The aim of the project is a more sustainable agriculture and the re-ruralisation of remote mountainous regions in the Danube River Basin through the strengthening and establishment of organic farms in selected less developed mountainous regions, and through educating the demographically young population of the Danube area to organic farming methods and practices and to the ecological relevance of quality farming. Organic food production implements traditional and indigenous knowledge, fosters a more eco-friendly use of soil and water resources, and allows farmers in market-marginalized areas to rely on local resources and food distribution systems, therefore addressing the challenges of demographic change in mountainous regions by creating local networks and strengthening marketing activities in the selected regions.

The REFREsh Danube project aims to reduce the landfilled amount of municipal solid waste, which is a source of water and soil pollution, by its use as refuse-derived fuel in the cement industry of Novi Sad (Serbia). The main actors involved are Lafarge Beočin Cement Factory, Municipality of Novi Sad, JPK Čistoća (waste-management company) and experts from interdisciplinary fields. The project addresses societal challenges on climate change, air, water and soil pollution as well as using the municipal solid waste as an alternative energy source in response to H2020 and Europe 2020 Strategy.