ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT OF INTENTIONAL OR ACCIDENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL THREATS TO WATER SECURITY IN THE DANUBE DELTA

摘要

An ecosystem-based approach is essential for a successful conservation of Danube Delta. The most important threats to the Danube Delta are changes in the quantity and quality of water reaching the delta from its upstream catchments. Therefore conservation approaches will only succeed if they are accompanied by an integrated approach to catchment management. Such an approach will require the establishment of appropriate authorities, integrating the interests of the various stakeholders and taking biome needs into account when considering water allocations. Since the Danube Delta has catchments that are shared between many countries, this approach will also require a high degree of international co-operation. The value of the Danube Delta for biodiversity is broadly recognized in the level of protection afforded to them through international and national legislation. The Danube Delta has been designated as a Ramsar site. Other designations recognize the value for biodiversity. Of course, designation as protected areas alone does not guarantee the protection of those areas' biodiversity. Appropriate administrative structures to provide integrated management, appropriate management plans, and adequate resources for the implementation of management plans are all needed. It is pointed out that the main constraints on appropriate management are not, in the first place, scientific information, but personnel, the level of training, equipment, and last but not least, funds.