People and Projects Solving Freshwater Restoration Challenges

EcoAdvance European Project

Showcase category ➤ Recreating Freshwater Ecosystems

HUNGARY

Széchenyi István University, Water Resources Research Group

Dr. Katalin Bene, DALIA project DPS-1, project technical manager

Emil Janák, DALIA project DPS-1, senior expert

Gergely Ámon, DALIA project DPS-1, researcher 

Attila Kálmán, DALIA project DPS-1, researcher

Máté Chappon, DALIA project DPS-1, researcher, assistant manager

Scientists & Researchers
My Projects

Szigetköz rehabilitation project (1992-2015)

Insula Magna Project (2020-2022)

DALIA Project (2023-2026)

  • What impact did these projects have on biodiversity, if any?

    The Szigetköz rehabilitation project improved biodiversity by restoring the ecological balance and mitigated harmful anthropogenic impacts on the river system.

    The Insula Magna and DALIA projects are evaluating rehabilitation actions and suggesting further improvements, as well as contributing to knowledge transfer and capacity building.

  • What work challenges did you face and what approach did you take to solve them?

    Stakeholder involvement was a key area where conflicting demands had to be resolved and compromises found. The methodology included stakeholder consultation through meetings, workshops, and ongoing discussions. It provided a stakeholder reconciliation platform through the Szigetköz Operating Committee that the North-Transdanubian Water Directorate facilitates. The Committee is a key component of maintaining communication and trust between the diverse stakeholders affected by water management actions. 

  • What lessons learned are transferable to other places/projects?

    Determining problem areas
    Finding the reference period 
    Dynamic recharge design
    Unique design of flow control structures
    New design of fish passages

  • What is your biggest barrier and what are you trying to do about it?
    I do not know whether this is a technical or administrative issue, but there was strong disagreement between the departments of culture and environment in the Basque Government. The legal status of some of the weirs blocked some of the works until there have been some changes in the legislation that made the situation easier to solve.
My Focus and Approach
  • Lessons Learnt - Some recommendations for others?
    1. What’s most important:

      Good water stewardship with social engagement for provision of ecosystem services.

      Restoration is not just about fixing rivers—it’s about reconnecting people and processes. Success requires collaboration, technical expertise, local inclusion, and long-term commitment.

    2. Do this, not that: 

      The Szigetköz rehabilitation project revealed several critical lessons for effective ecological restoration. One of the most significant challenges was the initial absence of stakeholder involvement during infrastructure development. This led to complications once problems surfaced after power plant construction.

    3. Always start by:

      Identify the Problem-Understand the hydrological, ecological, and social dysfunctions. Define what has been lost: connectivity, biodiversity, flood resilience, local benefits.

      Acknowledge and Address Conflicts-Acknowledge that restoration touches on competing interests.

    4. What to do when things get difficult…:

      Establishment of a strong, multi-stakeholder, collaborative community based on shared ownership and responsibility for the tools, as well as the joint creation of the environment required for implementation, deployment, and sustainable development. The aim is to promote commitment and cooperation among all stakeholders in shaping a shared vision for the future.

    5. 5 simple steps to:
      1. Multiple goals
      2. Taking into consideration all stakeholders
      3. Minimum necessary engineering solutions
      4. Making use of natural energy sources
      5. Give time for the system to develop fully

    6. The biggest barrier and what I am trying to do about it:
      The biggest issue of nature rehabilitation projects is most often the lack of financial resources. Therefore, there is a need for explanation of ecosystem services’ direct and indirect effects and benefits on the economy and society.
My Journey
Interview

Key Topics:

Key Topics

These relate to specific topics (e.g. technical solutions; restoration activities etc.) addressed within the showcase materials.

  • Floodplain rehabilitation
  • Szigetköz inland delta
  • Integrated water resources management
  • Nature Based Solutions
  • Stakeholder involvement
Prone2Success Factors Demonstrated:

Prone2Success Factors Demonstrated

These are the Prone2Success checklist factors which are highlighted within this showcase. More information on the Prone2Success checklist can be found here.

  • Measurable goals to improve ecosystem services
  • Supports WFD, NRL and other restoration policy goals
  • Communicate/engage with stakeholders from the outset
  • Restoration works (design) are self-sustaining
  • Local planning processes are transparent / clearly understood
  • Include long term monitoring
  • Include adaptive management approaches (combined with monitoring)
  • Ensure stakeholder understanding / education of restoration goals & benefits
NRL Restoration Categories:

NRL Restoration Categories

These are the restoration categories (listed under Annex VII of the European Nature Restoration Law (NRL) which are relevant to this showcase.

  • [2] Improve hydrological conditions
  • [9] Establish riparian buffers
  • [12] Assist migration of provenances and species
  • [22] Improve connectivity across habitats
  • [26] Restore fish spawning / nursery areas
Resources

Videos

Presentations

DALIA DPS-1 SZIGETKÖZ

Peer reviewed papers

Acknowledgements & Links

This material was provided by: Széchenyi István University, Water Resources Research Group

Funding by: Horizon 2020-DALIA

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