Tasks of the ICPDR
The ICPDR’s legal basis is rooted in the "Convention on Cooperation for the Protection and Sustainable use of the Danube River", commonly known as the "Danube River Protection Convention" or "DRPC". This pivotal convention was signed in Sofia in 1994 and took effect in October 1998.
The DRPC binds contracting parties (Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, and the European Union) to unify their efforts in sustainable water management.
The key objectives of the ICPDR and the DRPC include the following aims to:
- Ensure sustainable water management
- Ensure conservation, improvement and rational use of surface waters and groundwater
- Control pollution and reduce inputs of nutrients and hazardous substances
- Control floods and ice hazards.
Additionally, the ICPDR serves as a conduit for collaboration between Danube countries and the Black Sea region in matters necessitating coordinated action. Moreover, it collaborates with other international organizations, as pertinent, to tackle emerging challenges linked to water management (e.g., climate change adaptation). Since its inception in 2000, a commitment to implementing the EU's Water Framework Directive (WFD) has also been central to the endeavours of all ICPDR members, irrespective of EU membership.
The ICPDR also facilitates cooperation between the Danube countries and the Black Sea region in issues requiring coordination. Furthermore, it cooperates with other international organisations where appropriate to address new challenges related to water management (e.g. climate change adaptation) as they emerge. As of its adoption in 2000, a commitment to implementing the EU’s Water Framework Directive (WFD) is also central to the activities of alI CPDR members, including non-EU members.
