Search Results

In the wake of what has been declared the nation's 'worst-ever natural disaster,’ more than 70% of Slovenia's territory, predominantly situated in the Danube River Basin, has been severely affected by extreme flooding. The scale of this catastrophe has led to billions of Euros in damages and a tragic loss of lives.

Rivers are a natural resource that have been a focal point of transboundary governance for centuries. It is challenging to manage them for the benefit of riparian communities – especially if they are transboundary. This requires the development of a water infrastructure to harvest the socioeconomic benefits, while at the same time protecting the ecosystem for future generations.

River Basin Organizations (RBOs) have been established in many of the world’s basins to better coordinate different stakeholders’ actions and foster cooperation instead of conflict. Based on the experiences of several RBOs worldwide, several key characteristics for their effectiveness can be identified.

With the start of her tenure as our Executive Secretary last summer, Birgit Vogel has set out to prioritize building solid professional relationships with ICPDR stakeholders and members, planning to personally visit as many Danube countries as possible. Ms. Vogel met with Uroš Brežan. Slovenian Water Minister, and a broad range of water actors on her latest visit to Slovenia.

8th March 2022, VIENNA – The ICPDR has announced Birgit Vogel as its new Executive Secretary. Ms. Vogel will be taking on the role later this year following the retirement of Ivan Zavadsky after nearly a decade in the role.

VIENNA, 17 March 2020 – Following recent developments of the coronavirus, and in line with both the measures taken by the Austrian authorities, and the advice from the Vienna International Centre Medical Service, I have instructed all staff of the ICPDR Secretariat to work from home.

Freezing weather conditions in the winter months have been a fact of life on the Danube since time immemorial, but the months of January and February 2017 saw many countries in the Danube Basin and its tributaries facing an especially bleak situation.