Ecology objectives of the project LIFE Blue Belt Danube Inn
The benefit for the ecology on the Inn and Danube from LIFE Blue Belt Danube Inn ranges from connecting existing to creating new habitats
The ecological goal of the project is the improvement of the conservation status of endangered river fish, in particular of medium-distance migratory species at local and regional level. Connecting previously isolated habitats along the Danube and upgrading existing banks will promote the diversity and number of all species. The large-scale approach will also improve the distribution of currently very scattered forms of aquatic life.
Valuable habitats and existing land restoration projects will be connected by LIFE Blue Belt Danube Inn. The measures are closing gaps along the Danube and Inn, and make the rivers passable to fish all the way from Romania to Rosenheim. The project is making a big contribution to meeting the requirements of the Ramsar Convention and the EU Water Framework Directive.
As part of LIFE Blue Belt Danube Inn, about 11 hectares of new, flat gravel banks will be created along the river bank. This will be done by moving gravel around within the river. The result will be new spawning grounds and protected habitat for juvenile fish. In addition, gravel banks offer breeding possibilities for birds such as sandpiper and little ringed plover.