Dr Gabriela Costea is a research associate at the Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) in Berlin. Specializing in aquatic ecology, she is involved in projects focused on evaluating aquatic ecosystem services, engaging stakeholders, and promoting environmental education initiatives.  With her previous experience as a museum curator, she has extensive expertise in terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity and has been involved for several years in scientific and awareness-raising activities on the ecology and benefits of aquatic ecosystems, wetland conservation, and educational and social activities related to Danube River management.