islands

Project Objective:
The LIFE WILDisland project aims to enhance the natural character and “wilderness” quality of numerous Danube islands from Neuburg in Germany all the way to the Danube Delta. This is achieved by improving the hydrological conditions of their surroundings—essentially restoring the Danube’s natural dynamics—and by preserving and rehabilitating softwood riparian forests (habitat code 91E0), one of the most characteristic habitat types of the floodplain landscape.

Key nature conservation activities include the restoration of several side arms of the Danube, the partial removal of groynes and guiding structures, afforestation with native tree species, forest structure diversification, and the suppression of invasive species such as box elder (Acer negundo), green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), and false indigo-bush (Amorpha fruticosa).

Project Duration:
September 1, 2021 – August 31, 2027

Project Budget:
The total project budget is EUR 14,481,262, of which the European Union provides EUR 9,243,061 in direct funding to project partners. The remaining amount is covered by the participating partners themselves, the co-financing states, and additional sponsors or funding institutions.