Advancing freshwater restoration

1. What’s most important:
   

   Strong partners and understanding stakeholders at each level

2. Do this, not that: 
   

   Do collect baseline data and co-design the fix with local communities and expert partners; not roll out a one-size-fits-all solution before you know the site’s real needs and social context.

3. Always start by:
   

   Always start by mapping your stakeholders and building a multi-level coalition — from local communities and SMEs to regional agencies and national ministries.

   That early partnership work ensures your restoration idea meets real needs, passes permits quickly and has people in place to look after it once funding ends

4. What to do when things get difficult…:
   

   Adapt, rethink, collaborate or ask for solutions from partners that faced in the past with the same problems

5. 5 simple steps to:
   
   1. Collect data from the field.
   2. Analyze and identify the most feasible solution.
   3. Engage with local communities and understand their needs.
   4. Adapt your solution to local needs.
   5. Implement/monitor/disseminate
      
      
6. The biggest barrier and what I am trying to do about it:
   

   The biggest barrier is public perception and acceptance — money and technology mean little if local people are not on board.

   To overcome this, we try to engage with stakeholders form early stages, trying to transform them in long term partners and give the restoration a social license that outlasts project implementation period.

Am a socio-ecology researcher at Danube Delta National Research and Development Institute, Romania.

I returned to Romania after working for 5 years abroad with the initial idea of starting my own business. I started working at the Institute as a freelancer and shortly I got in love with field-work and the Danube Delta. In short time I was involved in international projects and the interaction with experts from hole Europe has defined my path as a researcher.

The real impact is still ahead of us. Right now, I’m focused on the journey—restoring natural water flows and habitats while making sure the Delta’s isolated communities see concrete benefits. Every step moves us closer to healthier wetlands and stronger local livelihoods, and that balance is exactly what drives my work.

That each day is different. One day we are collecting samples and measuring parameters in the Danube Delta, another day we are participating or presenting in International Conferences.