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Project Team: |
Primož Banovec, Ajda Cilenšek, Matej Cerk, Uroš Lesjak, Jerca Praprotnik Kastelic |
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Duration: |
30 Months |
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Project Code: |
DRP0300969 |
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Lead Partner: |
Middle Tisza District Water Directorate |
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Project Leader: |
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Other project Partner’s Organization: |
Univerza v Ljubljani, Fakulteta za gradbeništvo in geodezijo, |
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Source of Finance: |
Interreg Danube Region Programme |
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Key words: |
Description:
The LAREDAR project focuses on the crucial role that lakes and reservoirs play in managing water extremes within the Danube River Basin. As climate change intensifies both floods and droughts, the project seeks to develop harmonized strategies that improve the operational management of these water bodies. By strengthening cooperation among Danube countries, LAREDAR aims to enhance the ability of reservoirs to reduce flood peaks and to store water during dry periods, contributing to a more resilient and adaptive water-management system.
A central element of the project is the creation of a shared GIS-based Harmonization Platform, which will serve as a transnational database combining information on lakes, reservoirs, and flood-protection infrastructure. This platform will enable better data exchange, facilitate joint analyses, and support coordinated decision-making across borders. In selected pilot areas, partners will conduct hydrological and hydraulic assessments to determine how reservoir operation can mitigate floods and alleviate water scarcity. These findings will feed into decision-support tools and optimized operational procedures.
As a key output, LAREDAR will develop a transnational handbook that compiles technical recommendations, nature-based solutions, operational guidelines, and best practices for sustainable lake and reservoir management. By connecting scientific research, practical management experience, and policy needs, the project fosters long-term collaboration among water authorities and supports the implementation of European directives.
Webpage: https://interreg-danube.eu/projects/laredar-1
Total project budget: 2.158.989,46 €
Interreg funds: 1.727.191,56 €
Main Goals:
The project aims to enhance the coordinated management of lakes and reservoirs across the entire Danube River Basin in order to more effectively reduce flood risks while also strengthening resilience to droughts. One of its key goals is to establish a shared information framework that will enable data exchange among countries and support improved water-regime planning. Another important objective is the development of operational guidelines and decision-support tools that will help reservoir managers optimize operations, especially during extreme hydrological conditions. Through pilot studies, LAREDAR seeks to demonstrate how lakes and reservoirs can contribute to lowering flood peaks and, at the same time, provide essential water storage during dry periods. The project places significant emphasis on improving cross-border cooperation among institutions in the Danube Basin, including harmonizing management practices, building capacity among stakeholders, and creating a transnational handbook that compiles recommendations, best practices, and technical solutions for sustainable lake and reservoir management. Additionally, LAREDAR supports the implementation of European frameworks, such as the EU Floods Directive, and contributes to a holistic, ecosystem-based approach to water management at the basin-wide level.