News

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.

Bucharest, Romania – Nine countries along the Danube River have joined forces to protect some of Europe’s most endangered species: the sturgeons. On 9–10 July, thirteen project partners and strategic allies – including national ministries, universities, NGOs and research bodies – gathered in Bucharest to launch “MonStur in the Danube,” a new cross-border effort to monitor and protect these ancient migratory fish.

The Sava Commission, Danube Commission, and ICPDR have come together to launch the Joint Statement 2.0 process, marking a significant step forward in harmonizing navigation and environmental protection in the Danube River Basin. With the first Stakeholder Workshop underway, this updated framework aims to address new challenges, including climate change impacts, sustainable transport, and innovative river management solutions. Discover how this initiative is set to shape the future of the region's waterways.

The ICPDR is excited to announce the launch of our digital newsletter, "Danube Watch", marking a new era in our ongoing commitment to the Danube River Basin. This newsletter, scheduled to reach your inbox up to four times a year, is your portal to the latest stories and updates from the vibrant world of the Danube.

The official website of the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River, www.icpdr.org, has undergone a complete makeover. Over the years, our website has grown in content, making navigation increasingly challenging. Our new design not only enhances accessibility through intuitive navigation but also adheres to cutting-edge usability standards.

The Danube Declaration 2022, the result of the 4th ICPDR Ministerial Meeting, presents a comprehensive overview of crucial initiatives and goals for the region. Adopted by Danube Ministers, the Danube Declaration adds political steering to the two Management Plans. To make the Declaration more accessible to the general public, the ICPDR's Public Participation Expert Group has condensed its content into a concise summary. The outcome is a 3-page brochure that summarizes the main messages and implications of the Declaration in an easy-to-understand format.

The 2021 Annual Report provides detailed insight into an eventful year for the ICPDR– from the updates of the two Management plans and the return of in-person Danube Day events to the completion of the fourth Joint Danube Survey (JDS4). The 2021 Annual Report depicts this broad spectrum of ICPDR activities. It illustrates the ICPDRʼs ever-broadening commitment as needed by the multi-faceted nature of the Danube River itself.

Vienna, 12 December 2018 - This morning WWF presented a Gift to the Earth, its highest award, to the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) at a ceremony at the UN in Vienna.

Vienna, 28 October 2018 (Press Release) - Ten countries along the Danube (Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria and Ukraine) join forces in an EU-funded project to conserve endangered migratory fish species in the Danube river basin by identifying and improving access to habitats and promoting the establishment of ecological corridors.

Vienna, 14 September 2018 – The 9th Workshop on the follow-up of the Joint Statement on Guiding Principles on the Development of Inland Navigation and Environmental Protection in the Danube River Basin took place on 13th and 14th September at the Vienna International Centre in Vienna. In attendance were 60 experts from national administrations, EU and international institutions, responsible government authorities and representatives of interest groups, all stakeholders who contribute to the sustainability of the Joint Statement initiative in the current state of legal and policy frameworks of integrated river basin management and environmental protection.