On March 19th, teams from viadonau and Donau-Auen National Park reached an important agreement to relocate a water gauge situated close to the Schwalbeninsel revitalization site, Austria. This measuring device has been a key point of discussion, as it serves crucial functions. On one hand, it collects essential hydrological data to assess the anticipated positive impact of the revitalization on underground water levels and its operation is needed. On the other hand, once the embankment removal is complete, access to it for maintenance would no longer be possible and therefore data collection would stop after some time.
Recognizing that the restoration goals of the WILDisland project must not be compromised, both partners worked together to find a practical solution. A new water gauge will be installed nearby, close enough to ensure continued monitoring of the same area while remaining accessible after construction. To maintain data accuracy and comparability, both gauges will operate simultaneously for as long as possible before the original device is gradually phased out.
This outcome represents an excellent example of cross-sector cooperation, mutual trust, and shared commitment to nature conservation—a true win-win solution that balances scientific monitoring and ecological restoration in the spirit of the WILDisland project.
