LIFE Project Mur-Drau-Danube – WWF Funding Application

As part of the UNESCO 5-Country Mur-Drau-Danube Biosphere Park in Vienna, the funding instrument addresses the thematic areas of environmental and nature conservation, climate protection, and energy efficiency. Non-profit organizations and public institutions have been able to submit grant applications continuously since October 1, 2023. The focus is on the ecological improvement of the river corridor through riverbank renaturation, dismantling of bank reinforcements, and hydraulic engineering measures to optimize sediment transport. Measures to create new habitats and preserve floodplain forests are complemented by accompanying public relations work that promotes understanding of sustainable river landscapes and supports the achievement of EU targets from the Water Framework Directive, Floods Directive, and Biodiversity Strategy.

The project duration is 63 months, with a total funding amount of €150,000 provided in three installments (€45,000, €90,000, and €15,000). National co-financing is provided by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Climate and Environment as well as Regions and Water Management (Department I 6). A funding prerequisite is close cooperation within the 5-Country Steering Committee and regular reporting to the European Commission (CINEA) and the Ministry via progress, mid-term, and final reports, including financial overviews. WWF Austria and 19 partner organizations in the five participating countries benefit from this directly impactful funding, which specifically advances environmental protection measures along the Mur, Drau, and Danube rivers.