The Danube River - flowing over 2,800kms from its source in the Black Forest of Germany to the Romanian and Ukrainian Delta in the Black Sea - is middle Europe's largest river. Rushing mountain waters of the Drava River in Slovenia, the wide powerful
main channel flowing past Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest, the quiet side arms in Hungary's Gemenc region, the canyon-like confluence of the Beli, Cerni and Malki in Bulgaria, and the vast reed beds of the Danube Delta are all part of this valuable
natural heritage. Together with its tributaries, the Danube is a living ribbon that binds together parts of seventeen countries of Central and Eastern Europe.
Over 80 million people live in the Danube drainage area and draw benefit and enjoyment from the river and its surrounding territories. The river is home to pike and over 60 other fish species, it supports the threatened river otter, provides nesting
places for White Tailed Eagles and Black Storks,
replenishes the largest source of underground water in Europe, and nourishes, with water and nutrients,forests and fields. Yet despite its importance this valuable natural heritage
has been partially destroyed.
Channelization, draining of wetlands, inappropriate cutting of forests, building of dams, and pollution have all taken their toll.
The Danube River as a living ecosystem has been badly damaged.
WWF's International Green Danube Programme aims to stop the destruction of the Danube, to protect the remaining natural areas, prevent pollution, and restore lost habitats. Current WWF projects demonstrate model forest and meadow management, restore
drained wetland areas, promote protection of sensitive habitat, ensure the survival of endangered and threatened species of animals and plants, and demonstrate and promote economic development that sustainably uses the environment upon which we depend.
But there is more to be done. WWF needs support for these efforts is commited to working with others (governments, industry,
research institutions, non-governmental groups, and individuals) who share our goal of protecting, restoring and sustaining the
Danube River as a dynamic and living ecosystem that brings long-term health and well-being to the people whose home is the Danube Basin.
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