WATCH THE MAGAZINE FOR THE DANUBE RIVER · WWW.ICPDR.ORG 2 / 2018

DANUBE ROAD TRIP: How two travelers, Susann and Kenneth, met locals, discovered countries along the Danube and shared their experiences

THE BIGGER PICTURE: A natural resource management system for the Danube

DANUBE DAY: Top facts about the 2018 celebrations of Danube Day Danube Day: Dear readers Facts and figures

News & Project Baseline events

Just a perfect day: Danube Road Trip the blooming of the

Celebrating 70 years WWF Big Jump of the Danube Convention

Volunteers for People in Distress – Rediscovering Trajan’s the Federal Agency for bridge over the Danube Technical Relief (THW)

The bigger picture: Pure Water for Generations – the viadonau Natural Resources an interview with Management System Pascal Roesler

Bonn, Germany: 20 A , : 18 Head Office of the Fed- The Palace of Serbia in eral Agency for Technical Zagreb, Croatia 19 Belgrade played host to a Relief (THW) Ministerial Conference to Seat of the International mark the 70th anniversary River Basin Commisson of the signing of the Danube (ISRBC), the international Convention body charged with the im- plementation of the FASRB © European Commission © European Dear readers, As EU Commissioner for Regional Policy, I am delighted Other remarkable projects include JOINTISZA, the up- to open this edition of Danube Watch and present to you dated integrated Tisza River basin management plan and how EU Regional Policy is helping to mitigate the impacts DanubeSediment, which aims to ensure sediment bal- of climate change in the Danube region. ance in the river system.

The Danube is the most international river in the world The severe floods that have affected the Danube basin in and its fourteen states decided to combine their efforts recent years are a clear demonstration of the impact of in 2010 to set up the EU Strategy for the Danube Region, climate change on the Danube river. The EU Strategy for covering an area that is home to 112 million people, or the Danube Region was set up to promote cooperation one-fourth of the EU’s population. The is on such environmental issues, for example the monitor- Europe’s largest European wetland and reed bed, and ing of climate dynamics, the implementation of mitiga- is home to the largest colony of pelicans outside Africa. tion measures and adapting to change. Given their importance for both navigation and the envi- ronment, the Danube river and its tributaries are at the Environmental issues do not stop at national borders very heart of the Danube Strategy. and this is why cooperation among countries is funda- mental in providing effective solutions to such problems. Since 2010, important projects have been implemented This explains why the Danube Strategy not only involves in line with one of the main pillars of the Danube Strate- the nine riparian EU Member States, but also the five gy, “protecting the environment”. These include the Fair- neighbouring non-EU states of , way rehabilitation and maintenance Master Plan, the Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia and Ukraine. network of Protected Areas (Danube Parks), the Danube Sturgeon Task Force, along with projects for flood pre- I very much look forward to closer and stronger cooper- vention such as Seerisk and DAREFFORT, or the DREAM ation within the framework of the Danube Strategy, for project and the BOKU hydraulic engineering laboratory. the benefit of the millions of citizens living in the area All of these projects show the commitment of policy- and the Union as a whole. makers and stakeholders in the Danube region to work together to enhance the well-being and the quality of life of the people in the region. Corina Crețu is EU Commissioner for Regional Policy

For a free subscription IMPRINT to Danube Watch, or to contribute to Danube Owner/Publisher: ICPDR – International Commission for the Protection Watch, please contact of the Danube River, , [email protected]; [email protected] Executive Editor: Hélène Masliah-Gilkarov; Editor: Robert Ives; Design: Wagesreiter & Polaschek Grafikdesign OG; Print: Gerin Druck GmbH; Danube Watch is Online publishing: Alex Höbart; Cover photo: © Roman Vender, View from the available on the web mountains of Dürnstein, a town steeped in history on the Danube river. at www.icpdr.org

Danube Watch is the official magazine of the ICPDR, the International Commis- sion for the Protection of the Danube River. Danube Watch enhances regional PEFC Certi ed cooperation and information sharing on sustainable water management and environmental protection in the Danube River Basin. It reports on current This product is from sustainably managed issues affecting the Danube Basin, and on action taken to deal with challenges forest and controlled sources in the river basin. Striving for scientific accuracy while remaining concise, clear and readable, it is produced for the wide range of people who are actively in- www.pefc.at volved in the Danube River Basin and are working to improve its environment.

The ICPDR accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever with regard Danube Watch is printed on IQ-Print, 170 & 100 g/m2. to information or opinions of the authors of the articles in this issue.

DANUBE WATCH 3 News & Events

The Living Danube Partnership – working to restore rivers and wetlands

Vienna 26 June: the WWF, Coca-Cola Foundation, Coca-Cola © Kalina Boyadzhieva WWF DCP Company and the ICPDR took stock of the progress of their sev- en-year partnership for rivers and wetlands in the Danube Riv- er Basin by releasing the mid-term report for the Living Dan- ube Partnership. The partnership is on track to restore over 53 km² of wetland habitat by 2020, and has helped to raise nearly €20 million for wetland conservation and restoration.

River and wetland restoration projects to replenish and enhance water conditions for both flora and fauna have already been completed at various hotspots for biodiversity and include:

- installing a series of sluices to raise water levels at the Lake Neusiedl National Park in Austria to prevent its rare soda lakes 12.85 million m3 of replenished water and 6,829 hectares of re- from drying out; stored wetlands by 2021. - the widening and deepening of the supply channel and dredg- ing of a lake in Široki Rit, Serbia to enhance conditions for wa- The Living Danube Tour with its travelling educational tools has al- terfowl, fish, amphibians and migrating birds; ready made almost 60 stops in Bulgaria, Croatia, , , - the removal of two barriers and the construction of a new fish and Serbia, reaching more than 75,250 people, thereby help- pass to enable the free movement of fish and the restoration ing to raise awareness of issues concerning freshwater conservation. of protected fish populations at the Russenski Lom Nature Park in Bulgaria. In the coming years, the Living Danube Partnership will also sup- port restoration projects in Barcs Old- oxbow in Hungary, the Despite initial delays, six further projects are currently in various Lankoc floodplain forest in Hungary, the Drava River side-arms in stages of development and are on track to deliver an estimated Croatia and at Garla Mare and Cetate in Romania.

Danube Day 2018 - getting active for a healthier Danube in the UN Rotunda Vienna Information Service (UNIS) to celebrate 24 years of internation- al cooperation across the Danube River Basin. The exhibition showcased the highlights of 15 years of Danube Day through film and photographs and the vast collection of artwork created to mark the day over the years.

The proceedings opened on 4 July with a panel discussion mod- erated by UNIS Vienna Director, Martin Nesirky. The panel’s experts were ICPDR Executive Secretary Ivan Zavadsky, Lorena Feruta from the Permanent Mission of Romania to the Interna- tional Organisations in Vienna and Susanne Brandstetter and Veronika Koller-Kreimel from the Austrian Federal Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism. This was followed by the screening of two short films: "Danube Day" and "Danube Art Master".

© ICPDR/ The second day of the exhibition featured a “meet the press” On 4-6 July 2018, the ICPDR held a special exhibition and press event session with special guest Pascal Rösler, who travelled the 2,467 in the Rotunda at the Vienna International Centre (VIC). Staff at the km of the Danube River from the to the Black Sea on VIC, along with other interested parties and journalists, were invited to his stand-up paddle board (SUP) in the summer of 2017 to raise a series of events to mark the International Danube Day celebrations. awareness of the great importance that water has on our lives. This was followed by the screening of the film 2467 – Eine Reise The event was staged in cooperation with the Austrian Federal bis ins Schwarze Meer (2467 – A journey to the Black Sea) which Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism, and the United Nations documents his epic voyage.

4 DANUBE WATCH DANUBE WATCH 5 Joining forces to save the sturgeon – European Sturgeon Conference takes place in Vienna A high-level conference took place in Vienna on 9-10 July, with 50 experts from national administrations, the EU, academia and NGOs coming together to discuss the transnational protection of the icon- © BMNT ic sturgeon in the Danube River. The event was organised jointly by the ICPDR and the Austrian Federal Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism within the framework of the Austrian EU Presidency.

The overall objective of the conference was to trigger compre- hensive action for sturgeon conservation and the restoration of their habitats and migration corridors, not only in the Danube pan European level. During the two days of the conference an effective strategy was hammered out that will help to enable: The conference was hailed as a positive step towards bringing together relevant institutions and experts to share up-to-date -in - the prevention of poaching and the illegal trade of sturgeon cavi- formation essential to sturgeon conservation activities. It also pro- ar and other related products through effective law enforcement; vided an overview of the challenges likely to be faced during the - full implementation and enforcement of the Water Frame- implementation of the recently adopted ICPDR Sturgeon Strategy. work Directive (WFD); All of the conference participants stressed their commitment to - the facilitation of migration and the removal of the main ob- promoting the need for action and raising public awareness of the stacles to migration – especially at the Iron Gate dams, where sturgeon’s plight. there are currently no fish-pass facilities; - the establishment of best practice breeding programmes for The key messages of the European Sturgeon Conference can be all sturgeon species, including the establishment of ex-situ fa- accessed here: https://danubis.icpdr.org/document/18861 cilities both upstream and downstream of the Iron Gate dams; - the protection of existing spawning and feeding habitats from Read more about sturgeons: further deterioration. http://icpdr.org/main/activities-projects/sturgeons-danube-basin

ICPDR hosts 9th Joint Statement Meeting in Vienna

attended by 60 experts and representatives from both national and international institutions, the EU and various interest groups.

© ICPDR The primary purpose of the workshop was to inform participants about progress made concerning the implementation of the Statement’s guiding principles for good practices in waterway management that ensure the equilibrium between good ecolog- ical status and good navigation status in the Danube River Basin. Challenges and solutions regarding the implementation of the Statement’s objectives and lessons learnt were just some of the other issues discussed.

The workshop also provided a platform for the dissemination and discussion of new facts and perspectives of European inland waterway transport, including the EU Danube Strategy. It was generally agreed that such meetings are essential to ensure the The 9th workshop on the follow-up of the Joint Statement on Guiding regular exchange of information and the presentation of new -in Principles on the Development of Inland Navigation and Environmen- itiatives. The workshop is a clear illustration that environmental tal Protection in the Danube River Basin took place on 13-14 Sep- and economic interests do not have to be mutually exclusive, tember at the Vienna International Centre in Vienna. The event was but can in fact go hand in hand with one another.

4 DANUBE WATCH DANUBE WATCH 5 Danube Road Trip

The Road Trip Project is an initiative of the EU’s Regional and Urban Policy department of the Euro- pean Commission which took eight young people on four routes across the continent in the spring and summer of 2018. Our two travellers, Susann and Kenneth, met locals, discovered countries along the Danube and shared their experiences with the online community. Between 23 June and 21 July, they travelled the length of the Danube from the Black Forest to the Black Sea, visiting a number of INTERREG Danube Transnational Programme (DTP) approved projects.

he Danube Road Trip started on 23 The two young travellers then moved on to ment Fund (ERDF). The Iron-Age-Danube June at the source of the Danube at Austria, showing a perfect sense of timing by project has so far brought 20 partners from T Donauschingen in the Black Forest, arriving in the country on the eve of it taking five EU countries together. before moving on to Neuburg-Schroben- over the “rotating” six-month presidency of hausen on 29 June to promote a DANUB- the EU Council. After visiting an upcycling Next stop was Slovakia, where our intrepid EparksCONNECTED initiative to restore plant in Vienna, they travelled to Bad Vöslau travellers took a boat trip along a restored and maintain a cohesive ecosystem. in Lower Austria where they they took to the side-arm of the Danube before moving on Participants from non-governmental or- sky with Michael Doneus from the Universi- to Hungary. After finding a local guide and ganisations, fishermen, and many others ty of Vienna in a Cessna 172S Skyhawk to ex- driving upriver from to the Dan- spent the day on an island on the Danube, perience an iron-age archaeological heritage ube Bend, they embarked on a cycle trip on removing the remains of old buildings, site from the air. The archaeological project the Eurovelo 6 cycle route. A short delay at other rubbish from the area. Afterwards, is a finalist in the Regiostars Awards 2018, the border and the young travellers had left volunteers and organisers celebrated a yearly competition held by the European the EU and entered Serbia where they par- both the Danube and their work with a Commission that selects innovative projects tied at the Exit Festival at : the des- campfire and barbecue. funded by the European Regional Develop- ignated European Youth Capital for 2019.

6 DANUBE WATCH DANUBE WATCH 7 Kenneth and Susann arrived at the end of their journey, the Danube Delta in Romania. This area of marshes, lakes, channels, streams and floating reed islands is spread over 4,500 2km and two countries and hosts an incredible diversity of plants and , many of which are extremely rare elsewhere in the EU. Joined by the very knowledgeable Daniel Petrescu for a boat ride in this UNESCO biosphere reserve, Kenneth and Susann spotted king fishers, pelicans, grey herons, white-tailed eagles, black cormorants and many others… The Delta hosts over 300 different species of birds.

© All fotos/European Commission #EUinmyRegion

On their way to Belgrade, Susann and Ken- . This is an event that is about build- breath-taking wildlife. They got close to neth stopped in Obrenovac, which was ing bridges and connecting people in all some very rare birds before visiting the devastated during the floods of the century senses due to its Danube Delta in 2014. Speaking with people at the local location where a EU Regional Policy targets all regions and cities in Museum in Tul- the European Union in order to boost their eco- school they discovered the magnitude of new bridge has nomic growth and improve people’s quality of cea, where they the disaster and also the support received been built over life. It is also an expression of solidarity, focusing got even closer to from the EU to rebuild, and hopefully pre- the Danube con- support on less developed regions. the river’s most vent such events occurring in the future. necting the town famous fish and Next stop was Serbia’s capital Belgrade, with the Romanian town of . Bridg- the most expensive creature in the world: where they visited the innovative ‘Open es across the majestic Danube are very few the sturgeon, also known as the Danube School’. Their host Mijat explained to them and far between this far downstream. dinosaur. The Beluga sturgeon’s caviar, how the school was founded in 1993 dur- sells for $20,000 per kilo in New York. ing the conflict in the Balkans, mainly to Further downstream, in Tutrakan, our provide a safe refuge for students. young travellers learnt all about what And then suddenly the trip was over. But made the people of the region famous: what better way to celebrate the end of The last week on the road began in Ser- fishing and boat building. Preserving this their odyssey than with a splash in the bia, at the impressive castle fortress of heritage and keeping the activities alive is Black Sea! The traveller’s unique experi- Golubac, high above the Iron Gates gorge vital for the future of the area, fisherman ences will be featured in a road movie, and and the widest section of the Danube, Rumen told Kenneth. will serve as an online travel guide for Eu- before moving on to Bulgaria where they rope: off the beaten track. were welcomed with dance and art at the Across the river in Romania, our travel- country’s biggest annual festival for young lers entered the Danube Delta, where an people, ‘The Bridge’, in the port town of amazing boat trip focussed on the region’s

6 DANUBE WATCH DANUBE WATCH 7 WWF Big Jump

jumping into rivers and lakes

to help protect the future of our waters archive © WWF-Hungary

n 8 July 2018 thousands of people to secure sufficient supplies of good quali- Europe's leaders must do more to protect across Europe jumped into rivers, ty water in the future, we need to conserve our wonderful waterways,” stated Roberto Ostreams and lakes in more than our freshwater ecosystems today. “This Big Epple, founder of the Big Jump and chair of 160 European ‘Big Jump’ events. Groups Jump has shown that people love rivers the European Rivers Network. of families and friends jumped to make a and lakes. It is an event that brings pleas- statement, protect our rivers and lakes, ure, joy and fun. The abundance of wildlife Big Jump was organised at 11 locations and to show that Member States need to makes these ecosystems a special place for in Hungary attracting almost a thousand follow the positive spirit of the EU water our threatened nature. However, it is very people, including scouts. In Slovakia, the law to which they are committed. worrying that Member States have been events took place on the Danube River in skirting around their legal commitments to the capital , the at Banska The public engagement event saw people EU water laws for the majority of the past Bystrica and the Vah at Trencin and Lip- jumping, diving, wading and kayaking in two decades. It is high time to understand tovsky Mikulas. In Ukraine, WWF asked 18 European countries from Spain people to take photos and videos to Poland. The Big Jump is an annu- The introduction of the EU Water Framework Di- of themselves and friends jumping al event founded by the European rective states that water is not a commercial prod- into the river. Rivers Network and has taken place uct like any other, but rather, a heritage which since 2002. WWF offices across -Eu must be protected, defended and treated as such. Big Jump is an open source event rope organised 46 Big Jump events, that aims to remind people of and used the occasion to kickstart its #Pro- that water is the basis of all life on earth how valuable Europe’s rivers, lakes and tectWater campaign to promote the EU and not a commercial product like any oth- wetlands are. Big Jump seeks to inspire Water Framework Directive, a crucial legal er,” said Laurice Ereifej, Regional Head of people to remember the powerful ties instrument for protecting Europe’s fresh- Freshwater at WWF-Danube-Carpathian that bind them to freshwater ecosys- water ecosystems. Programme. tems, and encourage them to join the fight to save them. Since 2002, around As a landmark policy, the Water Framework “Sunday was a fun day out in places that 200,000 people have taken part before in Directive recognises the fact that if we are people love, but with a serious message: over 2,000 events.

8 DANUBE WATCH DANUBE WATCH 9 Rediscovering Trajan’s bridge over the Danube

Gordana Karović, Director of the Underwater Archaeological Research of the Remains of the Trajan’s Bridge near Kostol-Turnu Severin project, taking part in the underwater research in 2003. Photo: Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments of Serbia.

The Roman Emperor Trajan (53-117 extensive drought. Initial archaeological underwater archeological remains on the AD) is remembered as a successful research and excavation of the bridge was riverbed and to create a digital 3D model. soldier-emperor who presided over the carried out during the 1980s as part of the greatest military expansion in Roman Iron Gates Dam construction project. The Unfortunately, financing of the project was history. Known for his philanthropic underwater pillars on the bed of the Dan- discontinued before the 3D photo image of rule and his extensive public building ube, their position and level of preserva- the scattered archeological elements on the programmes, he was also responsible for tion were examined using a special vessel riverbed could be completed. However, fur- the construction of the first ever bridge equipped with sonar. This was the first time ther research was conducted in 2014 using to span the Lower Danube. that the length of the bridge, amounting to modern civil engineering analysis methods, just under 1,070 metres, had been precisely coupled with a review of available materials he Trajan Bridge was built between measured. and historical records of Roman construc- the years 103 to 105 AD east of the tion techniques. This revealed that a variety T Iron Gate Rapids at Turnu Severin In 2003, exactly 19 centuries after the be- of local trees, including the European oak to guarantee the supply line of Roman le- ginning of its construction, the Serbian which is still common to the area, could gions during the conquest of Dacia (mod- Ministry of Culture financed an under- have provided beams both large enough ern-day Romania). The bridge consisted of water archaeological project to carry out and strong enough to fashion the bridge’s timber arches mounted on masonry piers comprehensive research on the remains of arches and deck. The Romans probably cut spanning the 800-metre-wide stretch of the bridge. Conducted by the Institute for the wood and fashioned much of the struc- the river and had a total length of over the Protection of Cultural Monuments of ture before assembling the bridge, thereby 1000 metres. A century and a half later the Serbia, the purpose of the project was to using the same construction techniques emperor Aurelian withdrew from Dacia provide answers to a number of questions, that are used today: prefabrication and and demolished the bridge. Its 54-metre including what construction materials and construction on site. Without a definitive spans were the longest ever constructed techniques had been used to sink the pillars historical record, there is no way to be sure at the time and would not be surpassed into the riverbed and what the exact dimen- exactly how the bridge looked, but sound for more than a thousand years. Today the sions, shape and height of the bridge were. engineering analyses has greatly narrowed only visible remains of the bridge are the the possibilities. Future research will hope- approach sections in the village of Kostol Hydrographic measurements using multi- fully provide even more details about the on the Serbian riverbank and in the city of beam sonar were carried out in the zone of bridge, widely considered to be one of the Turnu Severin on the left Romanian river- the remains across the whole section of the wonders of the western world at the time of bank. bridge, while other, non-destructive inves- its construction. tigations, were conducted on the Serbian Forgotten for centuries, the remains of the side of the river. Underwater digital pho- For more information, visit the bridge reappeared in 1858 when the level togrametric technology was used to obtain Danube Virtual Museum: of the Danube hit a record low due to an accurate three-dimensional geometry of all http://virtuelnimuzejdunava.rs

8 DANUBE WATCH DANUBE WATCH 9 The bigger picture: the viadonau Natural Resources Management System viadonau is striving to develop and protect the Danube’s natural habitats in Austria

© Barbara Becker/all photos

Renaturation projects that include the advance for its effectiveness. Follow- reconnection of side-arms and riverbank ing implementation, achievements are restoration, the construction of new evaluated and the financial resources gravel islands and bedload management, for each individual project document- restocking of sturgeon populations and ed. An annual steering committee then habitat modelling, protected riparian guides the orientation of the nature-rel- tion of gravel woodlands with old trees being utilised evant business activities for the follow- islands as part of bedload as home for bats, nurturing meadows ing years. The goal is to focus resources management, to large-scale riverbank on dams to attract orchids, butterflies on those projects that bring the great- renaturation projects. Three key indica- and bees, the renovation of dams to est benefit to natural habitats along the tors are recorded annually: the length of enhance the protection and well-being Danube. Criteria for objectives are then connected side-arms, the length of the of terrapins, ecologically coordinated formulated to assess environmental newly created natural riverbanks and the schedules for construction projects, benefits. The Natural Resources Man- amount of repositioned bedload gravel. nesting aids for swifts, newly created agement system comes with just a few The achievement of ecological objectives amphibian pools, species mapping, easily measurable key parameters, which is even more exciting: when these three and knowledge management for are collated and documented annually. key figures increase, the habitat potential environmental issues - the list of Behind every "dry" indicator is a wide for fish living in fast flowing water also -in viadonau’s environmental services is range of diverse ecological goals. The creases. Gravel islands become potential both extensive and diverse. conclusion is, nevertheless, very simple: breeding grounds for birds such as little the larger the key figures, the greater the ringed plovers, common sandpipers and ince 2017, viadonau’s environmen- environmental benefits of each project. the common tern. Spawning grounds tal services have been bundled to- are also created for gravel spawning S gether to form an integrated Natu- Examples of renaturation projects range fish. Bird that build their nests in steep ral Resources Management System, with from the reconnection of side-arms, the banks such as kingfishers, bank-swallows each individual measure being tested in modification of groynes and the crea- and bee-eaters find new homes and ac-

10 DANUBE WATCH DANUBE WATCH 11 tive bedload management alleviates the deterioration of the Danube’s riverbed, thus preserving the vital exchange of wa- ter between the river and its shorelines.

The same simple evaluation system is also used to assess on-land activities that enhance the natural environment, such as meadow maintenance and the preservation of riparian woodlands. This includes not only the mowing of grass on dams, but also their renovation and other construction measures that are carried out in as natural a way as pos- sible. Management of mead- ows and grasslands also covers neophyte control and species conservation projects, includ- ing protection measures for the Zerynthia polyxena butterfly and orchids. The annual recording of results is again extremely simple and creates a balancing act be- tween the various different types of measures: Meadows and areas of natural forest are cultivated ac- cording to strict ecological criteria and in the case of construction pro- jects, the natural balance is assessed before during and after the project. Once again, an ecological system of objectives is at the forefront, whereby viadonau ensures that maintenance and construction measures are carried out in as naturally a way as possible. These measures benefit dry grasslands and species-rich meadow communities with their typical inhabitants of bees, butterflies, grasshoppers and lizards, with the dams also serving as feeding ar- eas and migration corridors.

The first signs of success are already vis- ible. Between 2017 and 2018 the key in- Barbara Becker is an environmental expert dicators for ecologically valuable mead- at viadonau. She has been a member of the ows and natural woodland areas that team Environment / Ecology since 2005. She fall under viadonau’s area of responsi- The Natural Resource Management Sys- coordinates viadonau's natural environment management system and is dedicated to bility showed a clear improvement. This tem is clearly a tool which will guarantee ecological natural environment management positive trend can also be seen with the preservation and development of the and the preparation and implementation of the company’s renaturation projects. Danube’s natural habitats in the future. renaturation projects.

10 DANUBE WATCH DANUBE WATCH 11 Danube Day 2018: 30,000 people got active for a healthier Danube!

When the ICPDR began planning the first Danube Day in 2004, it was beyond our most ambitious hopes that it would grow into the huge, established event that it is today. While the first event in 2004 was undoubtedly an international success, our partners then num- bered around 150, with 100 events taking place.

Jump forward to Danube Day 2018, the 15th annual celebration of the Danube River Basin and we see an immense, basin-wide cele- bration involving close to 450 partner organisations that are respon- sible for well over 200 actions and events in 14 countries. Rather than being just a one day festival, it has now become an annual summer season in some countries where Danube Day can stretch over three months. Back in 2004, we talked about thousands cel- ebrating the first Danube Day; now we measure attendance in the tens of thousands! The 2018 event was among the best-attended Danube Days to date, with around 30,000 people directly taking part and getting active for a healthier Danube.

Danube Day prides itself on being the biggest river party in the world. Government, NGOs and corporate partners work hard to ensure a spread of events across the entire Danube Basin. We were therefore particularly pleased to welcome Montenegro back into the fold in 2018 after a four year gap. Crno jezero (Black Lake) in the Durmitor National Park was the stunning location for a family festival and eco-art activity organised by the Montenegrin Ministry of Agri- culture and Rural Development and the Zabljak Tourist Organisation.

The ICPDR celebrated the 15 Danube Days in 2018 with an exhibi- tion and press event at the UN Rotunda at the Vienna International Centre. If the next 15 years can deliver the same level of cross-sec- tor, cross-border cooperation and public support, we will be well on our way to securing a sustainable future for the Danube Basin. CanCan you you name name the the fauna fauna of of the the Danube Danube River River Basin Basin?? LookLook at at the the image image below below and and try try to to identify identify the the name name ofof the the numbered numbered species species (answers (answers are are given given below). below).

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Project Baseline empowers passionate people to observe and record change within the world’s aquatic environments in a way that fosters public awareness and supports political action.

© GUE

roject Baseline is a global, aquatic main largely or entirely unseen. Using their al expeditions. It is currently operating in conservation initiative run by the network of volunteers, Project Baseline is 38 countries and still growing. Drawing Pnon-profit organisation Global Un- working to document which waters are in from a strong history in water advocacy, derwater Explorers (GUE). Founded in pristine condition and which waters need Project Baseline supports a network of vol- the US in 1999 by a group of underwater help to be returned to a clean and healthy unteer teams which continue to bring the cave divers committed to protecting un- condition. The initiative is designed to al- underwater world to the surface, one pic- derwater environments, Project Baseline low aquatic environments to be monitored ture, one video and one sample at a time. was adopted as the GUE’s central aquatic over a longer period of time, providing conservation initiative in 2009 and is sup- a comprehensive understanding of the Project Baseline initiatives have been -un ported by a global network of an estimat- changes happening to them, both now dertaken at a number of locations in the ed 480 diving and non-diving volunteers. and in perpetuity. Researchers are analys- Danube River Basin, including popular The primary purpose of the project is to ing trends and assessing threats so that diving spots on Lake Attersee in Austria, establish environmental baselines by cre- effective local and focused conservation and Lake Gulaska in Slovakia. Initiatives in ating a visual legacy of underwater condi- measures can be implemented. the Danube River Basin seek to document tions around the world; not only in shallow changing visibility and plant life cycles, coastal areas and deep-water environ- Equally central to the mission of Project both seasonally and over the longer term. ments in oceans, but also in freshwater Baseline, is establishing the meaningful environments that include lakes, rivers, and sustainable protection of the aquat- Project Baseline manages a spatial data- springs, and flooded caves. ic world by connecting the project’s re- base that is accessible to anyone who is searchers with the very people that live interested: http://projectbaseline.org/da- The underwater world is in peril, yet the alongside, work on and enjoy the waters. tabase/ causes of degradation and the conse- Since 2009, the project has initiated over quences for underwater ecosystems re- 100 volunteer-run projects, including glob-

14 DANUBE WATCH DANUBE WATCH 15 Preserving our unknown underwater world ©Frontline Photography

Top: Robert Carmichael, Middle: Jarrod Jablonski, Bottom: Sampling in Fifji, 2017 © Amanda White, Right: Dr. Todd Kincaid © Sampling in Fiji, 2017 ©Amanda White 14 DANUBE WATCH DANUBE WATCH 15 Just a perfect day – the blooming of the Tisza The Tisza Mayfly (Palingenia longicauda)

The sunset is amazing. As the strong early-summer sunbeams start to fade into the scarlet-gold tranquillity of the water, a small boat appears from the cover of a willow bush with some curiously silent people on board. The swarm has just started, casting a spell on the drifting visitors, leading them to believe that this will be the last sunset they will ever experience.

And what if this is not just magic? What if this is really the end? Have I been living my life knowing that it could end so soon? Have I finished everything I ever wanted to do and prepared my good- byes? These are all questions that arise as the floating travellers admire the tiny fairy-like living things, the objects of their interest. Because, for these tiny creatures, this magnificent sunset is the first and the very last they will ever know…

“Tiszavirág” (meaning Tisza flower) is the Hungarian word for the Tisza Mayfly, also known as the long-tailed, or giant mayfly. The Palingenia longicauda is an aquatic deep tunnels), they all hatch simultane- , which is the largest mayfly of the ously with just one purpose: reproduction. Ephemeroptera order in Europe. Mayfly After remaining hidden underwater for the drops. It occurs, when the meteorological entities are spectacular with their mature majority of their lives, they shed their skins circumstances (temperature, water lev- sizes of 8-12 cm from head to tail and on a perfect, early summer day and turn el, wind, lighting conditions, etc.) are just wingspan of 6-7 cm. However, these agile, into flying imagoes (male turn into right for these to start fulfilling long winged creatures are more famous sub-imagoes first, before shedding their their main purpose in life. Usually occur- for the last, and only day, of their fragile skins for a second time). In the evening, ring in early to mid-June, the whole event lives. Aristotle was in awe of mayflies, call- the mature mayflies start a “bridal dance” lasts just 3-4 days. ing them “ephemeral”. above the water that lasts several hours. However, for the individual mayfly, the sto- The life cycle of this species is extraordi- This wonderful phenomenon is known as ry starts and ends on the same day. They nary. After three years of living and de- “the Blooming of the Tisza” with the Tisza do not even have any organs with which veloping as larvae in the muddy riverbed mayflies swarming above the water - sur to feed themselves or digest food. They of the Tisza (digging into the underwater face, frequently touching it and triggering are born with the sole purpose of finding walls, usually creating U-shaped, 15 cm millions of miniature waves like tiny rain- a mate to fulfil their destiny. Directly after

16 DANUBE WATCH DANUBE WATCH 17 © Hortobágy National Park/Zoltán Sallai mating, male individuals die and fall back ing of riverbeds, rising water lev- down into the water. Females continue els and man-made structures. to fly for a while until they are exhausted, After fortunately surviving the seeking the location where they them- most severe episode of pollu- selves emerged from the water, so that tion of the Tisza in 2000 (basical- they can finally lay their eggs. These eggs ly thanks to the low water level are the future of the mayfly population during winter), the Tisza Mayfly and sink to the bottom of the water, where has become the symbol of pro- they start their three years of hiding after tection for a healthy Tisza River. hatching into larvae after 45 days. The species plays a significant Tisza mayflies are not only beautiful crea- role in the aquatic food web. tures, but also an important key species The mayfly larvae, or nymph, in the Tisza ecological system. As bio-in- is an important food for wa- dicators, their existence is proof of clean, terborne secondary consumers, but the living larvae and dead insects) to use as unpolluted water. They are also extremely main importance of the mayfly in the food fishing bait and farmers used the dead in- sensitive to anthropogenic effects on river chain is provided by their dead bodies sects as fertiliser. Because of the overuse morphology, such as the unnatural cover- drifting on the river, offering tons of -nu of waters, the species almost vanished trients for birds and fish. In the past, fish- from most European rivers in the 20th ermen used to collect the insects (both century, except on the Tisza.

Is an outstanding example of international cooperation within the framework of the Interreg Danube Transnational Programme. The project aims inter alia to produce the up- dated Integrated Tisza River Basin Manage- ment Plan. Focusing on water management with their thoughts. Subsistence and re- issues, jointly with the five Tisza-basin coun- tries (involving 17 project partners), one of Since 1993, the Tisza Mayfly and its habi- production, breeding and decay, birth and the project’s main objectives is among oth- tats have been protected by law in Hunga- death: all in a single day… “The Tisza is a ers to preserve conditions, which are crucial ry. Harming them is an offence that can be graveyard when it is in bloom” goes the for the protection and conservation of Tisza punished with heavy fines. Although any Hungarian song. The river sweeps away Mayfly populations . The insect is the main water pollution could still decimate their the lifeless mayflies, as well as any ques- communicational symbol of JOINTISZA. populations, even on the Tisza, this impor- tions in people’s mind. Sometimes they tant river species is slowly beginning to ap- just wish they could be a mayfly: light- pear once again in other rivers, including weight, instinctive ephemera which are Balázs Németh is an environmental engineer. the Rába, Körös, Bega and . This is due able to fulfil their purpose in life. They look He works at the ICPDR Permanent Secretariat to effective integrated protection meas- back on their memories while hearing the as Technical JOINTISZA Project Staff. ures and sound river basin management. sounds of fish feasting. Yes, indeed; it was such a perfect day! Read more about the project: As the evening turns into night, the won- http://www.interreg-danube.eu/ dering boat-guests are left in total silence approved-projects/jointisza

16 DANUBE WATCH DANUBE WATCH 17 Celebrating 70 years of the Danube Convention On 28 and 29 June 2018, the Palace of Serbia in Belgrade played host to a Ministerial Conference to mark the 70th anni- versary of the signing of the Convention for Navigation on the Danube, also known as the Belgrade Convention.

Following a reception to celebrate the A brief history of the Danube conference 90th Session of the Danube Commis- Postwar discussions about the Danube River were begun by the United States in 1945 sion on the evening of Thursday 28 June, when President Truman proposed at the Potsdam Conference that freedom of naviga- the main event began in earnest on Fri- tion should be assured on Europe's inland waterways. day 29th with the Serbian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Construction, The first Danube Conference was held in bordered the river and replaced previ- Transport and Infrastructure, Zorana Mi- Belgrade on 30 July 1948 in the wake of ous commissions that had also included hajlovic, reiterating that the objectives of World War II. Its purpose was to develop representatives of non-riparian powers. the Danube Commission – cooperation, a new international body that would be re- Today, the Member States of the Danube connectivity and the free movement of sponsible for the development and control Commission are Austria, Bulgaria, Hunga- goods and people – are as important for of the Danube. This first conference result- ry, Germany, Moldova, the Russian Feder- the region and Europe today as they were ed in several agreements, with the foreign ation, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Ukraine 70 years ago. Without connectivity there ministers from the occupying forces of and Croatia. The Commission has had its can be no economic development or new Britain, France, the USSR and the United seat in Budapest since 1954 and the Com- investments; greater exchange means States stipulating that: mission’s official languages are German, better lives. The Deputy Prime Minister Russian and French. continued with a reminder that the event Navigation on the Danube shall be free was not just a celebration of a common and open for the nationals, vessels of com- One of the Danube Commission’s prima- history, but also an opportunity to focus merce and goods of all states, on a footing ry objectives is the creation of a unified on the future. of equality in regard to port and navigation navigation system for inland waterways charges and conditions for merchant ship- throughout Europe and the Danube’s in- The conference was attended by around ping. The foregoing shall not apply to traf- tegration into a European wide transport 120 participants, including diplomatic fic between ports of the same state. corridor with a unified European navi- representatives and managers from the gation system. The Commission actively transport administrations of the Com- The Danube Convention in Belgrade led to cooperates with other international bod- mission’s eleven Member states, observ- the establishment of the Danube Commis- ies involved in the different aspects of er countries, the European Commission, sion on 18 August 1948. The main objec- inland waterway transport to facilitate and other important international organi- tive of the Commission is, as it was then, this integration. Cooperation partners -in sations, including the ICPSDR, with which to provide and develop free navigation on clude the United Nations Economic Com- the Danube Commission cooperates. the Danube for commercial vessels flying mission for Europe (UNECE), the Central the flag of all states in accordance with the Commission for the Navigation on the The objectives of this year's conference interests and sovereign rights of the Mem- , the European Commission and the included the strengthening of all forms of ber States of the Belgrade Convention. The ICPDR. cooperation, accelerating development Commission has also been successful in of common standards for navigation on achieving its original objective of strength- All stakeholders in the Commission active- the Danube, increasing safety and securi- ening and developing economic and cul- ly support the investments necessary for ty, and the implementation of infrastruc- tural relations, both between the Member the development of river infrastructure, ture projects in accordance with Europe- States themselves and with other countries. including ports, fleet modernisation, dig- an plans for transferring traffic from road italisation, education, improvement of and rail to more environmentally friendly A separate commission, the International administrative procedures, and the devel- transportation on the waterways. Danube Commission, or IDC, was formal- opment and the application of intelligent ly organised after 1918 and is authorised transport systems. In doing so, the envi- to control commerce and improvements ronmental benefits of inland waterway upriver beyond the Danube Delta. transport and the fight against climate change are ensured, thus preserving the Read more about the the Danube Convention: The Danube Commission established in Danube as one of Europe’s most impor- www.danubecommission.org 1948 consisted of seven countries that tant lifelines.

18 DANUBE WATCH DANUBE WATCH 19 Seventh Meeting of the Parties to the Framework Agreement on the Sava River Basin takes place in Bled The seventh Meeting of the Parties to the Framework Agreement on the Sava River Basin (FASRB) was held on June 7 2018 in Bled, Slovenia. The meeting was attended by representatives from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia, along with representatives from international organisations and institutions including UNECE, UNESCO, UNDP, the Danube Commission, ICPDR, World Bank, IOW, GWP-CEE and EURONATUR, and the President of the Sava Youth Parliament.

The key objective of the meeting was to The meeting also saw all Parties reconfirm best practices for the implementation review the status of implementation of the their commitment to the development of EU strategies; FASRB, as well as the key challenges ahead. of sustainable, environmentally friendly - the use of effective tools for public par- Issues discussed included cooperation in navigation on the Sava River and its- nav ticipation and stakeholder involvement, the fields of river basin management, flood igable tributaries in accordance with the in particular the Sava Youth Parliament; risk management, rehabilitation of naviga- “Joint Statement on Guiding Principles on - progress made for information ex- tion and the exchange of basin-relevant the Development of Inland Navigation and change through the further enhance- information. Particular attention was- giv Environmental Protection in the Danube ment and upgrade of information sys- en to issues of sustainable development, River Basin”. The importance of enhanced tems such as Sava GIS and Sava HIS. along with the guidance provided for fur- navigation as a means of stimulating- fur ther cooperation within the framework ther economic and social development in An exhibition was held during the meet- of the International Sava River Basin Com- the region was also stressed. ing showing over 350 photographs cho- mission (ISRBC). sen from the photo competition “Sava Other important issues addressed at the River Basin – Nature for Waters” con- In the field of sustainable water manage- meeting included: ducted by the Sava Commission as part ment, all parties reaffirmed their commit- of Sava River Day 2018. The photos em- ment to continuing the implementation of - the potential for the development of phasised the richness of nature, biodiver- the Programme of Measures from the 1st synergies between the processes of im- sity and the lives of people in the Sava Sava River Basin Management Plan and ac- plementation of the FASRB and EU strat- River basin. knowledged efforts already made in the 2nd egies for the Danube and Adriatic-Ioni- cycle of river basin management planning. an regions; At the end of the meeting, all parties to Satisfaction was expressed concerning prog- - the consequences of climate change the FASRB adopted a joint Declaration. The ress concerning the establishment of the and the need for effective adaptation Meeting of the Parties to the FASRB takes Flood Forecasting and Warning System for measures in accordance with the guide- place every two years and the next, and the Sava River Basin and the development lines of the Paris Agreement; eighth, meeting will be held in Bosnia and of a joint Flood Risk Management Plan. - the potential benefits of using FASRB Herzegovina in 2020.

What is FASRB? The Meeting of the Parties is held at least once every two years with the aim of reviewing the work and actions of the Sava Commis- sion. Decisions are made based on the proposals and recommendations of the Commission.

The Framework Agreement on the Sava ment, protection from the harmful effects ty to strengthen the role of the Sava Com- River Basin (FASRB) was signed on 3 De- of water and conservation measures to mission in the development of regional cember 2002 and came into force on 29 protect the region’s ecosystems. cooperation among the Sava countries December 2004. It was the first interna- and to recognise their joint interests and tional agreement between the countries in The International Sava River Basin Com- support them in achieving their goals. the basin and the signatory states are Bos- mission (ISRBC or Sava Commission) is nia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia and based in Zagreb and is the international Serbia. The objective of the agreement is body charged with the implementation of the establishment of an international nav- FASRB. The Meeting of the Parties to the Read more about the FASRB at: igation regime, sustainable water manage- FASRB is seen as an important opportuni- http://www.savacommission.org/

18 DANUBE WATCH DANUBE WATCH 19 Volunteers for People in Distress – the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW)

The THW (Bundesanstalt Technisches Hilfswerk) is a governmental civil protection organisation controlled by the German Federal Government. 99% of its almost 80,000 members are volunteers. As the cornerstone of civil protection in Germany, it also provides support and assistance in the case of natural disasters and accidents throughout the rest of the world. To date it has been deployed in more than Cooperation with the European Union 130 countries, with voluntary experts The aim of the EU Civil Protection Mech- and units that are capable of operating committing themselves to more than anism is to coordinate the operations of within the framework of the Mechanism. one million hours per year to providing civil protection services during large-scale In recent years, it has assumed an im- worldwide civil protection. disasters and serious emergencies. Such portant role in the training of EU-experts emergencies can be natural disasters or for organised large-scale EU-exercises THW, in its current form, was founded technological catastrophes, terrorist acts (e.g. EULUX 2007, ALBIS 2008) and has in 1950, shortly after the end of WWII. or marine pollution, occurring both within continuously contributed to the further Its main original purpose was civil de- and outside the European Union. development and organisation of - Eu fence in the event of war, but this has ropean cooperation in the field of civil changed over the decades and today it The Mechanism was established in 2001 protection. provides assistance and relief for a wide and further developed in 2007. THW has spectrum of disasters, not only in Ger- been a major cooperation partner for this many but throughout the world. THW vital disaster management instrument The hub of the EU Mechanism is the also supports other governmental and since the very beginning, providing assis- Monitoring and Information Center non-governmental organisations and tance over a wide range of activities. (MIC), which is attached to the - Eu other statutory authorities, including ropean Commission Environment Di- fire brigades and police forces. A number of experts and units from THW rectorate-General. Requests for help are registered for operations abroad with from countries in distress arrive at Activities range from local accidents the European Commission and can, in the the center and are passed on to the through to industrial disasters, flooding, event of a disaster, be requested by the EU. participating states. Further elements earthquakes, hurricanes and Tsunamis. Acting on behalf of the Directorate-Gener- of the Mechanism are the “Joint In- Deployments in recent years include the al for Humanitarian Aid of the European formation and Communication Sys- floods in Germany in 2013, the storm in Commission (ECHO), THW has also repeat- tem” (CECIS), a database of the op- the German state of North Rhine-West- edly implemented projects in countries erational teams, experts, “modules” phalia in 2014, and the floods in Serbia outside the EU; for example, in regions and the “Technical Assistance Sup- and Bosnia-Herzegovina in 2014. Major of Indonesia destroyed by the Tsunami in port Teams” (TAST). A database with THW operations in 2015 included as- 2004, and in Lebanon in 2006. medical resources, an education pro- sistance in Nepal after the earthquakes gramme, as well as tools for the de- and its long-term contribution to the THW Rapid-Deployment-Units, known ployment of search and coordination programme of assistance for refugees as “modules” are assembled according teams is also available. in Germany. to EU-standards and facilitate the co- ordination of international operational units. THW also has designated experts

20 DANUBE WATCH DANUBE WATCH 21 Altogether, 31 states take part in the EU Mechanism: the

member states of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Nor- © All fotos/THW Michael Mattes way. The Mechanism dates back to from a decision of the THW People European Council on 23 October 2001. On 8 November tivities also take place in the eve- There are approximately 80,000 2007, it was replaced by an amendment. It is accompanied nings and at weekends. German active unpaid volunteers in the by a financial instrument (according to a decision of the law ensures that THW operatives THW who are motivated by their Council of 5 March 2007), which finances different pro- do not suffer any professional conviction to help people in jects in the field of disaster management, such as training, disadvantages due to their volun- need. This commitment to the large-scale exercises and the deployment of expert teams. tary commitments. They are also THW offers a sense of belong- insured and continue to receive ing to a community, a challenging hobby includes technical training and leisure-time their salaries (which are refunded to the and a source of new experiences and chal- activities, and also offers the opportunity employer by the THW), even during ex- lenges. Men and women from all walks of to take part in international exchange pro- tended periods of service. life are active within the THW, both young grammes with partner countries. and old, regardless of their nationality, Cooperation at a local level and with both technical and non-technical Training at THW THW activities are not just restricted to backgrounds. In fact, anyone who wants to THW volunteers are trained to deal with regional and national catastrophes. This join THW can. a wide range of situations. Many THW year, the regional group in Neuburg an der training courses are certified externally Donau in Bavaria took part in the Danube THW Local Sections and most skills acquired are also useful for Day celebrations. Volunteers collected rub- There are many local sections of the THW their professional or leisure-time activi- bish from riverbanks along the Danube and in cities and rural districts across Germa- ties. Members benefit from basic technical two islands. The THW and the Red Cross ny, each possessing its own premises and training courses, with a wide range of spe- provided staff to support the activities and the necessary technical equipment. THW cialisations available, including skills in the also boats to take the volunteers to the riv- members work together to structure the fields of search and rescue, electricity and erbanks and islands and transport all the operation of their local section, where drinking water supply, logistics and com- rubbish collected. they receive their basic technical training mand and communication. The range of and regularly training exercises for their training also includes non-technical quali- It is especially important for local water operations. They are a closely-knit com- fications for administrative work, as well as administration agencies to be able to call munity who rely on one another. Mem- for catering, press and PR activities. Train- on the THW, even in times when there bers of these local sections meet regularly ing, equipment and any necessary protec- is no crisis. Such activities are a golden on weekday evenings and at weekends, tive clothing are provided by the THW free opportunity for local communities to thereby making it possible to combine of charge, and there is no membership fee. get to know THW members and the ser- their voluntary commitment to THW with vices and cooperation that they are able their jobs. THW Operations to offer. When a local section is summoned to an Children and young people are also wel- operation, an alert is sent out to its mem- Thore Gauda coordinates the communication come at THW. Each local section has at bers. Emergencies are unpredictable and and public relation work in the field of water and soil protection for the Bavarian State least one youth group where children and provisions are therefore made with the Ministry of Environment and Consumer young people from the age of six to seven- members’ employers in case they are re- Protection. He is also a member of the Public teen are introduced to civil protection. This quired during normal working hours. Ac- Participation Expert Group of the ICPDR.

20 DANUBE WATCH DANUBE WATCH 21 Pure Water for Generations – an interview with Pascal Roesler

Last summer Pascal Roesler, a former businessman from Munich who is now director of the non-profit group “Pure Water for Generations’, paddled almost the whole length of the Danube until its estuary in the In the interview series "People of the Danube", Danube Black Sea. His journey of 2,467 km and 63 days on the water was for a Watch presents personal good cause – to raise both money and awareness for our most precious portraits of individuals who of resources: water. We caught up with him recently to see how things are passionate about the have changed for him in the last twelve months and what he has been Danube Basin and its waters. up to recently.

Danube Watch: What progress do ing me just how awesome they find the up paddle boards. 15 stand-up paddlers you think has been made since the movie and this gives me a great deal of cleared plastic from a 5 kilometer stretch start of your epic journey one year ago? positive energy. of the river, collecting 13 large rubbish sacks full of plastic and other waste. The When I completed my journey on the Some schools became aware of my project local press and Bavarian television even re- stand-up paddle board from Munich to and in July 2018 we had water days at two ported it and over 50,000 people saw the the Black Sea on July 20, 2017, I was sim- schools in Bavaria - one on the Tegernsee article online. Who would have thought ply thinking about one stroke of the pad- and the other on the Danube - with a to- this possible a year ago? dle at a time. I wanted to feel the river, tal of 250 young people. First we showed meet the people Last but not least, of the Danube and the idea for a just live for the tour of the Riv- moment. I want- er Salzach came ed to completely about as a result absorb myself in of the film tour. the process of a The Salzach be- journey along this gins its jouney amazing river. at an altitude of 2,300 meters in Along the way the Kitzbuehl Alps I became even in Tirol and flows more aware of for 225 kilome- the importance ters before flow- of our water and how the cycle of water the film and then we went to the water ing into the River , which in turn then and the cycle of life are actually one and and paddled together on stand-up paddle flows through and into the Danube. the same. I wanted everyone to share boards. Many more such water days are We started the Salzach tour this month on my experiences. Luckily, I was accompa- planned for schools in Germany in 2019. September 2 and ended on September 9, nied by a camera team on 20 of the 63 2018, accompanied by 35 fellow stand-up days and we therefore decided to make a Another great project was born out of the paddlers. film of the journey. I am very grateful for inspiration of the film. A Friend of mine that and on February 8, 2018, the film's André Wacke, who is also an avid stand- Danube Watch: As soon as you became premiere, entitled 2467km - A Journey up paddler, was inspired by the film and familiar with the work of the ICPDR, you to the Black Sea, took place in Munich organised a beach-cleaning event at his immediately offered to cooperate with us. in front of 370 guests. People keep tell- home on the River Loisach with stand- What do you find inspiring about our work?

22 DANUBE WATCH DANUBE WATCH MF What inspired me from my very first meet- to your health. This may be a very utopian ing with the ICPDR at the UN in Vienna on vision, but one I still allow myself to dream. July 31, 2017 was your enthusiasm and respect for the Danube across all nation- In the end, it is up to all of us to find a way al borders. I felt the importance of see- of becoming more aware of our daily ac- ing things from a tions, to consume broader perspec- None of these projects or events were less and live a life in tive. The Danube is planned; they were all the result of me harmony with na- a perfect example making the first spontaneous stroke of ture. My experience of this as it makes the paddle. That’s why it’s so impor- in my working life its way through tant to just start – take the first step has clearly shown ten countries, and and then follow your intuition! me that having a shares a basin with wide-ranging vision 14 countries paying is the most impor- absolutely no heed to borders. To observe tant thing if change is to happen. I don’t yet this philosophy in your daily work is some- know yet what the road ahead will bring. thing very special and shows how impor- tant it is to consider the overall picture: Only one thing is certain: if we conduct in other words, the 2,857 river kilometres ourselves in the same way as the Danube: from in the Black Forest living in harmony with the flow and the to on the Black Sea. currents, then I am sure that we are on the right track. Danube Watch: What are your aims and plans for the future? For example, what do I would like to share a personal after- you hoped to have achieved in twenty five thought with Danube Watch readers. After years time from now? my voyage, my mother told me that my grandfather had made a river trip on the During my 63 days on the Danube, I had a Danube in 1969 with the city council of great deal of time to think about things. I Dillingen (Bavaria on the Danube where I the next few weeks I will watch the movie have a vision, more of a dream: I want to grew up). with my family and friends. My grandfa- help to make the Danube water drinkable ther's journey almost 50 years after my within 25 years. By drinkable I mean that The journey was filmed and shown in Dil- own journey. Panta rhei!* it’s possible to take a few sips of water lingen in the same year. After a long search, "Aloha" from the Danube without it being harmful we have now found the film reels and in

*everythings flows

Foldout to find out about Danube Day Celebrations 2018 Fourteen countries marked the 15th Danube Day: a superb celebration of the many ways that rivers enrich our lives.

DANUBE WATCH 1 Danube Day 2018: Get active for a healthier Danube! The ICPDR would like to thank everyone involved in Danube Day 2018. Read about events and organisers at www.danubeday.org. 5.

GERMANY 1 Bavarians got active with riverbank clean-ups, a mass river swim and floodplain SLOVAKIA 4 forest tours. Environment Minister Marcel Huber 3,500 people enjoyed three signed a declaration creating family festivals. Highlights a ‘people-free’ Danube included TV celebrity island. In Baden-Württem- Thomas Puskailer’s ECO berg, the International H20 Tour, which explained Danube Festival opened water conservation in an with a parade of 650 flags entertaining way. An exhi- 4. representing Danube larating day at Gabčíkovo diversity. Visitors explored included free cruises, rescue interactive models, learning demos, virtual kayaking, a about flooding and river foam show and a Circus of revitalisation. the Giants! New for 2018, the Waterworks Museum 3. featured magic physics, 1. mini aquariums and art workshops. © Ministry of Environment

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BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA 8 Ekotim celebrated by hos- ting the national Art Master SLOVENIA 6 awards and organising a school trip to the Bosna THE CZECH REPUBLIC 2 11,000 people took action spring. Visitors learnt about for a sustainable future. At Prague joined in the festiv- conserving water resources the Bled Water Festival, ex- ities with a Water Research and maintaining wildlife pert panels and participants Institute Open Day. Fun diversity; the visit fostered a from eight countries tackled activities and films educated desire to protect rivers and barriers to sustainable water school groups about river the Danube Basin in general. management and children conservation and region- © Ekotim were awarded prizes for al cooperation. Mosty u HUNGARY 5 Jablunkova’s annual party in innovative projects. Sustain- Moravia-Silesia saw children Community and professional able tourism was debated at take on challenges to win events reached out to tens the Sava Youth Parliament. SERBIA 9 Danube Day goodies. of thousands of people. In While, in the ‘My river’ Three months of celebra- Érsekcsanád, Hungarians contest, volunteers cleared a tion began in Belgrade and and Serbs shared music and mighty 80 tons of waste! spread to Bela Crkva, Stara their friendly rivalry in sport © Jaka Valjavec Palanka, Veliko Gradište, AUSTRIA 3 and fish soup cooking, and Bačka Palanka, Novi Sad, heard river management Pancevo and Ćuprija! En- Danube fun filled Vienna’s speeches by the ICPDR thusiasm for rivers was nur- City Park (Stadtpark), where CROATIA 7 and state officials. Győr’s tured through workshops, 1,000 children, including a water-based fun was a hit at In , community action boat trips and regattas. delegation from Romania, the Győrkőc youth festival, led by Hrvatske vode, local The Zemun Quay trail saw enjoyed eco challenges, while the Danube Children’s groups and Coca-Cola HBC children navigate between fascinating facts, creatures, Festival found a new home resulted in the clearing of fun activities, learning crafts and competitions. at Budapest Zoo. An inter- 2km of riverbanks. A work- about rivers along the way. Hosted by TV star, Robert national conference also shop on protecting Danube Drawing solidarity symbols Steiner, it showcased Dan- discussed ways to combat resources took place near onto stones, they threw ube diversity and nurtured plastic pollution. Osijek. The Green Osijek them into the water to send young people’s enthusiasm © General Directorate of Eco Festival at Zlatna Greda ’water-mail’ downstream. to protect the river. An ex- Water Management celebrated both Danube hibition to mark 24 years of Day and the anniversary of basin-wide cooperation was the Mura-Drava-Danube held in the Rotunda at the Biosphere Reserve. Vienna International Centre. © BMNT/Paul Gruber Danube Day 2018: Get active for a healthier Danube! 6. 7. The ICPDR would like to thank everyone involved in Danube Day 2018. Read about events and organisers at www.danubeday.org. 8.

9. MONTENEGRO 10 Montenegro joined the BULGARIA 12 celebrations in 2018, with a Festivities covered all festival at the breathtakingly seven Danube provinces, beautiful Crno jezero in Dur- motivating 2500 visitors to mitor National Park. Run by cycle, cook, fish, get creative the Ministry of Agriculture and clear rubbish from the and Rural Development and Danube. In Belene, WWF Zabljak Tourist Organisation, enlisted locals to take action families enjoyed boating, for sturgeon conservation. UKRAINE 14 orienteering, woodland art In Rousse, 200 musicians and eco workshops. performed Danube pieces at Always colourful and inno- the State Opera House; and vative, Zakarpattya’s event in Sofia, experts discussed introduced a pirate’s regatta climate change and trends in and eco-knights quest to 10. water resources. combat plastic pollution! These new heroes inspired children in Kvasovo to craft fabulous boats from plastic waste, complete the knights’ eco-challenge and take to MOLDOVA 13 the stage to persuade peo- ple to reduce plastic waste. On the banks of the Highlights included the Danube-Prut confluence knights’ duel; canoe trip ac- ROMANIA 11 in Djurdjulesti, folk teams companied by plastic boats; 60 actions saw thousands entertained 1,000 residents and knighting of the children get active across all 11 and government and em- for services to rivers! Else- Water Basin Administra- bassy officials to celebrate where, WWF championed tions. Minister Ioan Denes the region’s rich traditions sturgeon conservation in 11. was joined by 100 specialists and a sustainable future. Vylkove. and stakeholders for a main Hosted by the Ministry of © Ostap Tsapulych event in Orșova. A parallel Agriculture, Regional Devel- children’s festival educat- opment and Environment, ed future river stewards water resource projects on how to ensure waters were presented including are fit to drink and safe the newly-designated Lower for wildlife. While, Galati’s Prut UNESCO Biosphere 4-day extravaganza featured Reserve. a spectacular light show, © Dumitru Drumea parade and flashmob. 12 . © WMS Calarasi

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Suzie Holt ([email protected]) lives in the UK and is a writer on environmental issues. She has been involved in Danube Day since its start in 2004 and prior to that worked for WWF on the Carpathian Ecoregion Initiative. ICPDR – International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River Secretariat, Vienna International Center, D0412, P.O. Box 500, 1400 Vienna, Austria, Tel: +43/1/260 60-5738, Fax: +43/1/260 60-5895 e-mail: [email protected], www.icpdr.org