Needs Assessment Report

Danube Delta Integrated Sustainable Development Strategy

This report represents the Output corresponding to Activity 2-1 ("Report on identification of territorial needs based on the diagnosis of the Danube Delta area"), under the Advisory Services on Danube Delta Integrated Sustainable Development Strategy.

Contents Executive Summary ...... xviii

1. Introduction ...... 30 2. Context ...... 34 2.1 Vision and Strategic Objectives ...... 34 2.2 Scope of the Needs Assessment ...... 35 2.3 Difference in approach applied to: (i) the Core Delta, (ii) the rest of the Delta/DDBR, and (iii) the Neighboring Areas ...... 36 2.4 Potential synergies ...... 36 3. SWOT Analysis ...... 37

Pillar I: Protecting the Environmental and Natural Resource Assets ...... 52 1. Environment, Biodiversity, Forests ...... 52 1.1. Needs Assessment ...... 52 1.1.1. Climate change in the Danube Delta area ...... 53 1.1.2. Urban heat islands ...... 57 1.2. Physical Investment Needs ...... 62 1.3. Regulatory and public policy needs ...... 64 1.4. Institutional Development Needs ...... 65 1.5. Technical Assistance (TA) Needs ...... 67 1.6. Responsibilities ...... 69 1.7. Cross-sectoral aspects ...... 69 1.8. Needs Assessment Table...... 70 2. Climate change ...... 84 2.1. Physical Investment Needs ...... 84 2.2. Public policy and Regulatory Needs ...... 86 2.3. Institutional Development Needs ...... 86 2.4. Technical assistance needs ...... 86 2.5. Responsibilities ...... 87 2.6. Preliminary Suggestions for Sector-Specific Implementation Arrangements ...... 88 2.7. Needs Assessment Table...... 88 3. Energy Efficiency ...... 90 3.1. Investment needs of Tulcea municipality ...... 90 3.1.1. Power & Heating Systems ...... 91 3.1.2. Municipal Buildings ...... 93 3.1.3. Water and Sewerage ...... 94 3.1.4. Urban Transport ...... 95 3.1.5. Domestic waste ...... 97 3.1.6. Street Lighting ...... 98 3.2. The rest of the study area ...... 99 3.3. Needs Assessment Table...... 104 4. Disaster Risk and Pollution Emergency Management (DRM) ...... 106 4.1. Diagnostic Analysis Summary and Refined SWOT Analysis ...... 106 4.1.1. Flood Risks...... 106

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4.1.2. Earthquake Risks ...... 106 4.1.3. Pollution Emergency Risks ...... 106 4.1.4. Emergency Response Capacity ...... 107 4.1.5. Response to traffic accidents ...... 108 4.2. Physical investment needs ...... 117 4.2.1. Flood Protection Infrastructure ...... 117 4.2.2. Earthquake Resilient Buildings ...... 117 4.3. Policy and regulatory development needs ...... 117 4.4. Institutional Development Needs ...... 119 4.5. Technical Assistance Needs ...... 121 4.6. Responsibilities ...... 121 4.7. Preliminary suggestions for sector-specific implementation arrangements ...... 122 4.8. Cross-sectoral aspects ...... 122 4.9. Needs Assessments Table ...... 124

Pillar II: Improving the Economy ...... 136 1. Tourism ...... 137 1.1. Physical Investment Needs ...... 137 1.1.1 Transportation and Access ...... 137 1.1.1. Tourist infrastructure, information, interpretation services ...... 143 1.1.2. Accommodation ...... 146 1.1.3. Security, safety and healthcare ...... 148 1.1.4. Development of the workforce ...... 148 1.1.5. Economic linkages ...... 148 1.1.6. Destination management and market access...... 149 1.2. Development needs in policy and regulation ...... 150 1.2.1. Transport and access ...... 150 1.2.2. Tourist infrastructure, information and interpretation ...... 151 1.2.3. Accommodation ...... 152 1.2.4. Safety, security and healthcare ...... 153 1.2.5. Development of the workforce ...... 153 1.2.6. Economic linkages ...... 153 1.2.7. Destination management and market access...... 155 1.3. Institutional development needs ...... 156 1.3.1. Transport/Access ...... 156 1.3.2. Tourist infrastructure, information and interpretation ...... 156 1.3.3. Accommodation ...... 156 1.3.4. Safety, security and healthcare ...... 156 1.3.5. Development of the workforce ...... 157 1.3.6. Economic linkages ...... 157 1.3.7. Destination management and market access...... 157 1.4. Technical assistance (TA) needs ...... 159 1.4.1. Transport/Access ...... 159 1.4.2. Tourist infrastructure, information and interpretation ...... 160 1.4.3. Accommodation ...... 161 1.4.4. Safety, security and healthcare ...... 161 1.4.5. Development of the workforce ...... 161 iv

1.4.6. Economic linkages ...... 162 1.4.7. Destination management and market access...... 162 1.5. Responsibilities such as “Who should do what for things to turn real?” ...... 164 1.6. Preliminary suggestions for sector-specific implementation arrangements ...... 165 1.7. Cross-sectoral aspects ...... 165 1.8. EN Assessment Plan ...... 168 2. Aquaculture ...... 182 2.1. Needs Assessment ...... 182 2.1.1. Physical Investment Needs ...... 182 2.2. Policy and Regulatory Development Needs ...... 185 2.2.1. Commercial Fishing ...... 185 2.2.2. Recreational Fishing ...... 186 2.2.3. Aquaculture ...... 187 2.3. Institutional Development Needs ...... 187 2.4. Technical Assistance Needs ...... 187 2.5. Sector-Specific Implementation Regulations ...... 188 2.6. Cross-sectoral aspects ...... 188 2.7. Towards a Comprehensive Strategy for the Danube Delta ...... 188 2.8. Proposals for Specific Actions ...... 190 2.9. Needs Assessments Table ...... 192 3. Agriculture and Rural Development ...... 194 3.1. Physical Investment Needs ...... 194 3.1.1. General Needs for All Three Areas (Core Delta, Southern Delta and the Western side of Tulcea): 194 3.1.2. Specific Needs for Each of the Three Areas ...... 204 3.2. Development Policy and Regulation Needs ...... 212 3.2.1. Enabling the Concession of Public Land to Young Farmers for Their Stabilization ...... 212 3.2.2. Enlarge Access to Agriculture Vocational Education ...... 213 3.2.3. Modernization of Quality Control Systems for Agricultural Products ...... 213 3.2.4. Risk Management at Farm Level ...... 213 3.3. Institutional Development Needs ...... 213 3.3.1. Fostering Local Community Involvement in Local Development - LEADER ...... 213 3.3.2. Fostering the Establishment of Producers Groups / Organizations...... 214 3.4. Technical Assistance Needs ...... 214 3.4.1. Improved Information on Local and European Financing, Including Project Preparation ...... 214 3.4.2. Improvement of Consultancy/ Advisory and Training Activities for Farmers / Rural Labor ..... 214 3.4.3. Fostering and Marketing the Rural Mobile and Immobile Natural and Cultural Heritage ...... 215 3.5. Responsibilities ...... 216 3.6. Implementation Arrangements ...... 216 3.7. Cross-sectoral aspects ...... 216 3.8. List of Identified Needs ...... 216 3.9. Needs Assessment Table...... 216

Pillar III: Improving Connectivity ...... 220 1. Transportation ...... 221 1.1. Physical Investment Needs ...... 221 1.1.1. Connectivity objective...... 221 v

1.1.2. Mobility Objective ...... 226 1.1.3. Accessibility in the Core Delta ...... 229 1.1.4. Development of the transportation and logistics sector by supporting private initiative ...... 230 1.2. Responsibilities ...... 230 1.3. Cross-sectoral aspects ...... 231 1.3.1. Indication of Potential Synergies with / Requirements of Other Sectors ...... 231 1.4. Needs Assessment Table...... 234 2. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) ...... 237 2.1. Physical Investment Needs ...... 237 2.2. Policy and Regulatory Development Needs ...... 238 2.3. Institutional Development Needs ...... 239 2.4. Technical Assistance (TA) Needs ...... 239 2.5. Responsibilities: Who-will-need to do-what to make it happen? ...... 240 2.6. Preliminary suggestions for sector-specific implementation arrangements ...... 240 2.7. Cross-sectoral aspects ...... 241 2.8. Table: Needs Assessment ...... 241

Pillar IV: Providing Public Services ...... 243 1. Water Supply and Sewerage ...... 244 1.1. Physical Investment Needs ...... 245 1.2. Policy and Regulatory Development Needs ...... 247 1.3. Institutional Development Needs ...... 247 1.4. Technical Assistance (TA) Needs ...... 248 1.5. Responsibilities - Who-will-need to do-what to make it happen? ...... 248 1.6. Preliminary suggestions for sector-specific implementation arrangements ...... 249 1.7. Cross-sectoral aspects ...... 249 1.7.1. Indication of Synergy Potentials with Other Sectors ...... 249 1.7.2. Preliminary indication of advantageous packaging of sector interventions for implementation purpose (e.g. due to potentials for economy of scale; likely responsible implementation entities; etc.) 249 1.7.3. Climate change aspects...... 249 1.8. Table: Needs Assessment ...... 249 2. Solid Waste Management ...... 252 2.1. Physical Investment Needs ...... 252 2.2. Policy and Regulatory Development Needs ...... 254 2.3. Institutional Development Needs ...... 255 2.4. Technical Assistance (TA) Needs ...... 256 2.5. Development Indicators ...... 257 2.6. Responsibilities and preliminary suggestions for sector-specific implementation arrangements 257 2.7. Cross-sectoral aspects ...... 259 2.8. Needs Assessment Table...... 260 3. Education ...... 265 3.1. Sector-specific Development Objectives ...... 265 3.2. Investment Needs ...... 266 3.3. Needs Assessment Table...... 270 4. Healthcare ...... 281 vi

4.1. Investment Needs ...... 281 4.1.1. Preparedness and epidemiological response infrastructure at the level of local public health directorate ...... 281 4.1.2. Infrastructure works for primary health care (PHC) facilities ...... 281 4.1.3. Physical infrastructure for hospitals ...... 282 4.1.4. Multifunctional centers, palliative and long term care centers...... 283 4.1.5. Strengthening the Emergency Services in Tulcea ...... 283 4.1.6. The telemedicine system ...... 284 4.2. Policy and Regulatory Development Needs ...... 284 4.3. Institutional Development Needs ...... 285 4.4. Technical assistance needs ...... 286 4.5. Responsibilities ...... 286 4.6. Preliminary suggestions for sector-specific implementation arrangements ...... 287 4.7. Cross-sectoral aspects ...... 287 4.8. Needs Assessment Table...... 288 5. Social services ...... 305 5.1. Investment Needs ...... 305 6. Social inclusion ...... 309 6.1. Investment Needs ...... 309 6.1.1. Community poverty and marginalized communities ...... 309 6.1.2. Vulnerable groups ...... 316 6.1.3. Priority interventions ...... 319 7. Urban regeneration ...... 327 7.1. Physical development needs ...... 327

Pillar V: Promoting Efficiency, Affordability and Sustainability ...... 328 1. Efficiency, Affordability and Local Sustainability ...... 329 1.1. Demographic Change and its Relevance for Development Planning ...... 330 1.1.1. Population Decline and the Loss of Economies of Scale ...... 331 1.1.2. A Changing Demographic Profile and Its Impact on Affordability ...... 334 1.2. Affordability constraints on households and local governments ...... 336 1.2.1. Can households afford an improvement of basic services if they have to pay the full cost through tariffs? ...... 336 1.2.2. How much capital investments can local governments afford in a sustainable manner? ...... 340 1.3. Partnership and Cooperation ...... 343 1.4. E-services ...... 351 2. Administrative Capacity Needs ...... 353 3. Technical Assistance Needs for Program Implementation ...... 355 Concluding Comments ...... 356

Appendix ...... 358 Annex 1 - Area definitions ...... 358 Annex 2 - Sector-specific objectives ...... 360 Annex 3 - Development of Agriculture and Rural Space (by commune) NA Table ...... 365 Annex 4 - Water and Sewerage Needs by Locality ...... 386 Annex 5 - Sanitation - Sewerage and Wastewater Treatment Facilities ...... 390 Annex 6 - Regression Analysis ...... 394 vii

Annex 7 - Household Survey: Methodology and Main Results ...... 395 Annex 9 – TRACE Recommendations ...... 424 Annex 10 - Local inputs ...... 426 Annex 11 – Urban disadvantaged and marginalized areas in the Danube Delta ...... 436

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Abbreviations and Acronyms

ABA Water Basin Administration ACD Ambulances For Medical Consultations At Home ADI Inter-community Development Association AER Association of Ecotourism in Romania AFDJ Lower Danube River Authority RWNA National Romanian Waters Administration NARW-FD branch National Authority Romanian Waters - Dobrogea branch ANCPI National Agency for Cadaster and Real Estate Publicity RNA Romanian Naval Authority ANRE National Authority for Regulating Energy AP Priority Activities APSFR Areas with Potentially significant flood risk ARD Agriculture & Rural Development ATTA Adventure travel and trade association CAP Common Agricultural Policy CCFP Climate Change Financial Platform Climate Change Partnership CCP Danube International Centre for Advanced Studies for River-Delta-Sea Systems DD Danube Delta DDB Danube Delta Biosphere DDBR Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve ARBDD Biosphere Reserve Administration Danube Delta DD-NIRD Danube Delta National Institute for Research and Development DJ County Roads DMO Destination Management Organization DN National Roads DRM Disaster Risk Management DWFF Department for Water, Forestry and Fishery EAFRD European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development EAGF European Agricultural Guarantee Fund EBRD European Bank for Reconstruction and Development EC European Commission EE Energy Efficiency EEC European Economic Community ELD Environmental Liability Directive EnvGu Environmental Guard EPA Environmental Protection Agency EPBD Energy Performance Of Buildings EPRI Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment ERDF European Regional Development Fund ESFRI European Strategy Forum On Research Infrastructures ESL Early School Leaving ESMAP Energy Sector Management Assistance Program ESRI Environmental Systems Research Institute EU European Union

FC Cohesion Fund FLAG Fisheries Local Action Groups FSE Sustainable Energy Fund GD Government Decision GDP Gross Domestic Product GEF Global Environmental Facility GEO Governmental Emergency Ordinance GHG Greenhouse Gas GIS Geographic(al) information system(s) GP General Practitioners GPS Global Positioning System IBNET Water and Sanitation International Benchmarking Network ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization ICT Information & Communication Technology IDMIS Integrated Disaster Management Information System IEAMC Enterprises for exploitation of construction materials IFQ Individual Fishing Quotas IIELDB Inter-Institutional Environmental Liability Database INHGA National Institute of Hydrology and Water Management ISU Emergency Situations Inspectorate ITI Integrated Territorial Investments LCCR Local Climate Change Recommendations LCeNs Local Community E-Networks LEADER Link between Rural Economy Development Actions LEER Local Energy Efficiency Recommendations LLL Lifelong Learning LPG Liquefied Petroleum Gas LRIT Long Range Identification And Tracking LTC Long Term Care MADR Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development MAs Managing Authorities MBT Mechanical-Biological Treatment MCS Monitoring, Control And Surveillance MD Moldavia MEWF Ministry of Environment, Water and Forests MEF Ministry of European Funds MEN Ministry of National Education MJ Mega joule MOH Ministry Of Health MRDPA Ministry of Regional Development and Public Administration MRI Mean Recurrence Interval MSI Ministry for the Information Society MSWM Municipal Solid Waste Management MT Million Ton NA Needs Assessment NARW Nomenclature of Economic Activities NDDRI Network of Associations of Local Authorities od South-East Europe x

NGO National Administration Romanian Waters NHIH National Research Institute Danube Delta NRDP Non-Governmental Organization National Health Insurance House NSWM National Rural Development Program NWMP National Strategy On Waste Management O&M Operations And Maintenance OECD The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development OP Operational Program PAPI Public Point Of Access Points PHC Primary Health Care PIU Project Implementation Unit NRDP National Plan for Rural Development Fishery OP Fishery Operational Program PPP Public-Private Partnerships PSD Private Sector Development PUG Urban Planning Group RAS Non-reimbursable Advisory Services RNA Romanian Naval Authority RO Romania SCADA Supervisory control and data acquisition SENER Engineering and Technology Group SFZA Sulina Free Zone Administration SIUI The Unique Integrated Informatics System SM Sub Measure SME Small and Medium Enterprises SMURD Mobile Emergency Service for Resuscitation and Extrication STAS State Standard SWM Solid Waste Management SWOT Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats TA Technical Assistance TAC Total Allowable Catch Tulcea CC Tulcea County Council TEEB The Economics Of Ecosystems And Biodiversity TEN-T Trans-European Transport Networks TIC Tourism Information Centers TPH Tons/hectare TRACE The Tool For Rapid Assessment Of City Energy TURF Territorial User Rights Fisheries UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNFCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change USD United States Dollar VAT Value Added Tax VC Virtual Centre VET Vocational Education And Training WB World Bank WDR World Development Report WFD Water Framework Directive xi

WHO World Health Organization WISE Water Information System for Europe WTP Water Treatment Plant WUO Water Users' Organizations WWF World Wildlife Fund WWTP Wastewater Treatment Plant

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Figures Figure 1: Tourism and accessibility were the most frequently raised issues by communities among the crowd-sourced project ideas answering questions such as "where do you want your community and the Delta to be in 2030" and "what are opportunities and constraints" during the visioning exercise...... 35 Figure 2: Location of weather stations ...... 54 Figure 3: The annual and seasonal average temperature trends in the 1961-2014 period ...... 55 Figure 4: The seasonal and annual rainfall trends in the 1961-2014 period ...... 56 Figure 5: Map of surface temperatures in Tulcea municipality on 25 August 2014, 9-12:00 hours ...... 58 Figure 6: Map of surface temperatures in Sulina city on 25 August 2014, 9-12:00 hours ...... 59 Figure 7: Map of surface temperatures in Isaccea on 25 August 2014, 9-12:00 hours ...... 60 Figure 8: Map of surface temperatures in Isaccea on 25 August 2014, 9-12:00 hours ...... 61 Figure 9: Map of surface temperatures in Măcin on 25 August 2014, 9-12:00 hours...... 62 Figure 10: Primary electricity consumption per capita (kWh/capita)...... 92 Figure 11: Percentage of heat loss in the network ...... 93 Figure 12: Municipal buildings electricity consumption (kWh/square meter) ...... 94 Figure 13: Energy consumption to produce drinking water (kWh/cubic meter) ...... 95 Figure 14: Energy consumption to treat wastewater (kWh/cubic meter) ...... 95 Figure 15: Public transport energy consumption - MJ/passenger-kilometer ...... 96 Figure 16: Private transport energy consumption (MJ/passenger-kilometer) ...... 97 Figure 17: Percentage of recycling waste ...... 98 Figure 18: Electricity consumed per km of lit roads ...... 99 Figure 19: Weight of domestic-use energy products in the harmonized consumer price index in 2008 and 2012 - European Commission COM (2014) ...... 100 Figure 20: Age of housing stock in the study area ...... 102 Figure 21: Cooking fuel ...... 103 Figure 22: Type of heating used ...... 103 Figure 23: Total number of road accidents in the ITI Danube Delta in the 2010-2015 period ...... 109 Figure 24: Traffic accident fatalities indicators in TAUs of the ITI, 2010-2015 ...... 110 Figure 25: Structure of victims of traffic accidents in the ITI Delta Danube, 2010-2015 ...... 111 Figure 26: Gender and age pyramids of persons responsible for traffic accidents in the DDA (2010-2015) ...... 112 Figure 27: Number of traffic accidents in Tulcea municipality, 2010-2015 ...... 113 Figure 28: Classification of road network in Tulcea municipality according to prevalence of traffic accidents (hazard rate) ...... 113 Figure 29: Response time of ambulance and SMURD services according to event and dispatch center locations in the ITI Danube Delta ...... 115 Figure 30: Response time of ambulance and SMURD services according to event and dispatch center locations in Tulcea municipality ...... 116 Figure 31: Historic monuments of exceptional national value ...... 200 Figure 32: Location of historical monuments of local interest in the Danube Delta region

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...... 201 Figure 33: Annual global irradiance - Romania ...... 207 Figure 34: Annual average wind speeds ...... 208 Figure 35: Average number of ITC devices in the Study Area; Source: Danube Delta Households Survey ...... 237 Figure 36: Mobile broadband connections are becoming drivers of change ...... 238 Figure 37: Access to internet connected laptops for Romanian students is the lowest in Europe ...... 240 Figure 38: Population distribution per age groups and residential areas in the Danube Delta and rest of the country ...... 309 Figure 39: The ratio of urban population in marginalized areas of the South-East region ...... 313 Figure 40: The Study Area has a higher ethnic diversity than the rest of Romania ...... 316 Figure 41: Ethnic minorities, both inside and outside the core Delta, take a larger share of the population ...... 316 Figure 42: Ethnic minorities in the Study Area appear to have similar labor market outcomes as the Romanian majority (employment status for 18 years or older and younger than 65)...... 317 Figure 43: Educational outcomes for children aged 6-17 for ethnic minorities in the Study Area are not different from the majority, but the Roma situation shows huge gaps ...... 317 Figure 44: The Roma population in the Study Area receive social welfare benefits at about the same rate as the general population, which might suggest a lower coverage than in the rest of the country ...... 318 Figure 45: Urban Areas in Tulcea County Experienced a More Rapid Decline Compared to Urban Romania ...... 331 Figure 46: Lower Density Increases per Capita Expenditure for Public Services ...... 332 Figure 47: Operational expenditure per m3 of water (USD) plotted against number of customers and linear density (2012) ...... 333 Figure 48: Changing Age Structures across the Different Areas ...... 334 Figure 49: Propensity to Move by Age Group ...... 335 Figure 50: A large proportion of estimated income is spent on basic services ...... 337 Figure 51: Expenditure lowest quintiles Core Delta and Neighboring Areas ...... 338 Figure 52: Affordability of water supply services assuming full-cost recovery through tariffs? ...... 339 Figure 53: Location of LAG Danube Delta ...... 346 Figure 54: Location of LAG Valea Teliței ...... 347 Figure 55: Map of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve (DDBR) ...... 358 Figure 56: Study Area - core Delta (yellow) and Neighboring Area (green) ...... 359 Figure 57: Geo-referenced households surveyed ...... 397 Figure 58: Perceived general health status - head of household ...... 398 Figure 59: Difficulties doing day to day activities - head of household (are you able to do the following activities?) ...... 398 Figure 60: Age of housing stock ...... 400 Figure 61: Perceived quality of housing (roof, walls and floors) ...... 401 Figure 62: Access to piped water ...... 401 Figure 63: Main source of drinking water ...... 402 xiv

Figure 64: In-house water treatment (quality of water)...... 402 Figure 65: Seasonal variation of water quality ...... 403 Figure 66: Satisfaction with water supply services ...... 403 Figure 67: Access to hot water supply ...... 404 Figure 68: Type of heating system ...... 404 Figure 69: Fuel used for cooking ...... 404 Figure 70: Type of wastewater collection ...... 405 Figure 71: Type of toilet facility ...... 405 Figure 72: Sludge removal practices ...... 406 Figure 73: Garbage collected regularly from dwelling ...... 406 Figure 74: Level of satisfaction with current garbage collection services ...... 406 Figure 75: Practices for the management of solid waste ...... 407 Figure 76: Practices for the management of solid waste (recycling of different materials) ...... 408 Figure 77: Condition of the road outside the dwelling ...... 409 Figure 78: Main problems with the road outside the dwelling ...... 409 Figure 79: Main forms of transportation (Main mode 1, Main mode 2, Main mode 3) ...... 410 Figure 80: Tourism beneficiaries (Who benefits from tourism today?) ...... 411 Figure 81: Main barriers to benefiting from tourism (as perceived by households) ...... 412 Figure 82: Aggregate expenditure data by quintiles* ...... 412 Figure 83: Asset ownership in the Core Delta and Neighboring Area ...... 413 Figure 84: Asset ownership in the Core Delta and Neighboring Area ...... 413 Figure 85: Sector-specific distribution of issues raised...... 426 Figure 86: Administrative Capacity Figure 87: Tourism ...... 427 Figure 88: Demography Figure 89: Medium ...... 427 Figure 90: Socio-Economy ...... 428 Figure 91: Culture...... 428 Figure 92: Education ...... 429 Figure 93: Basic Services ...... 429 Figure 94: Healthcare ...... 430 Figure 95: Transportation ...... 430 Figure 96: Fishery ...... 431 Figure 97: Community Cohesion ...... 431 Figure 98: Agriculture ...... 432 Tables

Table 1: The Vision informs the Strategic Objectives and the five pillars unifying the sectoral analysis. xxiv Table 2: Summary of Key Needs by Sector ...... 25 Table 3: Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management SWOT Analysis ...... 37 Table 4: Urban Energy Efficiency in Tulcea City ...... 38 Table 5: Climate Change SWOT Analysis...... 39 Table 6: Risk Management and Pollution Emergency SWOT Analysis...... 40 xv

Table 7: Tourism SWOT Analysis ...... 41 Table 8: Commercial fishery SWOT Analysis ...... 42 Table 9: Recreational Fishery SWOT Analysis ...... 43 Table 10: Aquaculture SWOT Analysis ...... 43 Table 11: Agriculture and Rural Development SWOT Analysis ...... 43 Table 12: Transport in Tulcea County SWOT Analysis ...... 45 Table 13: ICT SWOT Analysis ...... 45 Table 14: SWOT Analysis: Water Supply and Sanitation ...... 47 Table 15: Solid Waste Management SWOT Analysis ...... 48 Table 16: Health SWOT Analysis ...... 49 Table 17: Education SWOT Analysis ...... 50 Table 18: Social Inclusion SWOT Analysis ...... 51 Table 19: Slopes* of the trends of extreme rainfall indicators (1961-2014) ...... 56 Table 20: Environment NM ...... 71 Table 21: NA Table, Climate Change ...... 88 Table 22: NA Table, Energy Efficiency ...... 104 Table 23: Evolution of traffic accidents in the ITI Danube Delta, 2010-2015 ...... 109 Table 24: Evolution of traffic accidents in Tulcea municipality, 2010-2015 ...... 110 Table 25: NA Table - DRM ...... 124 Table 26: NA - Pollution Emergencies ...... 133 Table 27: Occupancy rate in the Danube Delta ...... 146 Table 28: EN Tourism table ...... 168 Table 29: Current potential and indicative production and job creation potential in aquaculture in the DD...... 184 Table 30: Estimated Economic Value of Commercial Fisheries and Fish Trade in the Danube Delta ...... 186 Table 31: The Range of Provisioning, Regulating, Supporting and Cultural Services Provided by Functional Aquatic Ecosystems (According to Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005). Some aquatic ecosystems will provide some or all of these...... 189 Table 32: Draft DD Investment Plan and Implementation Strategy ...... 190 Table 33: Fishing and Aquaculture Table ...... 192 Table 34: Needs Assessment Table -- Development of Agricultural and Rural Areas ...... 217 Table 35: Estimated time and distance on alternate routes ...... 222 Table 36: The road network in Tulcea County ...... 226 Table 37: Public roads in Tulcea County ...... 227 Table 38: Relation between the transport infrastructure and the following sectors ...... 231 Table 39: Climate change aspects ...... 232 Table 40: NA Table, Transportation ...... 234 Table 41: ITC NA Table ...... 241 Table 42: ACS NA Table ...... 250 Table 43: Development Indicators ...... 257 Table 44: ASC NA Table ...... 262 xvi

Table 45: Europe 2020 Strategy Targets - State of Play ...... 265 Table 46: Geographic distribution of students by level - 2012/2013 ...... 267 Table 47: Education NA Table ...... 270 Table 48: Health NA Table ...... 288 Table 49: Social Services NA Table ...... 308 Table 50: Distribution of urban population in Tulcea county according to residential area ...... 311 Table 51: Social Inclusion ...... 321 Table 52: Comparative statistics quality of services ...... 338 Table 53: Financial sustainability indicators for 2009-2012 ...... 341 Table 54: Financial Sustainability Indicator of TAUs in the Danube Delta ...... 342 Table 55: Projects selected within the LAG (Jan. 2015) ...... 347 Table 56: Projects selected ...... 348 Table 57: Projects selected ...... 350 Table 58: Development Of Agriculture And Rural Space (by commune) NA Table ...... 365 Table 59: WSS NA Table per locality ...... 386 Table 60: Sanitation - Sewers and WWTP ...... 390 Table 61: Simple Linear Regression Output showing Economies of Scale Effects in Water Services ...... 394 Table 62: Propensity to Move --- Probit Regression and Average Marginal Effects ...... 394 Table 63: Sample size by commune and probability weight ...... 396 Table 64: General health questions - to head of household ...... 399 Table 65: Household size and households per dwelling ...... 399 Table 66: ...... 399 Table 67: General housing characteristics (rooms, area, time since living in dwelling, estimated rent value, sell value) ...... 400 Table 68: ...... 400 Table 69: Distance (minutes) and cost (RON/person) to different service, commerce centers...... 411 Table 70: Danube Delta Region: TRACE – Assessment of City Energy: General Presentation Table ...... 414 Table 71: TRACE Recommendations ...... 424 Table 72: The Regional Operational Programme ...... 433 Table 73: Education investments proposed ...... 433

Boxes Box 1: What is adventure travel? ...... 140 Box 2: Canotca (Canoe-boat) ...... 141 Box 3: Tourist information point good practice guidebook ...... 145 Box 4: Zoning the travel experience in the Danube Delta ...... 151 Box 5: Sustainable tourism certification program – Costa Rica ...... 152 Box 6: Knowledge and innovation for the Finnish tourism sector ...... 159 Box 7: CLUSTER Tourism ...... 166

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Executive Summary

In September 2013, the World Bank was contracted to provide advisory services to the Government of Romania in the preparation of a strategy for the Danube Delta1 and its surrounding area that would bring prosperity to this environmentally and culturally rich, yet slowly depopulating region. In response, an extensive diagnostic assessment of the prevailing situation with respect to access to basic services, opportunities for job creation and growth, and constraints to development has been carried out. The diagnostic assessment was complemented by findings from participatory consultations with local residents and stakeholders on their `preferences' of what a future Danube Delta would look like (the vision). Together, they provide the rationale for the investment needs and policy changes, as synthesized in this Needs Assessment Report.

The detailed sector-specific needs assessments build towards the vision and two strategic goals for the Study Area. The vision for the Danube Delta is a "living delta" - an area where people live and work - with a balanced support for the environment and the community, a healthy, sustainable local economy based on nature and culture based tourism to a large extent, and an inclusive planning process (residents, governments, businesses). The detailed sector-specific needs assessments are expected to contribute to this vision and achieve the two strategic objectives derived from it for the Study Area: (1) to conserve the unique environmental assets through scientifically-guided environmental management and by empowering the local communities to be proactive guardians of this unique global heritage; and (2) to develop a green and inclusive local economy, based on sustainable consumption and protection, resource efficient, capitalizing on the area's comparative advantages, supported by improved public services.

While the needs are significant, it is critical to prioritize them strategically for the study area and to phase implementation of investments, which will be done in the next stages of the Strategy development process. The Needs Assessment (NA) identifies measures and interventions to achieve the overarching strategic objectives and underlying sector-specific objectives. The NA lists the needs for physical investment, policy and regulatory reforms, institutional development, and technical assistance (TA). The lists of needs are long and further prioritization for an action plan will be necessary. The Strategy will identify key projects within each sector based on the NA, and link them to financial resources allocated through the ITI instrument.

1 The Danube Delta (DD) is the area referred to as the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve (DDBR), or simply the Delta. (i) the core Delta (the area between the Sf. Gheorghe and Chilia branches of the Danube) (ii) the Razim- Sinoe-Babadag lake system and adjacent land areas; and (iii) the area along the Danube River west of Tulcea City towards Galați. The study area covers the DDBR and adjacent areas; the study area includes Tulcea municipality and its four towns (Babadag, Isaccea, Măcin and Sulina) and 32 communes (Tulcea county has 46 communes). Four communes (Corbu, Istria, Mihai Viteazu and Săcele) are part of Constanța county's administrative area, all four bordering the bay area of Lake Sinoe.

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"The whole is greater than the sum of its parts". Although distinct from each other, the sector-specific needs assessments have common threads and synergies that will be integrated into a sustainable development strategy. The sectors have been structured under five pillars: (i) protecting the environmental and natural resource assets; (ii) improving the economy; (iii) improving connectivity; (iv) providing public services; and (v) promoting efficiency, affordability and sustainability. The needs defined under these pillars respond to the mentioned strategic objectives. Beyond the integration of needs across sectors though the ongoing broad-based strategic planning process, synergies are outlined within each sector. These link physical investments, policy and regulatory changes, and institutional development and technical assistance needs to enhance benefits and sustain the assets. Significant development benefits will only be reaped if all sectors contribute their share. The linkages between the vision, objectives, pillars and sectors are shown in Table 1.

The report is structured under five pillars. Following a brief introduction and context description, Pillar I "Protecting the environmental and natural resource assets" includes four chapters: Environment, Biodiversity, and Forests; Climate Change, Energy Efficiency, and Disaster Risk Management (DRM) and Pollution Emergency. Pillar II "Improving the economy" addresses the Tourism, Fishery & Aquaculture, and Agriculture & Rural Development sectors. This is followed by Pillar III "Improving connectivity" where the Transport and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) needs are covered. Pillar IV "Providing public services" includes chapters on Water Supply and Sewerage, Solid Waste Management, Education, Health, and Social Inclusion. The final Pillar V: "Promoting efficiency, affordability and sustainability" is cross-cutting, and addresses affordability and capacity constraints, including significant technical assistance needs for program implementation. The report ends with brief Concluding Comments.

Pillar I: Protecting the environmental and natural resource assets

The environmental assets need to be protected not only for their intrinsic existence value but also to foster the main comparative advantage of the area. Environmental assets in the study area - and in particular in the biosphere reserve - need to be restored and protected as they play an important role in the conservation of biological diversity and ecosystems of national and global significance. These assets also represent the most important comparative advantage of the study area, which needs to be fostered for the promotion of economic development driven by tourism. During the past 50 years, the ecological systems of the Danube Delta have been significantly degraded due to human activities, and man-made risks, such as chemical spills, remain. An advanced pollution incident response and prevention mechanism (including an early warning system) needs to exist.

The restoration and long-term management of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve (DDBR) depend on a detailed understanding of the complex and dynamic hydrological and ecological systems; effective institutional set-up; and strong support from local authorities, residents and other resource users. Advanced hydrological modelling is needed to guide de-silting and other ecological restoration of the network of waterways. Afforestation, monitoring facilities, modernization of information points, xix

and waste management investments will also be important. On the policy side, there is a need for an update of the legislation that governs the objectives of the DDBR and its institutional structures. Monitoring tools and capacity need to be strengthened in the DDBR Authority. The legislative update needs to entail a coordination mechanism, and measures that strengthen the capacity and incentives of local communities to participate in the protection and management of the DDBR, and to diversify income sources away from dependence on consumptive use of the living natural resources. An anticipated International Center for Biodiversity Preservation, and related studies and digital cartographic support will also help meet the management standards for an internationally renowned biosphere reserve.

Pillar II: Improving the economy

Nature-based tourism holds significant potential for improving income for local residents, provided the quality and the tourism portfolio are strengthened using an integrated destination management cluster approach, with the local population being empowered to participate. All stakeholders need to unite behind the following three objectives for the tourism sector:

- Firstly, develop the Study Area as an integrated tourism destination with a rich portfolio of sustainable nature- and culture-based tourism products and services, along with relevant marketing activities (by tapping and promoting the natural and cultural heritage). - Secondly, establish a local destination management organization that is based on active participation and ownership of local stakeholders. - Thirdly, enable local people to run small tourism businesses that meet quality and sustainability standards, and that are economically viable.

While improved public services (described under Pillar IV) and better connectivity (outlined under Pillar III) will be key to unlock this potential, specific tourism infrastructure and services (such as the quality of accommodation, walking paths, scientific and educational resources, and guided tours to learn about the eco-systems) will be essential to combat seasonality and extend the length of stays. Likewise, corresponding education and training to develop a workforce that can cater to higher end tourism will be essential.

Fishery and agriculture activities should be integrated with the opportunities offered by tourism, by organizing higher-end fishing for recreational purposes, farm visits, local organic produce with shortened supply chains (from farm to fork), etc.

Although comercial fishing and agriculture will remain important for the livelihoods of the population in the Delta and its surroundings, they would both benefit by shifting the focus to activities with higher economic returns. For fisheries and aquaculture, this should also mean a shift towards more valuable fish populations, dominated by large predatory species and supported by a more ecologically balanced habitat (requiring a dredging and water management plan to reduce sedimentation in vulnerable lakes).

In the case of agriculture, enhancing productivity through diversification, consolidation and modernization of farms needs to be supported through agricultural extension (advisory) services.

Pillar III: Improving connectivity

Efficient transport of people, goods, services and ideas is a critical condition to connect a lagging region with a leading one. It reduces the distance to markets, critical for economic activities (Pillar II), it helps overcome lack of economies of scale in the provision of health and education services (described under Pillar IV), and it improves general accessibility and mobility of residents and visitors in the Delta. The main transport needs identified relate to upgrading of key roads, small investments to allow more flights at Tulcea Airport, upgrading of Tulcea and Sulina ports, new and improved landing sites (docks) at various villages, and related transport service enhancements along the network of waterways in the biosphere reserve.

Virtual connectivity also needs to be improved through increased access and use of information and communication technology (ICT). Where the physical transport of people to services is costly or lengthy, as is the case of the Core Delta, the internet can help bring services to people. Investments in high quality internet access, and concomitant training to enhance computer literacy, would not only be vital to enhance education and health services, but also help in marketing agricultural produce and advertising of tourism activities.

Pillar IV: Providing public services

Basic services, such as safe water supply and sewerage, solid waste management, education and health are not only essential building blocks for human development, but have been identified as important obstacles to tourism. Many of the communes and localities in the study area are lagging behind in basic service provision. Safe water supply and sewerage, access to good quality education and health services are not universally available in the area, while the current solid waste management is a hazard for the conservation of the natural assets.

Out-of-the-box alternatives have been identified where low density and remoteness make traditional service provision prohibitively expensive. Low densities and the remoteness of some communes in the Core Delta make traditional service provision expensive. It necessitates new approaches, for instance, setting up virtual classrooms through distance learning and e-learning programs, or providing preventive health care through mobile units and online consultations. Supporting the access to high quality internet (Pillar III) by public health clinics and schools could significantly improve service delivery outcomes for these sectors.

Pillar V: Promoting efficiency, affordability and sustainability

Means-tested subsidies administered under central government social protection schemes would be a preferable way to address affordability and may provide incentives to reduce informality. Poorly xxi

targeted subsidies, as currently administered on utility bills in the Core Delta, are not a solution to address affordability constraints. As shown in the report using the example of water, subsidies generate overuse of a scarce resource (drinking water) that is being diverted for other uses (irrigation) that could be met with inferior supplies (surface or groundwater unsuitable for drinking). Thus means-tested targeted subsidies as part of the existing social protection schemes would be a more appropriate way to address affordability.

Further empowering local authorities to develop and oversee public service delivery is an essential factor that would help the development of the Study Area. The question on affordability does not only pertain to households, but equally to next and higher tiers of government. Assessing the fiscal space of the local governments in the Study Area2 reveals that they can absorb at most about 90 million Euro of capital expenditures, if they assume budgetary responsibility for operation and maintenance (O&M) of the new or rehabilitated assets. Further empowering local governments to oversee the public service delivery is an essential factor that would help the development of the Study Area, since the alternatives (concessions, outside institutions, etc.) are less accountable to those that are presumed to benefit from these investments. If neither households, nor local governments can sustain the level of local services in the area, the supplemental finance through targeted subsidies needs to be provided by central government, or services need to be tailored to affordable levels.

Not only local authorities, but the capacity of all institutions3 to administer the type and scale of projects envisaged, needs to be strengthened. Limited budgetary resources and challenges in retaining staff in remote areas (e.g. in the health and education sectors) has put stress on the administrative systems. The need for effective coordination of interventions will present additional administrative demands on beneficiary institutions, and some new organizations are proposed to be established (for example, a destination management organization for the tourism sector). A comprehensive program on capacity building and technical assistance will need to be administered, that is supportive of future functions, incentives and accountabilities.

Concluding Remarks and Next Steps

This Needs Assessment Report represents a critical milestone towards an integrated, sustainable development strategy for the Study Area. It highlights the linkages between sectors and the importance of synergies to be exploited. It also emphasizes the need to combine investments with policy instruments to enhance the benefits and sustain the assets.

Employment opportunities will influence future migration patterns. Tourism offers the greatest opportunities for locals to participate in and benefit from. Investments need not only be directed to

2 Including Tulcea city, but not the Tulcea County Council 3 The main beneficiaries of the European funds in the following period are the Tulcea County Council, nearly 40 city halls (including Tulcea City and four towns), and the DDBRA and other national government entities. There will also be private sector beneficiaries. xxii

critical infrastructure and service improvements, but also towards the people who are hosting, guiding and navigating visitors to the Danube Delta. Traditional agriculture and fisheries will remain important for most of the Study Area's workforce, but they could reap higher returns if they are further aligned with the opportunities that tourism offers.

Adequate, affordable public services are fundamental for all, and a prerequisite for sustainable tourism development. To be a nature reserve where people live and work, safe water supply, sewerage, basic health services, etc. need to be ensured. Improved services are also a pre-requisite for a thriving small scale tourism sector. Similar service improvements are needed in DDBR's neighboring area. They need to be aligned with the ability of the residents to pay for the services, supported by an appropriate subsidy policy.

Development of the Study Area cannot be done at the expense of the environment. The unique biodiversity and ecosystems of the DDBR need to be restored and protected, and more data intense modeling of hydrological flows are needed to guide a dredging and water management plan. Impact analyses of human activity on habitats will be as important as securing the support from local authorities and residents in this protection effort.

The defined needs will be further prioritized into an action plan. The sector-specific assessments have made a ranking of the needs within the respective sector. The next step will be to prioritize them across sectors strategically. Furthermore, implementation will need to be carefully phased. This will be done for the ITI Proposal and the Action Plan.

The following two tables provide an overview of the five pillars mentioned above, and a summary of the key needs by sector.

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Table 1: The Vision informs the Strategic Objectives and the five pillars unifying the sectoral analysis.

Vision for the Study Area: A "living delta" with a balanced support for the environment and the community, a healthy, sustainable local economy, to a large extent based on nature and culture tourism, and with an inclusive planning process (residents, governments, businesses). Strategic Objective no. 1: Conserve the unique Strategic Objective no. 2: Develop a green and environmental assets through scientifically-guided inclusive local economy, based on sustainable environmental management, and by empowering consumption and protection, resource the local communities to be proactive guardians of efficient, capitalizing on the area's this unique global heritage. comparative advantages, supported by improved public services.

Pillar I: Pillar II: Pillar III: Pillar IV: Protecting the environmental and natural assets Improving the Improving Providing economy connectivity public services

Environment, Biodiversity, Forests Tourism Transport Water Supply and Sewerage

Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Fishery and Information and Solid Waste Aquaculture Communication Management Technology (ICT)

Disaster Risk Management (DRM), and Pollution Agriculture & Education Emergency Rural Development

Health

Social Protection and Inclusion

Pillar V: Promoting efficiency, affordability and sustainability (including Administrative Capacity of Local Authorities, and Technical Assistance for Program Implementation)

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Table 2: Summary of Key Needs by Sector Institutional Development & Technical Physical investments needs Policy & Regulatory Needs Assistance Needs

Pillar I: Protecting the environmental and natural resource assets

Environment,  Hydrological modelling tools  Revision of the DDBR Law  Modelling of sedimentation dynamics and for Biodiversity, Forests  De-silting works and other  Enhancements to other laws monitoring hydrological improvements  DDBR policy enhancements  A new DDBR visitor center  Ecological restoration  The education curricula  Modernization of Info Points  Afforestations  International Center for biodiversity  Monitoring facilities preservation  Systems for handling animal waste  DDBR functional review  Coordination mechanism  Studies and TA for biodiversity conservation and restoration  Digital mapping support  Awareness campaigns

Energy Efficiency  EE improvements  Local EE policies, including on  Energy audits of buildings (EE) and Climate  EE improvements in heating, water, incentives  Urban transport mobility plans Change waste, and public transport sectors  Local climate monitoring and  Build local CC capacity  Local climate change fund for reporting policies  Public education and awareness residents, SMEs

Disaster Risk  Facilities, boats, vehicles  Methods for risk assessment  Integrated Disaster Management. Information Management,  Flood protection works  Regulation: monitoring of ships System (IDMIS) including Pollution  Pollution monitoring equipment  Studies related to environmental  Risk assessments Emergency liability and incident-related data  Disaster/pollution emergency prevention and sharing response plans  Training and public awareness

Pillar II: Improving the economy

Tourism  Transport/Access improvements  Guidelines and standards for  Develop distinct brand for tourism and related (roads around attractions, signage, transport, destinations, hospitality products paths, docks, service facilities and services  Transport providers association improvements)  Safety, security and health policy  Strengthened visitor centers, and local hotel  Visitor infrastructure (info kiosks, frameworks for tourism associations signage, resting/viewing sites,  Policies that enable SME creation  Institutional collaboration (national, local); upgraded info centers) and entrepreneurship across sectors  Accommodation (upgraded  Destination management mechanism facilities, camping areas)  Destination management  System for data collection, analysis and  Labor development (training policies/guidelines dissemination center(s) for hospitality, guiding,  Links to national level policies and  Design of trails, water routes, etc. agriculture, crafts, fishing) plans  Guidelines for accommodations  Facilities for attractions/visitor  Review of tax collection system services  Market analysis / access strategy  Supporting relevant SMEs

Fishery and  Dredging of waterways and lakes  Reduce/eliminate VAT on  Hydrology/sedimentation modelling Aquaculture  Reconnecting agricultural polders commercial fishery (revised tax  Fish stock assessment  Fisheries Zoning collection system)  Aquaculture water quality  Implement DDBRA Monitoring, Control Surveillance reform plan

Agriculture and  Modernized facilities for collection/  Enable concession of land to young  Fostering local community involvement in Rural Development processing/marketing of produce farmers LEADER  Rehabilitation of irrigation  Enlarge access to vocational  Fostering producer groups infrastructure education  Advisory service and training for farmers/rural  Diversification of farming and non-  Modernized agricultural quality labor farming activities control systems  Fostering consolidation of small farms  Fostering organic farming activities  Conservation of local patrimony Pillar III: Improving connectivity

Transport  Rehabilitation / upgrading of the  Policies for transport concessions,  Feasibility studies Constanța - Tulcea - Braila - Galați road including procurement processes  Support for public-private partnership (PPP)  Rehabilitation of various county  Regulation for small businesses to transactions roads transport clients  Integrated mobility plans  Improvement of inland waterways and ports  Marinas and landing docks  Modernization of Medgidia - Tulcea railway  Limited enhancement of Tulcea airport  Mobility in urban centers  Support private initiatives in the fields of transport and logistics

Information &  Basic infrastructure throughout  Open data policies  Facilitation of ICT use Communication study area  E-government local services  Digital literacy programs Technology (ICT)  Equipment for Public Access Points  E-portal to Internet (PAPIs) Pillar IV: Providing public services

Water Supply and  Expansion/rehabilitation of water  Review of subsidy policies  Feasibility studies (FS) and designs for Sewerage supply and wastewater collection investments and treatment systems (new or  Capacity building of operators rehabilitated systems) across the  Preparation of service contracts study area to improve quality and efficiency of services

Solid Waste  Systems for handling separated  Updating national and regional  Institutional collaboration, and inter-city/ Management waste waste management programs community cooperation  Waste collection points and  Enhancing regulation, inspection  Study on financial sustainability transport facilities in tourist areas and enforcement in the sector  Waste composition studies  Equipment to collect floating waste  . Subsidy policies  Public awareness programs  Recycling of waste 27

Education  Access to quality primary and lower  Support for enrolment and  Plans for access to education secondary education for all retention in ECEC  Improved school after school programs &  Increased access to Early Childhood  Approaches to ensure qualified student counselling Education and Care (ECEC) teachers in all locations  Improved vocational training  Increased access to vocational and  Approaches to bring early school  Partnerships between employers and education technical education leavers back to school / training providers  Incentives for participation in  Support of Community Permanent Learning lifelong learning programs Centers

Healthcare  Buildings; medical, lab and IT  National and local policy for  Feasibility studies and designs equipment; vehicles, boats for primary care in rural/remote areas  Capacity improvements at local Public Health emergencies, shelters  Frameworks for primary care, Directorate (PHD)  Supporting infrastructure for ambulatory care, telemedicine  Diagnostic laboratories telemedicine  National telemedicine network  Train emergency response staff  Sanitary facilities in schools with standards and protocols  Build skills in public health laboratory  Multifunctional centers in Babadag, management Sulina and Sf. Gheorghe  Information/education campaigns  Improved, integrated facilities at  Ambulatory, long term care, and palliative Tulcea Emergency County Hospital capacity development  Rehabilitation of Măcin hospital building, with equipment, and a palliative center

Social inclusion  Develop early childhood (0-6 years)  Measures in the education and  Involving parents in early childhood education (Needs from World institutional infrastructure in health sectors partnerships Bank, Roma Report, communities with high share of  Community grants as part of  Formal and non-formal education measures 2014) Roma population educational intervention beyond school hours  Making schools more friendly for all  Increasing participation of Roma girls at all children levels of education  Integrative and multifunctional  Developing human capital among Roma community centers women  Urban renewal of disadvantaged  Regularizing housing property rights districts  Info/education campaigns (civic spirit)  Social and youth housing

Pillar V: Promoting efficiency, affordability and sustainability (including Administrative Capacity of Local Authorities, and Technical Assistance for Program Implementation)

 Affordability of  Subsidy policies  Review of household affordability (improved Households services)

 Sustainability  Operations and Maintenance  Review of O&M requirements, responsibilities, (O&M) policies and capacity

 Administrative  Vehicles, office equipment  Technical assistance support Capacity

 Program  Facilities, vehicles, office  Technical assistance support Implementation equipment

1. Introduction

"In 2030 the Danube Delta is a world renowned prosperous traditional community - a fertile and safe shelter where new generations of people, plants, birds and fish thrive together" (Vision Report 2014)

In September 2013, the World Bank was contracted to provide advisory services to the Government of Romania for the preparation of a strategy for the Danube Delta and its surrounding communes that would bring prosperity to this environmentally and culturally rich, yet slowly depopulating region. In response, an extensive diagnostic assessment of the prevailing situation with respect to access to basic services, opportunities for job creation and growth, and constraints to development has been carried out. The diagnostic assessment was complemented by the findings from participatory consultations with local residents and stakeholders on their `preferences' of how a future Danube Delta would look like. Together, they provide the rationale for identified needs and policy changes, as synthesized in this Needs Assessment Report.

Each sector, from environmental protection through the economic opportunities of tourism, fisheries and agriculture to connectivity and basic services, has prepared a detailed assessment of investment requirements and accompanying policies. Although distinct from each other, there are common threads and mutual reinforcing factors that integrate these assessments. To give an example, investments needs identified to improve internet access and literacy will, on the one hand reduce the distance of residents in remote locations to ideas and news elsewhere. However, these investments will also - among others - enhance schooling options by making virtual classrooms possible; enable online health consultations with specialists; and provide opportunities for small pension owners to advertise their rooms on the internet. Such spillover benefits are outlined as appropriate to understand the reinforcing effects of the identified activities.

Moreover, sector improvements proposed in the needs assessments are based on a hierarchy of objectives that ultimately aim at enhancing the welfare of local communities. More specifically, unleashing tourism, fisheries and agricultural opportunities seeks to increase welfare by means of income generation and economic development, whereas improving access to basic services like health, education and water enhances household welfare by improving economic earning potential (health, education) or reducing coping cost.

The report has been structured under five pillars. The five pillars are derived from the dual strategic objectives of protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development - the first strategic objective of conserving the unique environmental assets is supported by Pillar I "Protecting environmental and natural resource assets " while the second strategic objective needs three pillars to advance sustainable development - economic opportunities, connectivity, and basic services; and the fifth pillar is cross-cutting to ensure efficiency, affordability and financial sustainability. `Environmental 30

protection' needs to safeguard the unique ecosystem of the Danube Delta4 are outlined under pillar one, along with emergency response measures in the face of disaster, man-made or other, and steps to increase the area's climate resilience and promote low carbon technologies. The second one, entitled `improving the economy', comprises sectors that support income generation activities, based on the area's comparative advantage. As mentioned above, this includes tourism, fisheries and agriculture, and each of these sectors' needs assessments outline the type of investments and policies that would best position these sectors in the market. The third pillar is labelled `connectivity' and includes investments that help bridge the distance between lagging and leading regions. It entails a chapter on transport to ease movement of people, goods and services and a chapter on internet to facilitate the exchange of ideas. Connectivity is vital to enable other services, as mentioned in the example above, and to reduce logistical costs. The fourth pillar focuses on `public services needs' related to education, health and urban services such as water, sanitation and waste collection. As is examined under the fifth cross- cutting pillar, investments and services need to be `efficient, affordable and sustainable' so that they can be maintained and provided locally.

Pillar I "Protecting the environmental and natural resource assets" identifies the needs for a better management of the environmental assets in the study area and of existing risks linked to potential pollution incidents that could have major negative impacts on the ecosystem. The management and restoration of environmental assets is seen as a means for balancing conservation with sustainable use, and the promotion of economic development. This pillar also identifies the need to promote mitigation and adaptation actions to climate change risks while it argues for energy efficiency measures in urban areas as a win-win action for climate change mitigation.

The assessments presented under pillar II "Improving the economy" aim to enhance the economic prospects of tourism, fisheries and rural development. Nature-based tourism holds significant potential for improving income to local residents, provided the quality and the tourism portfolio are strengthened in an integrated destination management cluster approach, with the local population being empowered to participate. Support to more recreational fishing, advocated under the assessment of the fishing

4 The Danube Delta (DD) is the area referred to as the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve (DDBR). The DDBR area is shown in the map below. It includes: (i) the area between the Sf. Gheorghe and the Chilia branches of the Danube river is called the core Delta due to its particular socio-economic characteristics; (ii) the Razim-Sinoe-Babadag lake system and adjacent land areas; (iii) and the area along the Danube River west of Tulcea City towards Galați. The Study Area (also called the Danube Delta Region) is highlighted in green and yellow in the map below. It covers the DDBR and its Neighboring Area and consists of Tulcea City, four towns (Babadag, Isaccea, Măcin, and Sulina) and thirty two communes. Four of the communes (Corbu, Istria, Mihai Viteazu, and Săcele) fall within the administrative boundaries of Constanța County; all four border the bay area of Razim-Sinoe Lake.

sector, will move in tandem with developing attractive tourism activities. In the case of agriculture, enhancing productivity through diversification, consolidation and modernization of farms needs to be supported through agricultural extension (advisory) services. It also important to support non- agricultural activities that enable rural areas residents to earn additional revenue.

The efficient transport of people, goods, services and ideas is a critical condition to bridge a lagging region and a leading one and is the subject of Pillar III "Improving connectivity". The main transport needs identified relate to upgrading of key roads, small investments to allow more flights at Tulcea Airport, upgrading of Tulcea and Sulina ports, new and improved landing sites (docks) at various villages, and related transport service enhancements along the network of waterways in the biosphere reserve. Investments in high quality internet access, and concomitant training to enhance computer literacy, would not only be vital to enhance education and health services, but also help in marketing agricultural and non-agricultural products and promoting tourism activities.

Pillar IV "Providing public services" covers the following basic service needs assessments: water supply and sewerage, solid waste management, education, health and social inclusion. The outlined investments and programs are based on assessed needs but specific technical options and alternatives for the improvement of services needs to be further studied to assess their feasibility and sustainability. An expansion of the water supply and wastewater collection and treatment systems is envisioned while subsidy policies should be reviewed and the water association (ADI Water) should cover all communes. For solid waste management, there is a clear need for better institutional collaboration, enhanced regulation as well as physical investments in equipment to tackle floating waste and waste in tourism areas and support the recycling thereof. The education sector recommends measures to improve access to education as well as strengthen lifelong learning programs and improve professional outcomes for graduates. The health sector emphasizes improved facilities in the Tulcea Emergency County Hospital as well as strengthened framework for general practitioners in remote areas. The social inclusion chapter recommends measures to strengthen the integration of disadvantaged groups through better educational access, health services and housing.

Pillar V "Promoting efficiency, affordability and sustainability" is cross-cutting and addresses issues of household ability to afford services, financial sustainability of capital expenditures and other administrative capacity and technical assistance needs. Already, the cost of services have reached an affordability limit by several households in the Study Area, and the fiscal space of local governments is equally tight, so that further burdening them with operations and maintenance (O&M) costs that cannot be recovered by user is not a viable option. Lack of affordability by households is best addressed by targeted means-tested subsidies, managed under central government's social protection programs, and rarely is it advisable to administer indiscriminate area-based subsidies. Bringing more economic opportunities (pillar 2) to local residents will be the best medicine to address affordability constraints.

The proposed and outlined investments are based on assessed needs but not demand. While these needs can reasonably inform a regional development strategy, it will be essential to subject proposed investments to the market test, when carrying out more comprehensive feasibility studies.

2. Context

2.1 Vision and Strategic Objectives

The strategic orientation stemming from the Danube Delta Vision Statement points to the "living delta" scenario with a balanced support for the environment and the community, a healthy, sustainable local economy based on nature and culture based tourism to a large extent, and an inclusive planning process. Through the process of creating the Vision Statement5, study area residents and stakeholders at both the national and local level indicated that their vision is a "living delta", with good environmental quality, maintaining the area's unique biodiversity value, but also with significant economic development potential, largely based on (consumptive and non-consumptive6) use of the area's natural resources. The following strategic orientations can be derived from the Vision Statement for the Danube Delta (2030): Residents, governments and businesses make decisions together regarding the economic development of the Delta and its neighboring area (the Study Area), while protecting its unique landscape and ecosystem. A healthy, sustainable local economy, driven by small-scale tourism and good internet and physical accessibility. A strong network of attractive, economically vibrant towns in the neighboring areas provides multi-modal connectivity to the Black Sea coastline and beyond. A balanced support for the environment and residents comes also through good education and health services. The Delta preserves local traditions and nature, including beaches. Based on the findings of the Diagnostic Report, and guided by the direction set in the Vision, the dual strategic objectives of conserving the environment and supporting sustainable economic development emerged. The overarching Strategic Objectives were defined as: Strategic Objective no. 1: Conserve the unique environmental assets through scientifically-guided environmental management and by empowering the local communities to be proactive guardians of this unique global heritage. Strategic Objective no. 2: Develop a green and inclusive local economy, based on sustainable consumption and protection, resource efficient, capitalizing on the area's comparative advantages, supported by improved public services. The overarching objectives are further elaborated into and supported by sector-specific objectives, which are presented in Annex 2.

5 10 public consultations with 370 residents and stakeholders took place in April 2014. For further details, see "A Vision for the Danube Delta" 6 Non-consumptive use means e.g. the environment or recreational benefit when resources are not destroyed or depleted. Consumptive use means withdrawal of the resource from the environment to prevent use by anyone else. 34

2.2 Scope of the Needs Assessment

The Needs Assessment lists the intervention needs to meet the dual strategic objectives. The Strategy process started with the Diagnostic Report, which outlines opportunities and constraints for the study area. The next step was the Vision report, which captures a forward-looking ideal future that community aims to reach and where the region has the potential to be. Based on these inputs, the above strategic objectives were derived. The Needs Assessment (NA) identifies measures and interventions to achieve the overarching strategic objectives and the underlying sector-specific objectives. The NA lists the needs for physical investment, policy and regulatory reforms, institutional development, and technical assistance (TA). The NA was prepared by sector-specific experts in close collaboration with local authorities of the Danube Delta (e.g. in the health sector: the Public Health Directorate, the Emergency Hospital, other medical facilities, the local health insurance fund, general practitioners and mayors) and in discussions with key central government experts (e.g. in health: Ministry of Health, Inter-ministerial Committee for Emergency Situations). Under the umbrella of the Danube Delta Inter-institutional Committee, the team has received feedback on all prior deliverables. A constant dialogue has been maintained between the committee members and sector-specific experts. Furthermore, during the team's field visits, needs were further identified and discussed with the mayors of the local authorities. Last but not least, the team has crowd-sourced 789 project ideas from residents during the visioning exercise; these are illustrated in Figure 1, which were also considered by the sector-specific experts for the NA.

Figure 1: Tourism and accessibility were the most frequently raised issues by communities among the crowd- sourced project ideas answering questions such as "where do you want your community and the Delta to be in 2030" and "what are opportunities and constraints" during the visioning exercise.

2.3 Difference in approach applied to: (i) the Core Delta, (ii) the rest of the Delta/DDBR, and (iii) the Neighboring Areas

The approach applied in the core Delta, the rest of the DDBR and the neighboring areas differed in terms of focus on environmental issues and elaboration of service needs. As explained in the Diagnostic Report, there are three distinctive areas within the study region (see Annex 1). The core Delta faces particular challenges of accessibility, services, and human resources. The DDBR area overall is under strict environmental regulations. The neighboring area, which is more urbanized and with better rural access to services, has strong opportunities for capitalizing on its proximity to the Delta. For these three distinct areas, the approach applied by the team responded to the particular constraints and opportunities. - For the DDBR territory, emphasis was placed on the relation to the environment. - For the core Delta, more detailed delineation of service needs was made due to the area's particularly low current service levels. - In the neighboring areas, without the environmental restrictions, the full potential for agriculture and tourism, for instance, was pursued.

2.4 Potential synergies

Significant synergies may be achieved by an integrated planning of the strategy. Integrated planning can be achieved by a mix of values, priorities, people and local and national institutions within a flexible assessment, decision-making and action system. The integrated planning may enable a more significant impact of the resulting strategy and projects as compared to the individual approach. The strategy aims to achieve the two overarching strategic objectives, through sector-specific objectivs, as presented in Annex 2. Each sector-specific objective supports the overarching objectives. The interventions designed in each sector are thus strongly oriented towards the overarching objectives and bring along synergies from their integrated design. Higher-quality nature-based tourism and environmental management will reinforce each other and will be supported by an orientation towards recreational fishing and improved services. The spatial and functional integration is expected to secure a larger impact of the projects and policies proposed under the strategy. Spatial integration will strengthen the linkages between urban and rural areas, for instance. Functional/ sectoral integration is also necessary because sector-specific problems frequently turn out to require multi-sector solutions. For instance, the seismic improvements and thermal insulation of buildings should all be done together for maximum return on investment. Moreover, investments in the water and sewerage network and in the rehabilitation/modernization of roads should be coordinated in order to avoid wasting resources (such as paving a road twice).

3. SWOT Analysis

The diagnosis analysis helped identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats against the Danube Delta. They will be further discussed and will provide a basis to define the area's needs. Table 3: Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management SWOT Analysis

Strengths Weaknesses

 An unique area, with a high biological diversity  A large, complex and dynamic ecosystem that is value, highly productive ecosystems, and precious constantly undergoing both natural and diversity of local communities anthropogenic changes  A strong local, national and international  A complex institutional framework for managing commitment for preserving the environmental the DD territory and resources assets together with improving the living standards  Legacy of past environmental negative in the area interventions with impact on habitat conservation,  A national legislation mostly aligned with the EU fishery, agriculture, but also on natural community acquis and European standards hydrological balance and siltation  A declared support of the National Government for  Scattered population and low density causing nature conservation, environmental management, difficulty and high cost for developing basic and local economic development in the Danube services in rural areas Delta area  Low participation in keeping good, clean natural  Willingness of Tulcea County Council to develop conditions in remote rural area, especially in the Danube Delta branding and marketing by further Delta promoting eco-tourism development end  Many local residents regard nature conservation in environmental-friendly practices. DD as an externally driven agenda, imposed at  Local population recognizes the importance of a their expense healthy environment and natural values (vision of a  Little local history or culture of collective action, "living delta") particularly relating to natural resource use or  Local research and management institutions with environmental protection high level of technical capacity and knowledge and experience of the delta ecology and biology Opportunities Threats  Favorable premises under the new EU financing  Anticipated funding for the next 10-15 years cycle 2014-2020 for increased future investments remains insufficient for the whole priority addressing the nature conservation and investments needs in the area - mainly for large environment management in the study area investments like ecological restoration, operations  A strong commitment and availability of technical and maintenance of DD lacustrine areas. support from the international community.  Increasing threat of water pollution, from both  A good potential for eco-tourism, providing local and upstream sources increased local awareness and economic incentives  An over development of tourism activities with for nature conservation and environmental poor management of environmental protection protection interventions  International experience available to draw upon for  Increasing the number of motor boats with ecotourism development, ecosystem management, powerful engines that have access on all areas in institutional structures for effective nature the DD

protection, etc.  Difficulty in behavioral change of local residents  Participation by local groups and NGOs in and tourists in nature conservation and implementing specific measures and actions in the environment protection Delta  Difficulty to engage widely dispersed, aging  A good potential for enlarging local communities community in new approaches and opportunities participation in resource management and benefits  Increasing the external threats like upstream sharing. changes, cross-border issues, climate change etc. which cannot be locally controlled.

Table 4: Urban Energy Efficiency in Tulcea City STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES  Small energy consumption per capita;  Small amount of recycling waste;  Relatively small heat losses in the network;  Lack of aggregated data on solid waste;  Most of the district heating network has been  Lack of aggregated data on municipal buildings rehabilitated; energy consumption - there is no database keeping  90% of water connections are metered; track on energy consumption;  New water and wastewater treatment facilities;  Bus routes inefficiency;  Good public lighting coverage & modernization of  Inadequate road infrastructure to develop non- the system; motorized transport networks (bike lanes,  Local level commitment to improve the public utility pedestrian areas); services performance.  More than one-third of wastewater is discharged into the Danube River. OPPORTUNITIES THREATS  Improve the district heating network by building a  Lack of local funds to implement some of the co-generation plant under a public-private Energy Efficiency (EE) interventions; partnership;  Lack of local/national legislation to enforce some  Expanding street lighting into new residential regulations with regard to energy efficiency (such neighborhoods to reach 100% of service coverage; as, selective collection);  Expanding water service to all neighborhoods in the  Lack of human resources within the local city. government to develop some of EE interventions studies/plans.

Table 5: Climate Change SWOT Analysis

Strengths Weaknesses

 High, and partially exploited, potential for  Low awareness among the public and local renewable energy use; administration of cross-sectoral climate change  Relatively high interest in environmental protection impact and policy requirements; and adaptation policies;  Limited/inefficient inter-institutional collaboration;  Sustained interest in using renewable energy and  Limited data gathering and data sharing; improving energy efficiency in the residential sector;  Low energy efficiency and growing energy needs;  World natural heritage reserve which receives  Limited/no GHG emissions monitoring, reporting international attention and international support; and verification system;  Increasing interest from tourists and investors in  Insufficient funds allocated to adaptation actions; eco-tourism;  Rural villages are scattered in the Core Delta,  Existence of DDBRA as a main agency to coordinate therefore there are high costs and a high degree of and lead the natural conservation in the Delta difficulty in providing public services. (DDBR). OPPORTUNITIES THREATS  Funding opportunities for climate change  Significant impact of climate change on investments available from European funds as well environment, infrastructure, economy, health and as other sources overall functioning of the study area  Solid European legal framework and research  Inaction on climate change by authorities could be networks available on climate change a threat to the locals' life and wellbeing.  Active and informed environmental NGO network  Increasing availability of new and innovative technologies, such as wind power stations, biogas and biomass facilities and solar panels at more affordable prices  Increasing requirements regarding energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions reduction, prompting a call to action

Table 6: Risk Management and Pollution Emergency SWOT Analysis STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES  Existence of flood hazard maps  Lack of effective and continuous pollution  Extensive European environmental protection information and data sharing among relevant legislation applied to the study area; agencies;  Availability of the structures for environmental  Existence of the overlapping of environmental monitoring with a long history of water quality management responsibility among some agencies monitoring in particular; and relatively weak coordination;  The existence of the policies of pollution prevention  Low capacity of the first response team to quickly and enforcement for potential polluters in the study access some disaster sites in the core DD for area; waterway transportation.  There are some local level efforts to improve inter-  Low local accessibility to pollution emergency institutional cooperation and co-ordination. intervention funds;  Weak implementation of the polluter pays principle in pollution management, which passes the pollution risk cost to the public. OPPORTUNITIES THREATS  Strong support from the national government and  Flood risks exist especially flash floods EU  Mild earthquake risks  Making financial support available to companies  Increasing local economic activities including adopting low pollution risk production activities; increasing number of ships carrying hazardous  Improving the control and monitoring mechanism wastes going through the DD area; for ships travelling on inland waterways in the DD  Increasing threat of growing industrial activities, study area; particularly polluting activities, in the upstream  Improving trend of the coordination among the neighboring area as well as in bordering countries; agencies involved in responding to pollution  Potential increase in the threats of climate change incidents; and other natural disasters in the DD study area.  Continuing efforts to improve the application of the disaster management system at the local level.  International and national support to improve implementation of the polluter pays principle in the cases of pollution emergency response and prevention.

Table 7: Tourism SWOT Analysis STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES  Attractive natural asset of European and global  High share of informal tourism activities significance (part of NATURA 2000 network)  Lack of tourism attractions, inadequate standard of  Designation as UNESCO World Heritage Site visitor infrastructure, lack of interpretation and  Rich portfolio of tangible and intangible cultural visitor handling capacity heritage assets  Limited skills and knowledge of local stakeholders  Proximity to the most important European markets in tourism development and operations  Distinct culture and lifestyle  Lack of infrastructure critical to limiting negative  Existence of some nature-based attractions and impact of tourism (waste, waste water, destruction service providers of natural resources)  Existence of cultural attractions supplementing DD  Lack of capacity to enforce protection regimes and nature-based activities limit non-sustainable behavior of some visitors  Existence of accommodation facilities of different  Poor accessibility (to and within the delta) quality and level  Lack of stakeholder ownership and limited  Recently adopted Criteria for Designating the commitment of stakeholders (including local Ecotourism Destinations in Romania that can serve communities) in the protection of DD as framework for sustainable tourism development  Low quality of tourism workforce and lack of service culture; lack of training programs and continuous turnover of staff  Promotion of weekend and short-stay tourism  Underdeveloped international markets (given existing potential for targeting a wider variety of international markets and increasing the number of visitors and length of stay from existing markets)  Lack of cooperation between environment protection institutions, tourism institutions and local authorities OPPORTUNITIES THREATS

 Continuous growth in demand for nature-and  Gaps in tourism policies and management on culture-based, activity and other special forms of national level tourism, for which the Danube Delta holds  Ineffective political dynamics influencing significant potential development of tourism on local level  Part of EU Strategy for the Danube Region offering  Corruption and ineffective law enforcement opportunity for collaboration with other countries in  Negative attitude among local stakeholders the region and benefiting from projects and towards nature conservation regimes, programs programs for the Danube Region and institutions (DDBRA, NATURA 2000)  Limited development so far of opportunities for  Unrealistic vision about possible tourism well-planned and effective development of the area development in the area as a tourist destination  Potential conflicts between local and non-local  Plans for improvements in road network and tourism operators (private) connectivity to other parts of Romania as  Destructive behavior and lack of respect for fragile opportunity for improved access to the area nature asset by stakeholders (operators, residents  Proximity to Constanța as a significant source of and tourists) visitors in the Danube Delta (enabling access,  Weak and negative image of Romania on expanded market and breadth of facilities) international markets adding to deterrents for  Potential improvement of local airport (enhancing travelers to come to the region destination access)  High-level of willingness and commitment to sustainable tourism expressed by authorities and the private sector  Investor interest in upgrading existing tourism facilities and developing international market

Table 8: Commercial fishery SWOT Analysis STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES  Productive environment  Declining value of commercial fisheries  Commercial fishery at appropriate effort is  Over-regulation of fish markets for reasons of tax compatible with DDBR strategy collection  Declining market demand for carp and Gibel carp  High competition with foreign fisheries/aquaculture and domestic aquaculture  Gibel carp invasion  Indicators of biological over-fishing  Illegal, destructive fishing methods  Weak and disorganized MCS7  Loss of fish production and fishable areas due to silting  Fish spawning and nursery areas lost or blocked by land reclamation, dams OPPORTUNITIES THREATS  Streamlining and upgrading of MCS  Increased fishing effort, export of fish from DDBR  More intensive management for predatory species  Increasing incidence of off-flavor in wild-caught in some areas fish

7 Monitoring, Control And Surveillance 42

 Increasing legal fish supply to local tourist sector  Increasing dominance of Gibel carp  Ecological restoration of former fish habitats  Inequitable, competitive market (valuation and business plan needed)  Price cartels  Corruption in MCS, marketing and policy  Detrimental EU subsidies

Table 9: Recreational Fishery SWOT Analysis STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES  Vast areas with diverse fish populations and habitats  Competition for fish quantity/quality with  Large number of recreational fisher visits from extractive fisheries Romania, potential to attract fishers from Europe  Dominance by low-budget clients and globally  Low-budget fishing venue organization  Poor revenue capturing system OPPORTUNITIES THREATS  Better balance effort between commercial and  Unabated fishing pressure recreational fishing  Continued expansion of Gibel carp  Develop tourist infrastructure and services to enable  Illegal, destructive methods, e.g. electrofishing more recreational fishing  Exclusion of local participation in economic  Promote best practice recreational fishing, e.g. catch opportunities and release  Strengthen compatibility/synergy with DDBR, ecotourism  Support local communities to establish and operate businesses to cater for recreational fishers  Opportunities to diversify tourism options and mixed packages

Table 10: Aquaculture SWOT Analysis STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES  Eco-friendly culture-based production systems  Costly transport and energy  Existing infrastructure/leases  Market competition with capture/imports  Predation by protected piscivorous birds OPPORTUNITIES THREATS  Local product processing, value added  Rising input costs  Pond based recreational fishing  Decline in markets for cyprinids  Profitable 2000 kg/ha production proven possible  Eutrophication from intensive aquaculture within DDBR strategy  Alien species introduced for aquaculture could became invasive

Table 11: Agriculture and Rural Development SWOT Analysis

STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES

 Climate and soils favorable for agriculture  High fragmentation of land ownership  Highly productive soils in low land areas  High fragmentation of farms with large number of  Experience in diversified agriculture (field crops, subsistence farms

livestock, agro-processing)  Substantial share of land located at high elevations  Traditional livestock breeding (cattle, sheep)  Low level of rainfall during cropping season  Availability of water resources  Only 16% of the arable area can be economically  Existing irrigation infrastructure irrigated  Natural conditions for diversification of activities  Difficult access to markets, particularly from (tourism, fishing) Danube Delta, depending on water transport  Good network of road communication with  Ageing population and high migration of labor neighboring counties (mainly young people)  Willingness of population to diversify their activities  Low development of non-farm rural economy  Cheap labor  Low development of social capital (small number  Interest in modern communication (Internet) in rural of associations, NGOs, etc.) areas  Low employment opportunities for industrial labor  Preservation of certain traditions including those of available after closure of local industries minorities (Russians, Ukrainians, Tatars)  Low level of diversified education - vocational  Availability of traditional products (e.g. sheep training cheese)  Low quality of local infrastructure (water, sewage, communal and farm roads, village streets)  Lack of a strategy for county development  Reluctance of aged population to assume risks in investment projects OPPORTUNITIES THREATS

 Danube proximity - links with foreign countries  High migration of skilled labor  Availability of EC financing for agriculture and rural  Difficult access to markets from the Delta development  Depreciation of the quality of life with drop in  Local conditions for niche activities (e.g. bee health, education and public services in many rural keeping) communities  Demand for fresh food by tourist resorts (fish,  Taxes paid by wind farms may be taken over by the vegetables, fruits) central government  Development of organic agriculture on small farms  Floods in areas without proper protection against  The proximity to international waterways offer river or run-off flooding opening for export to Europe, Middle East and CIS  Small area of land available for young farmers  Potential for development of tourism both linked to  Reduction of tourist activity because of the recent recreational fishing, leisure, and ecumenical economic and financial crisis activities  Development of wind farms brings new revenues to local administration  Increasing demand for hosting leisure boats - new source of revenue  Reorientation of fishermen towards agriculture  Programs for young farmers funded by the EC  Courses for labor reconversion

Table 12: Transport in Tulcea County SWOT Analysis STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES

 Destination of natural beauty and outdoor living will  Low population densities limits constant transport generate transport demand demand to/within the Delta  Natural waterway system which can form the basis  Providing land based infrastructure is expensive for the transport network because of the terrain and the small population to  Existing shipping channel Sulina - Tulcea is part of be served Rhine - Danube Corridor 9; can take maritime  Accessibility in the Delta area is poor and vessels to Braila communities can be isolated during the winter  A network of ports exists in the area with significant season capacity  Lack of crossings over Danube reduces  Plenty of scope to expand and handle forecast connectivity with the rest of Romania and demand as the Danube is currently at 4% of its neighboring countries theoretical capacity  Local level road network is in poor condition and needs substantial upgrading  Issues over ownership of infrastructure that is used privately or by entities not responsible for transport provision  Meteorological conditions, lack of water and silt movements affect navigability conditions  Insufficient maintenance spending has led to aging infrastructure OPPORTUNITIES THREATS

 Tulcea port provides an ideal environment for  Competition from Constanța and other ports of the development of multi-modal transport Adriatic is stiff as they benefit from better access  Lower travel times to the Delta will increase and ports, airports, and rail connections tourism  Population numbers are decreasing in the Delta  Some infrastructure improvements can be made at and qualified people are looking elsewhere for jobs relatively low cost. For example low cost roads in  Competition for national financial resources is the Delta to improve accessibility, or increasing intense and a lack of an integrated plan for parking space at the airport for aircrafts transport in the Delta could limit access to these  Both the logistics and tourist industries lend resources themselves to private sector participation  The role of Sulina in maritime transport will  Inland waterways is an environmentally-friendly become increasingly marginalized with free mode movement of EU vessels.  Traditional manufacturing is changing and some of the raw materials and outputs from the production plants have reduced port volumes

Table 13: ICT SWOT Analysis

STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES

 Best practices available in the area (Luncavița and  Low levels of economic and social development Jurilovca) for access and meaningful use of internet  Geographic digital divide with many "white areas", through LCeNs (supported by the WB Knowledge i.e. areas with no internet coverage

Economy Project and the Gates library initiative).  Low level of digital literacy and competences at The business sector, in particular tourism, use individual level; limited advanced competencies internet for marketing impede the capacity of individuals to use ICT to get  Good penetration of mobile telephony. quality jobs or provide e-services remotely.  Limited affordable technical means to access the internet (quantity and quality of hardware, software, connection, accessibility).  Limited places of internet access (home, work place, public points).  Low level of demand for internet access and usage, particularly of poor, elder, lower educated, and unemployed  Limited social formal support (training, facilities, etc.) to help late ICT adopters persist and improve in their use thus counterbalancing potential skills gaps.  Limited resources (technical and knowledge) available for development of local e-content and value added e-services at community level

OPPORTUNITIES THREATS

 33 communities (white points) in Tulcea county  Poor financial situation of the local public (Annex1) are eligible to the Ro-net state aid scheme administration could jeopardize the sustainability project that will establish new backhaul network to of investments in ICT infrastructure; stimulate a competitive environment and allow the  Low demand for access and use may jeopardize establishment of local access networks on the broadband penetration of households, despite commercial basis. availability of local networks.  A number of communities eligible for state aid  Fragmentation of interventions at local level for scheme to create and modernize physical ICT access and use infrastructure in rural areas (Measure 3.2.2.e) through investments in backhaul and local access networks. The infrastructure will remain in the property of the beneficiary.  Knowledge resources for education, libraries, public administration, businesses and the community are available on the e-community platform (built under Knowledge Economy Project)  e-Resources are available at national level for SMEs development  Some e-Government national services for businesses (e-procurement, e-tax) are available at national level and could increase the internet usage

Table 14: SWOT Analysis: Water Supply and Sewerage STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES

 County commitment to improve the standard of  Water supply and sanitation access gap still living in the area by providing better public water significant in a number of localities and sewerage services  Poor condition of infrastructure in many  A clear commitment of the TCC in promoting the communities where systems were implemented development of affordable basic services in the core more than 30 years ago and inadequately Delta area maintained.  A dedicated team for the administration of the  Lack of groundwater sources with quality adequate Inter-community Water Development Association for conventional treatment in some area of the  Existence of a Master Plan for the Water sector core delta addressing the needs in the county  Scattered villages with limited possibilities for  Experience gained from pilot project on Integrated water or sewerage systems interconnections Nutrient Pollution Control to monitor and reduce  Lack of modern sewerage facilities in rural areas pollution from nitrates, with the experience and (use of pit latrines) lessons learnt to be multiplied  High water table in some areas preventing the  Availability of land, enabling in many cases to continuation of on-site sanitation solutions consider low-cost water and wastewater treatment  Low capacity in small localities to operate water technology and sewerage systems  Geographic isolation of villages (core Delta) increasing the cost of supply of consumables and chemicals.  Lack of awareness in rural areas about nitrate pollution through dumping of manure OPPORTUNITIES THREATS  Availability of EU funds for the sector  The professional capacity in villages of the core  Existing regional water operator with strong Delta may further decrease as young specialists professional capacity, and which could act as a relocate to urban areas technical capacity center for the sector  Willingness to pay for improved services may be  Willingness by the Intercommunity Water low in some communities Development Association (ADI) to consider requests by any locality to join  Availability of water sources treatable with conventional technology everywhere in the Study Area

Table 15: Solid Waste Management SWOT Analysis STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES

 Political commitment to improving living standards in  Lack of waste collection facilities in the rural areas the area by providing better public services  Insufficient equipment and facilities for waste  The legislation is aligned with the European separation and recycling, especially in rural areas standards and the community acquis has been in the Delta transposed into Romanian legislation  Low participation in SWM in remote rural areas,  Willingness of Tulcea County Council to clean up the especially in the Delta trash in waterways in order to further promote  High unit cost of waste collection and tourism development transportation in the Delta due to scattered and  Support of the National Government for low population as well as river-based transport environmental management, natural conservation,  Weak participation of communities and and local economic development in the Danube Delta households in source separation. area  Low public awareness of the benefits of waste  On-going investments for an integrated MSWM separation and recycling. system addressing the infrastructure needs in MSW in the study area  Efforts of Tulcea City to address SWM can provide experience to the towns and communes OPPORTUNITIES THREATS

 Availability of financial support through EU funds to  Low willingness and/or affordability of local develop an integrated MSWM system in the DD study residents to pay for improved SWM services which area and surrounding areas. causes a difficulty to get sufficient funding from  Availability of technical support from the revenue for sustainable operations and international community. maintenance of SWM facilities in a long run.  More tourists may contribute to increased awareness  Over-capacity due to poor design and quick and incentives for improved waste management spending of national and EU funds in certain SWM  Participation by local groups and NGOs (two are areas which may lead to a high financial burden of involved already) in cleaning river channels in the operation and maintenance, and low efficiency Delta and below-standard performance of the MSWM  Targeting organics for composting, recycling and system energy recovery  If the tourism is growing rapidly and poorly managed, it could lead to more littering  Difficulty achieving behavioral change of local residents and tourists in waste management  Potential of poor performance of waste recycling caused by fluctuation of market price for recyclable materials  Risk of not completing the implementation of the ongoing SWM investments in a timely and efficient manner

Table 16: Health SWOT Analysis STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES

 Awareness of the specific problems within the  Insufficiently developed institutional capacity at local region by the local residents; level and lack of coherent cross-sectoral policies and  Potential for local authorities to use their new cooperation; authority over public health policies to meet the  Healthcare facilities and personnel lacking or poorly specific needs of the local communities; distributed;  Investments made in emergency response units  Poor access to healthcare services and long with potential for growth; emergency response times in isolated areas;  Lack of supplies and equipment at the PHD and hospital level;  Equipment and software issues for the developing telemedicine system;  Lack of well-designed financial incentives for health care providers. OPPORTUNITIES THREATS

 Increasing citizens' awareness of and  The fragmentation of the health policy and the participation in decision-making processes diminution of the response capacity of the central  Policy shifts, like ambulatory and day care level, in case of need services, could make more effective use of  Vulnerability of public policy due to changing resources priorities in the political agenda  Initiating and maintaining better lines of  Assignment of administrative responsibilities not communication among local policy makers would supported by financial means boost outcomes  Specific communicable diseases in the area with  More financial flexibility and policy stability would possible epidemics and epizootics reduce uncertainty and increase attractiveness of  Seasonal tourism increases pressure on service needs the core Delta for healthcare providers.  Low capacity for rapid emergency and pandemic  Increasing healthcare accessibility through response integrating the telemedicine system and  Decreasing capacity of empowered institutions to establishing adequately equipped and staffed conduct preventive interventions on health-related permanent centers matters

Table 17: Education SWOT Analysis STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES  Recognition at the local level of the  Limited financial allocation per capita of school importance of education for the development of the budget (the number of students is low) covering only area (e.g., in the Tulcea County Development basic administrative costs and teachers' salaries, Strategy); applying a "money follows the student" principle;  Qualified teachers in urban areas;  Improper basic conditions (lack of running  Positive county-level results in terms of water, improper sanitation, degraded buildings); educational attainment (high graduation rates, low  Insufficient financing for capital investments in drop-out rates, above-average standardized test local schools, coupled with lack of capacity/ knowledge scores); for absorbing available EU funds;  Successful initiative to create customized  Staff demotivated to get involved in sharing curricula (tourism, traditional arts & handicrafts) that experience within peer mentoring programs; fit the profile of the local economy (e.g., Luncavița  Poverty, low employment perspectives, low high school), with possibility of replication educational capital of parents; elsewhere, possibly even in the core Delta;  Involvement of children in seasonal work  Low teacher-student ratios (although with activities and in taking care of younger siblings at some variance across schools); home;  All kindergartens are equipped with new  Theoretical focus of the curriculum; lack of furniture; practical activities and life skills development  Maintaining kindergartens with low number curriculum; of children in low density localities  Lack of use of media equipment due to lack of digital skills;  Limited and unfriendly material environment for children in rural schools;  Inadequate multi grade teaching in many localities;  Low internet usage rates;  Weak existing incentives to attract qualified, certified teachers in the more remote locations;  Lack of learning resources and materials for teacher training;  Kindergartens lack teaching and learning materials;  Lack of support for new entry teachers;  Lack of a strategy for NEETs (people not in education, employment or training);  High number of commuter teachers;  Lack of counselling services for students, parents and support staff in schools.

OPPORTUNITIES THREATS

 High economic potential in tourism and  Continuous demographic student decline, agriculture ensures demand for qualified human leading to even less financing and fewer opportunities capital in the area; for improving the learning environments for remaining  Realignment of schools' curricula to respond students; to the demand of the local market;  Weak local economy and inability to attract  Availability of EU funding for 2014-2020 for significant investment, forcing families to relocate in upgrading of schools and student housing; search of opportunities (further reducing the student  Allocation of an increased share of the population); national and EU budget to incentivize teachers to  Teaching positions in rural areas are filled with relocate to more remote areas; unqualified staff;  Construction of student housing around main  Rising migration rates among adults, leaving facilities to consolidate teachers and students; children without one or both parents living at home;  Introducing e-learning and distance learning  Lack of capital to sustain potential new student (pilot and full-scale) instead of multi grade teaching, housing facilities in a more consolidated network of to achieve lower costs and higher coverage of schools; students;  Lack of proper ITC infrastructure for supporting  Introduce innovative blended learning and potential distance learning and e-learning, and lack of multi grade teaching to achieve lower costs and experience with such programs; higher coverage of students;  Keeping and teaching traditional skills and handicrafts to preserve the area's unique multicultural heritage;  Mentoring programs for teachers;  Specialized academic and research programs related to the unique character of the Delta

Table 18: Social Inclusion SWOT Analysis STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES

 The remoteness of the area likely translates into to less openness to tackle Roma inclusion issues among policy makers and communities  The weak educational and health services in the Study Area will make extending these services to the Roma even harder  Roma's access to social protection programs in the Study Area might be lower than the national average OPPORTUNITIES THREATS

 Supporting cultural heritage of the ethnic  Deeply rooted prejudices against the Roma could minorities can also increase the tourism portfolio hinder intervention implementation of attractions  The integrated approach of the ITI can tackle Roma inclusion interventions in a concerted manner

Pillar I: Protecting the Environmental and Natural Resource Assets

Environmental assets in the study area - and in particular in the Core Delta - need to be protected as they play an important role in the conservation of biological diversity and of national and globally significant ecosystems. These assets also represent the most important comparative advantage of the study area, which needs to be fostered for the promotion of economic development and in particular tourism activities. However, during the past 50 years, the ecological systems of the Danube Delta have been significantly degraded due to human activities and there are latent man-made risks, such as chemical spills, that need to be better managed. This section identifies the needs for a better management of the environmental assets in the study area and of existing risks linked to potential pollution incidents that could have major negative impacts on the ecosystem. The management and restoration of environmental assets is seen as a mean for balancing conservation with sustainable use, and the promotion of economic development.

This section also identifies the need to promote climate change mitigation and adaptation actions. These actions are expected to contribute to the conservation of a global public good (climate) and to the prevention/mitigation of risks linked to an increase in the frequency or scale of natural hazards (in particular linked to floods). The improvement of energy efficiency in some of the municipalities in the study area is presented as one of the major needs and win-win action for climate change mitigation.

1. Environment, Biodiversity, Forests

1.1. Needs Assessment

As discussed in the Diagnostic Analysis, those responsible for management of DDBR's environment and resources (DDBRA in particular) need appropriate data, tools, skills, resources, and policy/legal and institutional framework to enable them to:

(i) Monitor, understand and manage the complex and dynamic ecosystem within the priorities defined by the DDBR statute;

(ii) Monitor and manage animal and plant populations, particularly those that are endangered/vulnerable, ecologically essential and/or economically valuable; and

(iii) Clarify institutional responsibilities and improve the relationship between the DDBR management authorities and local communities. The objective is to achieve a relationship based on mutual respect, understanding and cooperation, and a situation where implementation of laws and

good practices is based mainly on voluntary compliance by residents and resource users, with decreased need for and reliance on enforcement actions.

The local communities that rely upon the DDBR's resources and have the ultimate power to either sustain or destroy them, need an incentive and institutional structure and economic development options that favor sustainability over destruction, as well as the skills and resources to take advantage of them. This includes a stronger participatory role in DDBR management. The economic development- related investments are mainly discussed in other sections of the Needs Assessment (e.g. Tourism, Agriculture and Rural Development, Transport, etc.).

Local authorities and enterprises located within the DD need technical and financial support and incentives to implement actions that will improve environmental conditions, with significant benefits for both human residents and nature (solid waste management, water and sewerage, energy efficiency, pollution control, emergency response, etc.) These investments are mainly addressed in other sections of the Needs Assessment, but some have particular significance for biodiversity and ecosystems and are therefore included in this section as well (e.g. nitrate pollution management, etc.). Nitrate pollution management, etc.). Current institutional and economic incentives that undermine the objective of restoring significant areas of poldered land to the wetland ecosystem (re-naturalization) also need to be revised, for example through revisiting agricultural subsidies and employing innovative approaches such as conservation concessions. The investment and technical assistance needs identified below for the Environment/Biodiversity "sector" inevitably overlap in many cases with those of a number of other sectors (such as fisheries and aquaculture, tourism, water/wastewater and disaster risk management) in that they all depend upon, and have the potential to affect, the basic ecological functions and natural assets of the DD.

1.1.1. Climate change in the Danube Delta area Climate change, and more specifically temperature and rainfall variations, are a significant topic of climate change studies, especially against the backdrop of continuous air temperature increase at global level. One of the major consequences of global warming would be an increase in the magnitude and frequency of severe weather events due to increased air temperature atmospheric rainfall generated by the increased atmospheric humidity and related atmospheric instability. Climate change has major implications for water supply, river flowing, agriculture, and the development of natural vegetation. Furthermore, extreme rainfall can lead to extreme hydrological events, such as floods or drought, with severe impacts on the economy and society.

In order to reflect the actual climate change at the level of the Danube Delta region, an assessment has been carried out regarding the average seasonal and annual values of air temperature and atmospheric rainfall, as well as the severe weather events generated by extreme daily temperatures, respectively the daily rainfall quantities at a lower regional scale for a 54 year period (1961-2014), at 4 weather stations,

two of which being located within the study area (Tulcea and Sulina), and the other two in its peripheral area (Galați and Constanța).

Figure 2: Location of weather stations

Source: Own drawing

A total of 33 climate indices were analyzed, mostly based on the methodology of the OMM Commission for Climatology and the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection Monitoring and Indices - ETCCDMI, by using the dataset developed under the ECA&D project.

The Danube Delta region was subject to an extreme warming process in the past 54 years, indicated by both the annual and seasonal average temperatures and the extreme temperatures. The trends of the annual and spring/summer values are statistically significant and vary across slopes generally between 0.30 and 0.53°C/decade, respectively 0.25°C/decade and 0.35°C/decade for annual thermal averages, i.e. quite a high increase as compared to other national or European regions. Although an increase has been found in both the lower (minimum) and upper (maximum) temperatures, the latter have increased more significantly than the former, also leading to an increase of day-to-night and summer-to-winter thermal variations, reflected in the increased day and annual temperature peaks. It is also significant that the vegetation period has increased from a thermal standpoint in the region by almost a month in the analyzed period.

Figure 3: The annual and seasonal average temperature trends in the 1961-2014 period

Source: ECA&D database

It has to be reminded that the vicinity of the sea has a thermal mitigation effect (daytime peaks decrease, while night-time peaks increase). Thus, although the seaside is the warmest area of the country, the number of hot days is quite low. The only exception is the number of tropical nights, which are more frequent in coastal stations than inland stations, following the heat transfer between seawater and the low atmosphere at night.

As regards atmospheric rainfall, the region is the driest of the country, with multi-annual averages that are very close to the desert limit in the Eastern extremity (Sulina has witnessed below-desert limit rainfall for 27 years, of which more than 22 after 1982). As regards the seasonal and annual evolution over time, most of the detected trends are statistically insignificant, albeit on the rise. The only exception is that of the Sulina weather station, with a decreasing trend across all seasons and annual quantities, and statistically significant for winter, spring and annual quantities.

Figure 4: The seasonal and annual rainfall trends in the 1961-2014 period

Source: ECA&D database The analysis of the extreme rainfall trends show that the region is faced with an intensification of rainfall, highlighted by the decrease of the total number of rainfall days and the increase of days with 10 to 30 mm/day rainfall (heavy and very heavy raining days). However, extreme rainfall should be analyzed with caution, since most of the trends are statistically insignificant, with modifications being expected in the following period.

Table 19: Slopes* of the trends of extreme rainfall indicators (1961-2014) Indicator Indicator Constanța Sulina Tulcea Galați Fixed-threshold based indices R0.1 Rainfall days -0.600 -5.000** -1.176 -1.053 R5 Moderate rainfall days 0.750 -0.741 0.000 0.476 R10 Heavy rainfall days 0.588 -0.513 0,270 0,571 R20 Very heavy rainfall days 0.323 0.000 0.465 0.345 R30 Extremely heavy rainfall days 0.250 0.000 0.000 0.000 CDD Rainfall-free consecutive days -0.625 1.034 -0.750 -0.714 CWD Consecutive rainfall days 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 Relative-threshold based indices R95p Very humid days 17.536 -2.375 18.929 4.286 R99p Extremely humid days 0.000 0.000 2.500 0.000 No-threshold based indices Rx1day Maximum rainfall in one day 2,939 0.333 3.300 -0.188 Rx5day Maximum rainfall over 5 days 4.515 -1.000 3.333 0.959 SDII Simple daily intensity index 0.364 -0.059 0.250 0.146 Annual rainfall amount cumulated in over-1 PRCPTOT mm days 18.000 -14.000 13.176 6.636

Note: * slopes calculated over one decade; ** bold slopes are statistically significant Source: ECA&D database

Considering the steep temperature increase and the uncertain trends in rainfall, the general conclusion is that the region became dryer and more exposed to extreme weather events over the past 54 years. These climate changes have a complex social and economic impact on the Danube Delta, which will be more intensely felt in the future.

1.1.2. Urban heat islands The increased pace of urbanization and climate change attracted greater interest for the study of the so- called urban heat islands, which are critical for the residents' quality of life. In case of the ITI Danube Delta urban settlements, this analysis of the heat islands is based on measuring surface temperatures from the satellite imagery supplied by the USGS (United States Geological Survey), for the date of 25 August 2014, 12:02 o'clock. They were processed by GIS techniques and subsequently mapped.

The analysis of the satellite imagery reveals a well outlined urban heat island in Tulcea city, and significantly less intense urban heat islands for the other small urban settlements in this area (Măcin, Sulina, Isaccea, Babadag). The lower urban heat footprint of small urban communities can be explained by:

- reduced urban area; - the structure of the settlement and its housing stock are similar to that of a rural locality; - the particular land features of the region, which allow dissipation of the cumulated urban heat by air currents.

The identification of such urban heat islands also allows a more accurate identification of certain urban development needs, such as the development and rehabilitation of green areas, thermal insulation of buildings, or a more efficient design of the major city crossroads.

Urban heat islands in Tulcea municipality: The satellite imagery for Tulcea municipality show that the highest temperatures are prevalent in its North-western part. Thus, in the Dallas district, and more particularly in the industrial platform bounded by the Taberei, Prelungirea Taberei, Forestierului and Isaccei streets, the surface temperature may reach as high as 35 degrees Celsius even before noon. Such temperatures are comparable to those of freshly harvested agricultural land around the city. Another local "hot spot" is that of the port area at the East of the city, dominated by concrete buildings and a wide network of streets. In the central part of the city, the residential areas with P+4 blocks of flats bound by Lt. Corneliu Gavrilov, Sofia Nădejde and Babadag streets are also city hot spots, with temperatures of 27-29 °C at noon time.

At the other end of the spectrum are found the green and humid areas of Lake Ciuperca and the Danube, where temperature does not exceed 17-18 °C, with the almost 10 °C differential causing the formation of perpendicular air currents along the river.

Figure 5: Map of surface temperatures in Tulcea municipality on 25 August 2014, 9-12:00 hours