European Rewilding Network

Danube Delta

Maxim Yakovlev / Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve
White pelican, Pelecanus onocrotalus, Danube delta rewilding area, Romania
Staffan Widstrand / Rewilding Europe
Andrey Nekrasov
Wild Konik horses in the Ukrainian village of Orlovka
Solvin Zankl / Rewilding Europe

One of the least populated areas in Europe, the Danube Delta offers a unique opportunity to restore a whole spectrum of biodiverse habitats – from open estuarine systems, naturally grazed grassland and vast reed beds through to freshwater marshes, coastal lagoons, shallow lakes and riverine forests.

Here, Rewilding Europe works with four main partners Rewilding Danube Delta (Romania), Rewilding Ukraine, Verde e Moldova and WWF-Romania. The joint work is focused on significantly improving the ecological integrity and natural functioning of 40,000 hectares of wetland and terrestrial delta habitat, using rewilding principles at on a landscape scale. Revitalised and self-governing natural processes, particularly flooding and natural grazing, will govern landscape formation, driving other natural processes, wildlife comeback, increased biodiversity and the development of a nature-based economy.

The Kartal and Kugurluy lakes in Ukraine were reconnected by culverts, with 500 hectares of marshland reflooded, and 10 dams were removed along the Kogilnik River to improve habitat connectivity and flow. Previous restoration successes on the Ermakov and Tataru Islands involved removing sections of dyke to enable a natural water current once again.
The regeneration of the Tarutino Steppe in Ukraine continues with the translocation of 20 kulan and eight male fallow deer. The kulan’s grazing presence will help to reduce the risk of wildfires and enhance biodiversity, after being absent for centuries – benefitting species such as the souslik and steppe marmot by keeping the grass short. It’s the first phase of a long-term plan that will see a free-roaming population of up to 300 reintroduced to the region by 2035. In addition, 40 konik horses were transported to Ermakov Island and the outer delta; the latter a core area of the Biosphere Reserve.

In addition, the Pelican Way of LIFE initiative, coordinated by Rewilding Europe is working on reducing the threats posed to the Dalamatian Pelican, while improving their habitat at 27 sites across this part of their range. Platforms have already been built and repaired in Bulgaria’s Persina Nature Park, with two further floating nests under construction. A third nesting colony has also become established on the island of Persin. A survey in the Romanian part of the delta estimated the number of breeding pairs to be between 446 and 486, compared with 252–432 over the last decade. The drivers behind this upward trend include better legal and physical protections and an increase in fish stocks and potential breeding sites resulting from wetland restoration.

The Danube Delta region is economically depressed, with high levels of unemployment, rural depopulation, low living standards and a strong dependence on natural resources. Rewilding Europe is working to create new opportunities for delta communities by supporting the development of nature-based business. In collaboration with partners, nature tourism infrastructure is being constructed, such as wildlife watching towers, panels and hides. The Rewilding Europe enterprise team is backing this up with theoretical and practical training sessions on the provision of wildlife watching activities.

Project: Danube Delta
Region: Danube Delta
Type of protection: Biosphere Reserve, UNESCO Heritage site, Ramsar site
Habitat types: River delta, reed beds, marshes, riverine forests, coastal grasslands, dune systems, coastal lagoons and forests
Keystone species: Migration path, wintering and nesting area for many rare or endangered birds: red-breasted goose, Dalmatian pelican, pygmy cormorant, white pelican.
Fauna (mega) species present: European mink, Golden jackal, Otter, Wild boar, Wild cat.
Aim and vision: An integrated thinking of ethical and practical long-term approach should unite three main elements. Rewilding as a mean for healthier ecosystems, managed by the local communities, valuing natural capital through embedding sustainability in the businesses and best use of ecosystem services.
A number of large core rewilding areas that have no-hunting regimes, are connected through wildlife and wilderness corridors and surrounded by zones for different kinds and levels of sustainable use.
Uniqueness of the project: The Danube Delta, the largest river delta wetland in Europe, has become one of the finest, wildest, best-protected and most famous wildlife areas of the whole continent. The area provides new sources of income and pride for the people who live here and for Romania as a country.
Other activities: Community involved, Eco tourism, Education, Recreational activities, Research, Sale of sustainable products
Results you aim to accomplish in 10 years from now on: The rewilding process has also provided examples of new or additional ways to make a living, based on these wild resources. In combination with products trading from the surrounding areas where people still use the landscape in traditional, sustainable ways, being a vital part of their income.
Results so far: Feasibility studies for the restocking of the beaver and the reintroduction of red deer have been finalised, and discussions have started with stakeholders and authorities in order to get permission to start the comeback of the species.
Local partners for the Tauros programme have been identified in Sfantu Gheorghe area, where the collaboration will bring thousands of hectares of rewilding area with natural grazing.
Local enterpreneurs who are willing to associate in a small scale tourism association have been identified, guiding them on the development of a 3-day tour bird watching product for Sfantu Gheorghe.
Inspirational value: Our team is very fortunate to work in an unique place where the Danube meets the Black Sea and where nature is so rich, so dynamic and ever changing. Through our work we are both learning from the people and showing them how to make the most of the richness and to be part of this dynamic in a way that is sustainable and opens new possibilities away from some of the old damaging habits.
Experience you would like to share: The challenges of implementing the initiative in a wetland Biosphere reserve, strategies of working with the stakeholders and experiences from the field, both ecological and socio-economical.
Experience you would like to gain: Learn from other teams how they encouraged and established participatory management in the local communities and other skills concerning species management.
Map
Country
Romania
Start year
2011
Size (ha)
180000
Area type
Wetlands
Natural process
Flooding, Natural grazing, Other, River dynamics
Flagship species
Beaver, Feral horses, Water buffalo
Danube Delta
Danube Delta
Maxim Yakovlev / Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve
White pelican, Pelecanus onocrotalus, Danube delta rewilding area, Romania
Staffan Widstrand / Rewilding Europe
Andrey Nekrasov
Wild Konik horses in the Ukrainian village of Orlovka
Solvin Zankl / Rewilding Europe

One of the least populated areas in Europe, the Danube Delta offers a unique opportunity to restore a whole spectrum of biodiverse habitats – from open estuarine systems, naturally grazed grassland and vast reed beds through to freshwater marshes, coastal lagoons, shallow lakes and riverine forests.

Here, Rewilding Europe works with four main partners Rewilding Danube Delta (Romania), Rewilding Ukraine, Verde e Moldova and WWF-Romania. The joint work is focused on significantly improving the ecological integrity and natural functioning of 40,000 hectares of wetland and terrestrial delta habitat, using rewilding principles at on a landscape scale. Revitalised and self-governing natural processes, particularly flooding and natural grazing, will govern landscape formation, driving other natural processes, wildlife comeback, increased biodiversity and the development of a nature-based economy.

The Kartal and Kugurluy lakes in Ukraine were reconnected by culverts, with 500 hectares of marshland reflooded, and 10 dams were removed along the Kogilnik River to improve habitat connectivity and flow. Previous restoration successes on the Ermakov and Tataru Islands involved removing sections of dyke to enable a natural water current once again.
The regeneration of the Tarutino Steppe in Ukraine continues with the translocation of 20 kulan and eight male fallow deer. The kulan’s grazing presence will help to reduce the risk of wildfires and enhance biodiversity, after being absent for centuries – benefitting species such as the souslik and steppe marmot by keeping the grass short. It’s the first phase of a long-term plan that will see a free-roaming population of up to 300 reintroduced to the region by 2035. In addition, 40 konik horses were transported to Ermakov Island and the outer delta; the latter a core area of the Biosphere Reserve.

In addition, the Pelican Way of LIFE initiative, coordinated by Rewilding Europe is working on reducing the threats posed to the Dalamatian Pelican, while improving their habitat at 27 sites across this part of their range. Platforms have already been built and repaired in Bulgaria’s Persina Nature Park, with two further floating nests under construction. A third nesting colony has also become established on the island of Persin. A survey in the Romanian part of the delta estimated the number of breeding pairs to be between 446 and 486, compared with 252–432 over the last decade. The drivers behind this upward trend include better legal and physical protections and an increase in fish stocks and potential breeding sites resulting from wetland restoration.

The Danube Delta region is economically depressed, with high levels of unemployment, rural depopulation, low living standards and a strong dependence on natural resources. Rewilding Europe is working to create new opportunities for delta communities by supporting the development of nature-based business. In collaboration with partners, nature tourism infrastructure is being constructed, such as wildlife watching towers, panels and hides. The Rewilding Europe enterprise team is backing this up with theoretical and practical training sessions on the provision of wildlife watching activities.

Map
Country
Romania
Start year
2011
Size (ha)
180000
Area type
Wetlands
Natural process
Flooding, Natural grazing, Other, River dynamics
Flagship species
Beaver, Feral horses, Water buffalo
Specification
Project: Danube Delta
Region: Danube Delta
Type of protection: Biosphere Reserve, UNESCO Heritage site, Ramsar site
Habitat types: River delta, reed beds, marshes, riverine forests, coastal grasslands, dune systems, coastal lagoons and forests
Keystone species: Migration path, wintering and nesting area for many rare or endangered birds: red-breasted goose, Dalmatian pelican, pygmy cormorant, white pelican.
Fauna (mega) species present: European mink, Golden jackal, Otter, Wild boar, Wild cat.
Description
Aim and vision: An integrated thinking of ethical and practical long-term approach should unite three main elements. Rewilding as a mean for healthier ecosystems, managed by the local communities, valuing natural capital through embedding sustainability in the businesses and best use of ecosystem services.
A number of large core rewilding areas that have no-hunting regimes, are connected through wildlife and wilderness corridors and surrounded by zones for different kinds and levels of sustainable use.
Uniqueness of the project: The Danube Delta, the largest river delta wetland in Europe, has become one of the finest, wildest, best-protected and most famous wildlife areas of the whole continent. The area provides new sources of income and pride for the people who live here and for Romania as a country.
Other activities: Community involved, Eco tourism, Education, Recreational activities, Research, Sale of sustainable products
Achievements
Results you aim to accomplish in 10 years from now on: The rewilding process has also provided examples of new or additional ways to make a living, based on these wild resources. In combination with products trading from the surrounding areas where people still use the landscape in traditional, sustainable ways, being a vital part of their income.
Results so far: Feasibility studies for the restocking of the beaver and the reintroduction of red deer have been finalised, and discussions have started with stakeholders and authorities in order to get permission to start the comeback of the species.
Local partners for the Tauros programme have been identified in Sfantu Gheorghe area, where the collaboration will bring thousands of hectares of rewilding area with natural grazing.
Local enterpreneurs who are willing to associate in a small scale tourism association have been identified, guiding them on the development of a 3-day tour bird watching product for Sfantu Gheorghe.
Exchange
Inspirational value: Our team is very fortunate to work in an unique place where the Danube meets the Black Sea and where nature is so rich, so dynamic and ever changing. Through our work we are both learning from the people and showing them how to make the most of the richness and to be part of this dynamic in a way that is sustainable and opens new possibilities away from some of the old damaging habits.
Experience you would like to share: The challenges of implementing the initiative in a wetland Biosphere reserve, strategies of working with the stakeholders and experiences from the field, both ecological and socio-economical.
Experience you would like to gain: Learn from other teams how they encouraged and established participatory management in the local communities and other skills concerning species management.
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