A smiling woman operates a hand pump, collecting clean water outdoors. Text overlay reads: “World Water Day 2026 – Water and gender” and “Where water flows, equality grows.”
News & Media

The ICPDR Celebrates World Water Day 2026: “Where Water Flows, Equality Grows”

VIENNA, 20 March (Vienna International Centre) – The growing disparities in water access around the world and the escalating impacts of climate change on the Danube River Basin are some of the most pressing challenges of our time, says the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) as it joins the global community in commemorating World Water Day 2026 on Sunday, 22 March. This year’s theme, "Where water flows, equality grows," highlights the indispensable role of equitable water management in fostering social justice, economic stability, and environmental resilience across the Danube region.

Two young female students holding an award in a classroom.
News & Media

Danube Art Master 2025 Award Season Kicks Off in Austria

Award ceremonies are taking place across the Danube River Basin, facilitated by relevant ministries in the winning countries. Over the coming months, further national award presentations will follow, highlighting young perspectives from across the basin.

Group of people stand and hold Danube Art Master 2025 certificates.
News & Media

Danube Art Master Competition 2025: International Winners Announced

VIENNA, 16 December 2025 – The International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) proudly announced the winners of the 2025 Danube Art Master competition during its 28th Ordinary Meeting, held 11-12 December at the Vienna International Centre.

two women shaking hands and smiling
News & Media

Ukraine to succeed Slovenia in ICPDR Presidency for 2026

VIENNA, 11 December (Diplomatic Academy of Vienna) – Ukraine will take over the Presidency of the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) in January 2026. Mariia Shpanchyk, Head of the Department of Water Management at the State Agency of Water Resources of Ukraine, will serve as its new President for one year. The annual transition in leadership reflects the ICPDR’s ongoing dedication to successful transboundary water management.

A group of 4 people standing by an aquarium and listening to an expert
News & Media

Joint Danube Survey 5: First Microbiological Insights from Austria Highlight Long-Term Improvements Across the Basin

The ICPDR is pleased to share a first glimpse into the microbiological findings emerging from the Joint Danube Survey 5 (JDS5) — the world’s largest river basin monitoring programme carried out on a single river system. While full results will only be available once all samples from the 108 sampling sites have been analysed, early data from the microbiology component show encouraging trends across the entire Danube Basin.

Illustration of a ship sturgeon showcasing its long body and bony features..
News & Media

Ship Sturgeon Once Thought Extinct Confirmed in the Drava River

A remarkable discovery has been made in the Drava River: an angler in Croatia recently caught a ship sturgeon (Acipenser nudiventris), a species long believed to be extinct in the Danube River Basin. Measuring 176 centimetres and weighing 35 kilograms, the fish was safely released back into the river after being identified by local authorities. The sighting is encouraging as it marks the first confirmed record of the species in many decades.

Two men hold a book in their hands and are sandwiched between a man and a woman
News & Media

Transboundary Cooperation for Healthy Rivers: ICPDR Welcomes New Declaration as Model for Danube Basin Collaboration

The ICPDR applauds the recent signing of the"goMURra" Declaration by Austrian Water Minister Norbert Totschnig and Slovenian Minister for Natural Resources Jože Novak. The declaration, signed on 11 November 2025 at the UNESCO 5-Country Biosphere Reserve, marks a significant step forward in transboundary water management and ecological restoration in the Danube River Basin.

A woman in the water holding a net and looking at it
News & Media

30 Years of the TNMN: Guarding the Danube’s Water Quality Amidst EU Innovation

As the TransNational Monitoring Network (TNMN) marks its 30th anniversary, it stands as a model of international cooperation in water quality monitoring. Since 1996, the TNMN has provided a structured, long-term view of pollution and water quality in the Danube River Basin, tracking chemical and biological parameters across more than 100 monitoring locations. Its data not only informs local and national policies but also supports compliance with the EU Water Framework Directive.

Five representatives hold up copies of the Joint Statement 2.0 document.
News & Media

Joint Statement 2.0 Officially Handed Over at the 16th Joint Statement Meeting in Budapest

The 16th Meeting on the Follow-up of the Joint Statement on Guiding Principles for the Development of Inland Navigation and Environmental Protection in the Danube River Basin took place on 22 October 2025 in Budapest, hosted by the Danube Commission. The Joint Statement 2.0 process reflects the changes and challenges that have emerged since the initial Joint Statement was adopted in 2007, ensuring that the principles guiding inland navigation and environmental protection remain relevant and effective.

a man stands at the river with a vial in his hand
News & Media

JDS5 Expands Horizons: Introducing Citizen Science to Danube Basin Schools

The 5th Joint Danube Survey (JDS5) has reached a significant milestone by incorporating citizen science into its outreach activities for the first time. Under the Motto "Let's Go Sampling Together", this activity Coordinated by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission and supported by the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR), engaged schools across the Danube Basin in a collaborative effort to monitor and protect the river's ecological health.

The Danube River Basin

Welcome to ICPDR.org!

Portrait of Ms. Maria Shpanchyk

We invite you to browse through our website and sincerely hope we can inspire you to learn more about how the ICPDR works tirelessly towards cleaner, healthier and safer waters in the Danube River Basin, for everyone to enjoy.

Ms. Maria Shpanchyk
ICPDR President 2026

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