WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT IN THE DANUBE RIVER BASIN Prof. Dr. Laszlo Vermes
The Danube is one of the greatest rivers in the World second biggest in Europe (after the Volga) Total length: 2842 km watershed area: 817 thousand km 2 Among the middle course of the longest rivers can be compared with the Euphrates (Middle East) and the Darling (Australia) Mean streamflow: 6470 m 3 per second minimum flow: 3450 maximum flow: 19200 comparable with the Ohio (USA) and the Indus (Asia) - Flowing from the Black Forest (Germany, Donaueschingen) to the Black Sea the Danube plays essential role in Europe. 3
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81 million people is living in the catchment area, and with the 18 contributory nations this is the most international river in the World. It s hard to imagine a region of greater variety! The watershed covers high Alpine zones, large plains, sand dunes, forested lands, marshy wetlands and the unique Danube Delta. The region provides habitats to some 2000 plants and more than 5000 animal species, ~ 300 birds. 8
The Danube River Basin ecosystem is also highly rich in economic and social values. It provides millions of people with water and other vital resources. The people in this region rely on the Danube for transport, industry, energy, recreation and tourism. There is a potential risk also for the environment: - potential impact on water quality and quantity - significant reduction in biodiversity - inappropriate reallocation of water among users - negative effects of population displacements 9
Water resources management has and has been always of great importance in the River Basin. In each countries great attention was payed on - water supply for drinking and industrial purposes - wastewater collection and treatment - water quality and flood control - maintenance of river beds and water ways - energy processing - ecosystem protection and - human recreation A good cooperation among the people and countries along the river is an imperative necessity. 10
The international cooperation is realized by the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) the largest and most active platform of Europe in river basin management for promoting and coordinating sustainable and equitable water use in the region. The cooperation is based legally upon two pillars: - Danube River Protection Convention (DRPC) signed in Sofia: 1994, coming into force: 1998 - EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) 2000 ICPDR has proven to be instrumental in making the Danube Basin a showcase for sustainable water management in the changing world. 11
Main fields of activity of the ICPDR imply - developing an action program for sustainable flood management - implementing WFD in river basin management - controlling emission and contamination from point and diffuse sources in pollution prevention - monitoring and assessing water quality - developing appropriate risk reduction strategies and operating emergency warning systems in prevention and management of e.g. chemical or other accidents and any environmental disasters 12
ICPDR cooperates with - regional and international agencies, like UNDP/GEF Danube Regional Project - non-governmental organizations (NGOs) 12 organizations have been granted observer status in the official meetings and voice their opinion - specific water management experts ICPDR is also raising public awareness and knowledge of the river: organizes the Danube Day festival (first time on 29. June, 2004) to encourage people to think about how their actions impact other riparian states downstream. 13
The related activities are manifold: - organizing discussion forums - river adventures - Danube school competition - nature conservation campaigns - inviting people to visit and consciously experience their own river During the Danube Days music and dance, fun and games are crucial elements which serve to remind people constantly of the richness and variety of cultural life along the Danube. 14
The best way to protect and manage water and to safeguard the interests of riparian states both upand downstream is to engage in a close international cooperation within natural geographical and hydrological units, according to the basic requirements of the WFD. One goal will be to ban the discharge of untreated wastewater from cities and towns by 2015, and from major industries by 2007. Another goal is to increase the efficiency and level of wastewater treatment in general. Discharge of particularly hazardous substances shall be phased out by 2020. 15
Priority shall be given to improving those monitoring systems which are necessary for the assessment of transboundary impacts. Great attention should be given on curbing the structural degradation of aquatic ecosystems and returning sections of the Danube to a more natural state, including existing barriers which shall be adapted according to allow the passage of migratory fish. Further item is on the agenda of ICPDR the reconnection of wetlands and retention zones. 16
Our common aim is in the Danube River Basin to reach and keep the water status of the Danube in a good or even excellent mood. We all are aware in the river basin as it is explained in the Water Framework Directive as well that water is not a commercial product like any other, but rather a heritage which must be protected, defended and treated as such for the well-being of our coming generations. Thank you your kind attention! 17