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Danube Basin, 29 June 2006. A series of events have been planned for the celebration of the third Danube Day, 29 June, to commemorate the anniversary of the signing of the Danube River Protection Convention in Sofia, Bulgaria, in 1994. Danube Day 2006 follows the slogan DANUBE: RIVER OF LIFE.

Participation of the stakeholder is a prerequisite for integrated river basin management planning.

On occasion of Danube Day 2005, the ICPDR invited stakeholders from all riparian countries to participate in the first basin-wide stakeholder conference, which was held in Budapest, as Hungary was the ICPDR President in 2005.

Vienna, 14 October 2005. ICPDR President 2005 István Őri announced the winner of the International Danube Art Master Competition in Budapest: A German School (6 A, Secondary School "Auf der Schanz") wins the competition, which made part of the Danube Day celebrations 2005. As in 2004, this competition was carried out jointly by the ICPDR and the Danube Environmental Forum in all 13 Danube countries.

“29 June” is the international Danube Day. It was first celebrated by the ICPDR in 2004 to highlight the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Danube River Protection Convention. Through the joint effort of different organizations, the celebration of Danube Day throughout the Danube River Basin became an annual event, paying tribute to the Danube and the rivers that flow into it.

The habitats created by the Danube and its tributaries host a unique mix of species. But many habitats are degraded by man-made changes to the river profile and width, water depth and flow velocity following the construction of dams, weirs and canals. Many migratory fish including sturgeon species and the Danube Salmon are endangered or close to extinction by being disconnected from their spawning grounds and habitats or by being over-exploited.

A river does not end at its bank. The Danube and its tributaries form many diverse riverine habitats, including intricate networks of water bodies, creeks and channels, floodplain forests, water meadows, lakes, gravel islands, sandy banks and the unique delta habitats by the shores of the Black Sea.

The Danube and its tributaries host a variety of fascinating and diverse ecological territories with many unique plants and animals. The rich and unique biodiversity and riverine habitats have been under severe pressure due to human activities for centuries. However, today the protection of environment and biodiversity is on the political agenda of the different Danubian States.