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VIENNA, March 22, 2025 (Vienna International Centre) – The retreat of glaciers in the Upper Danube River Basin is one of the most alarming consequences of climate change, says the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) as it joins the global community in commemorating World Water Day 2025. This year's theme, "Save Our Glaciers," highlights the critical importance of glaciers and the urgent need to address their rapid decline due to climate change. As the climate continues to warm, glaciers worldwide, including those that feed into the Danube River, are melting at unprecedented rates.

At the recent High-Level and Technical Conference in Brdo pri Kranju, Slovenia, ICPDR Executive Secretary Ms. Vogel underscored the important need for stronger coordination in drought management across the Danube region. The conference brought together regional and international organizations to address climate change adaptation challenges in South-Eastern Europe.

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia – In a powerful address at the 10th Meeting of Parties (MOP10), ICPDR President Vladimír Novák of Slovakia reaffirmed the ICPDR’s commitment to safeguarding the Danube River Basin for future generations, particularly as climate change accelerates. This past June marked the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Danube River Protection Convention (DRPC). Signed in Sofia, Bulgaria, the DRPC laid the foundation for the ICPDR’s mission of transboundary cooperation in water management for the Danube River Basin.

The European Environment Agency (EEA) has released its latest report, “Europe’s State of Water 2024: The Need for Improved Water Resilience,” shedding light on the growing challenges to Europe’s water security. The report, which draws on data from the 3rd River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs), highlights significant pressures on surface and groundwater bodies across Europe, emphasizing the need for immediate action to strengthen water resilience.

On 27-28 March 2018, Belgrade payed host to the ICPDR Climate Change Adaptation Workshop. The ICPDR workshop was hosted by the Institute for the Development of Water Resources - "Jaroslav Cerni" The gathering included 80 participants from Danube countries, the International Sava River Basin Commission, the Carpathian Convention, the Danube Commission, the ICPDR Secretariat, the European Commission, GWP CEE, UNEP, the EUSDR and WWF who all contributed valuable input and advice.

Istanbul, 21 April 2012. The Convention on the Protection of the Black Sea Against Pollution (Bucharest Convention) celebrated its 20th Anniversary. Since the signing in Bucharest, the Convention has become a powerful instrument of International Environmental Law in the Black Sea Basin.

Istanbul, 12 April 2012. At a meeting on 12 April 2012, representatives of the ICPDR and the International Black Sea Protection Commission expressed their understanding of joint responsibility for the management of water. As the main tributary to the Black Sea, the water quality of the Danube is directly linked to sensitive environment of the Black Sea.

The United Nations Development Programme produced a video on the restoration of the Danube River and the Black Sea.

Samsun, 30 October 2009. International Black Sea Action Day will be celebrated on October 30-31 in Samsun, Turkey, with activities jointly organized by the Turkish Ministry of Environment and Forest and the Commission on the Protection of the Black Sea Against Pollution (Black Sea Commission). Within this context, a two-day workshop is being organized where the threats facing the sea, efforts to cope with these threats in various fields and the current situation of the Black Sea will be discussed.

Bucharest, 23 February 2007. The European Commission and Environment Ministers from all countries of the Danube River Basin and Black Sea region adopted a Declaration on the Enhancement of Cooperation during a High Level Meeting in Bucharest, Romania. The Declaration recognizes the important values of the region, historical damage it has undergone and recent signs of environmental recovery as a result of cooperative actions.