It is Europe's greatest river - a river that binds together a multitude of different cultures and peoples. Eighty million people live in the watershed of this river which has shaped the people and culture of central and eastern Europe like no other.

But the Danube is more than a cultural bond. It is also a lifeline and connects manifold ecosystems and natural areas. It combines diverse areas such as the Alps, the Puszta, and the Delta. The Danube is habitat for an amazing diversity of plants and animals, and an area of refuge for such rare and seriously threatened sprecies as the White-tailed Eagle, the Black Stork, Sturgeon, and the Dalmatian Pelican.

The Danube, however, is in greater danger today than ever before through pollution, channelization, building of dams, draining of wetlands and the loss of the natural dynamics that are such a vital factor for maintaining the health of the Danube ecosystem. If the Danube further deteriorates, the basis of life for millions of people and a critical component of Europe's endangered and damaged natural wealth will as well be further imperiled.

"Green Danube" is a WWF programme aimed at the restoration and protection of this great European river. It is not yet too late. The chance we have must be used.


Dalmatin Pelican and European White Pelican.



Copyright 1996, The World Wide Fund For Nature