Danube Basin
Issues
Sectors
ICPDR
Dear Readers
As this issue of Danube Watch is being prepared a
number of key events are taking place in the Danube
region.
Firstly the accession of Montenegro to the Danube River Protection Convention is being completed. Montengro contains over 7000 km2 of territory in the Danube River Basin and is the headwaters for a number of important tributaries to the Sava and Velikova Morava Rivers. They have sent their notification of intent to join to Romania, the country managing the legal affairs of the Convention. By the time the next issue of Danube Watch arrives Montenegro will be a full member of the Commission. As Montenegrin Agriculture and Water Minister Simovic said, Montenegro “has a lot to benefit from being an active member of the Danube family”.
Secondly the Joint Danube Survey report is being finalised. The report, which documents in detail the findings of the successful 46-day research cruise on the Danube in 2007, will provide an invaluable basis for the future work of the ICPDR. The results show that some important progress has been made in improving water quality in the Danube River Basin but identifies areas where additional efforts are needed – such as the expansion of the network of sewage treatment plants in the region, targeted action to reduce local pollution in specific tributaries and efforts to restore the natural floodplains of the Danube and its tributaries.
The findings of JDS2 will be presented in Vienna during the International Water Association Congress at the beginning of September, which provides an excellent opportunity for ICPDR to share its work with people involved in water management world-wide.
The ICPDR continues to maintain focus on the development of the Programme of Measures and Danube River Basin Management Plan. Over the next year, representatives will continue work to ensure that we are able to achieve ‘good ecological status’ of waters as required by the EU Water Framework Directive. The energy and enthusiasm for the task is evident and the work is progressing well. I am confident that the good progress in the Danube River Basin will be translated into a practical and manageable plan for future actions.
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