D-CLEAN: Improving Water Quality in the Danube River Basin – Nature-Based Solutions for Sustainable Wastewater and Stormwater Management in Small Settlements
Duration: 2025-2028
Funding mechanism: Interreg Danube Programme
Status: Ongoing
Short project description: D-CLEAN is an Interreg Danube Region project that aims to improve water quality in the Danube River Basin by tackling pollution from wastewater and stormwater, especially in small and rural settlements. The project promotes sustainable, climate-resilient and nature-based solutions that are cost-effective and adapted to local conditions, while building stakeholder capacity and fostering transnational cooperation to strengthen water management practices across the region  
Project objectives :
- Promote decentralized, sustainable wastewater and stormwater management solutions for small settlements.
- Demonstrate nature-based, climate-resilient approaches that deliver environmental and socio-economic benefits.
- Build capacity and develop practical tools for decision-makers and practitioners.
- Support implementation of EU water policy (e.g., Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, Water Framework Directive).
Role of GWP CEE in the project:
GWP CEE is the Lead Partner of D-CLEAN, coordinating the transnational partnership and guiding the overall implementation of the project. It supports cooperation between partners and ensures that all activities contribute to improving wastewater and stormwater management in small settlements. GWP CEE leads the uptake of project results in the Danube Region through dedicated activities for public authorities, water managers, and other key stakeholders. In addition, it contributes to awareness-raising, capacity-building, and the co-design of nature-based solutions in pilot areas, and promotes knowledge sharing through training, workshops, and practical tools.
Contact of the responsible GWP CEE project manager: primoz.skrt@gwpcee.com
Link to the official project website: D-CLEAN | D-CLEAN