The Delta is in the list of 200 most valuable of the world that are threatened with destruction by extensive human activity and climate change. Over 6,000 species of flora and fauna and 30 different types of natural systems constitute the biodiversity of this unique region of . According to scientists’ forecasts, climate change will have a significant impact on the natural regimen and biodiversity of the Delta. Frequent floods, long periods of drought, deteriorating water quality, and declining fish reserves jeopardize the welfare of the communities living in the Danube region. The traditional industries such as fishing, gardening, collecting medicinal herbs, beekeeping and others will face a decline if the inhabitants of the region do not adapt to the climate change promptly. Climate adaptation requires significant restructuring of business practices that should be implemented on a regular basis involving efforts of relevant specialists. A wide informational and educational program also needs to be carried out in order that the region of the Danube Delta could adapt to new environmental conditions. Also, due to the lack of qualified management personnel and limited awareness of the key interested parties, and are experiencing significant difficulties in implementation and compliance with Goal of the project – to lay environmental legislation in the most important areas (conservation of the foundation for timely biodiversity, land and water management, climate change, power generation), and thorough adaptation which spoils the international image of the countries greatly. of Ukrainian, Moldovan and Romanian parts of the Danube Delta region to changing climatic conditions. Adaptation to A new regional project, aimed to prepare the Danube Delta to the possible new environmental impacts of climate change, was launched in March 2011. The three-year conditions must be project "Climate proofing the Danube Delta through integrated land and holistic and systematic water management" brings together 3 countries: Ukraine, Moldova and and occur at all levels, . The project is supported by the International Commission for the including the government Protection of the Danube River. The project provides for a unified approach administration, local to solving common problems, which is more effective than separate efforts of businesses, communities each country. and natural systems.

1.1. Establish and facilitate a Danube Delta basin. A detailed assessment of the Danube Expert Working Group. This structure has to Delta will include biological, facilitate communication, coordination and environmental and socio-economic collaboration between the key institutions elements, and GIS databases will also be and authorities involved in research and created. Results of the study will become the management of the natural sub-basin of the basis for the trans-boundary Climate Change Danube Delta. The working group will Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan. Increased include scientists and specialists from the 1.3. Develop a trans-boundary Climate cooperation relevant scientific and engineering Change Adaptation Strategy and Action between Ukraine, institutions and local administrations of the Plan. These documents will help Moldova and 3 countries participating in the Project. The governments and environmental Romania to deve- Working Group will take part in collecting organizations of the 3 countries to better lop and implement and analyzing information about impacts of understand the general picture of the a regional trans- the climate change on the vulnerable region expected changes and the work required to boundary Climate of the Delta and in preparation of the main adapt the region to them. They will lay the Change Adaptation project documents. foundation for a comprehensive solution Strategy and 1.2. Conduct a Climate Change Vulnerability that will be more effective than individual Action Plan. Assessment Study for the Danube Delta sub- actions on climate adaptation.

2.1. Develop an efficient communication economic and managerial practices of the strategy and conduct an awareness raising region to new environmental conditions. campaign on Climate Change adaptation and 2.3. Conduct an assessment to evaluate mitigation at regional and local levels. The restoration potential within the Danube campaign, which will be held in 20 Delta sub-basin and develop a Danube Delta Strengthened communities of Ukraine and in 3 Restoration Action Plan. Recovery capacity of local communities of Moldova, will provide of wetlands can be one of the most effective nature and water residents of the Danube region with measures of climate adaptation, as the managers and information on solutions of the climate wetlands are a natural buffer system that is increased issues relevant for welfare of the region. able to adapt to change and mitigate the awareness of local 2.2. Implement a training programme on impact of severe weather conditions. stakeholders in the Climate Change adaptation for selected Danube Delta sub- 2.4. Foster implementation of wetlands target groups. Representatives of the local basin to address restoration works at one pilot area, selected administrations, institutions, business climate change based on assessment of its potential for organizations, heads of the communities, and apply metho- restoration of the Delta areas, aimed to farmers and fishermen from Ukraine and dologies for adap- enrich natural resources of the region and Moldova will receive theoretical training on tation and mitiga- demonstrate the effectiveness of the climate change and practical tips, techniques tion in pilot areas. approach. and tools that will facilitate adaptation of

3.1. Conduct strategic assessment of Danube investors and provide support for Delta potential for renewable energy producing local biomass and generating sources. Reed, that has been traditionally green energy at one pilot location. used in the Delta for roofing, building fences Harvesting biomass will also contribute to and feeding cattle, can be successfully used the restoration of wetlands. The project will for energy production by the local be implemented in the Ukrainian communities. Danube Delta. Opportunities for income and energy 3.2. Build capacity at local level (decision 3.4. Organise a workshop with key generation from makers, inhabitants, entrepreneurs) on representatives of local Danube Delta sustainable bio- small scale biomass production and communities and business sector to mass production utilization at one pilot location. Biomass as a investigate magnification potential of (linked to wet- source heating instead of fossil fuels will not biomass production and use in the region. lands restoration) only let people make profit or get cheaper After implementation of the pilot project, as a green energy heating of buildings but also help local the final meeting will be conducted for the source are enabled communities to reduce emissions of interested parties (local administrations, and demonstrated greenhouse gases. businessmen, representatives of Danube communities) to share experiences of in Ukraine and 3.3. Develop a business plan for pilot implementation of such projects. Moldova. application in cooperation with interested 4.1. Communication and visibility of sustainable development. The conference project results and objectives. Project will bring together all project participants Communication plan will be developed, and representatives of international web pages of the project will be launched organizations, national authorities, and on the sites of partner organizations, other interested parties. extensive media outreach will be 4.3. Dissemination of project results in conducted, and a brochure about the International Commissions and Fora project goals and activities will be Effective (including The International commission published. communication for the Protection of Danube River, The and visibility of 4.2. Organise an international conference Protection Commission, The project results to share lessons learned, project’s results Eastern Partnership Civil Society (EC), and promote Danube Delta as a model for RAMSAR Regional Initiative on Black Sea Climate Change adaptation and Coastal Wetlands (BlackSeaWet).

It is expected that local communities will benefit from the project that will affect the main quality of life factors:

 – the project demonstrates the model of receiving sustainable profits through the use of reed biomass for heating buildings (job creation, development of local businesses).

 (floods, droughts, etc.) – the project will involve restoration of wetlands – an effective way of climate adaptation – in one pilot region of the Danube  Danube Biosphere Reserve Delta.  Reserve "The Danube Delta"  – is achieved

through meetings and working groups at the level of  World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) communities, including the local residents and officials.  "Center for Regional Studies" (Odessa)  – the project will provide support to two selected regions in restoration of  "Ecospectrum" (Chisinau) wetlands and implementation of a small project of "green" energy generation.

In addition, the project will directly contribute to the restoration of natural in the region, as well as facilitate inclusion of  2011-2013 actions related to addressing climate risks into regional and cross- border development plans.

For further information please contact: Mikhaylo Nesterenko, project manager

Email: [email protected] More about the project: wwf.panda.org/dd_climate_adaptation

Year 3 WWF Year 1 Year 2 № Activities Sem 1 Sem 2 Sem 3 Sem 4 Sem 5 Sem 6

1. Increased cooperation 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36

Establish an Expert Working 1.1 Group Conduct a Climate Change 1.2 Vulnerability Assessment Study for the Danube Delta sub-basin Develop a trans-boundary 1.3 Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan

2. Strengthened capacity 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 Develop a communication 2.1 strategy Conduct an awareness raising 2.2 campaign 2.3 Conduct a series of trainings Conduct an assessment to evaluate restoration potential 2.4 potential within the Danube Delta sub-basin Develop a Danube Delta 2.5 Wetland Restoration Action Plan Foster implementation of 2.6 wetlands restoration works at one pilot area 2.7 Exposition in DBR Visit centre 3. Biomass heating 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 Conduct strategic assessment of 3.1 Danube Delta potential for renewable energy sources 3.2 Build capacity at local level Develop a business plan for pilot 3.3 application Foster implementation of pilot 3.4 project Organise a workshop to 3.5 dissiminate project results

4. Effective communication 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36

4.1 Develop a Communication plan Project web-pages on the project 4.2 partners web-sites Brochure about goals and 4.3 activities of the project 4.4 Media work Dissemination of project results 4.5 in International Commissions and Fora Organise an international 4.6 conference

The project is funded by the European Commission