Photo:Acaro/WikimediaAt the beginning of November 2009 the Romanian Parliament cancelled a draft law that would have protected the irreplaceable natural environment of the Danube Delta.The Danube Delta is one of the world's largest wetlands, home to an extraordinary array of wildlife and to over 320 bird species, such as Vulnerable Dalmatian Pelican Pelecanus crispus and Endangered Red-breasted Goose Branta ruficollis.
The international relevance of Danube Delta is recognised by its designation as Biosphere Reserve, World Heritage site, a wetland site of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, an Important Bird Area according to BirdLife, a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the EU Birds Directive and a proposed Site of Community Importance under the EU Habitats Directive.
The Danube Delta Administration, supported by SOR (BirdLife in Romania) has tried three times to harmonise the laws governing the Danube Delta with the European legislation since 2006. Each time the draft law has been blocked or dismissed by Government ministries or by the Romanian Parliament.
"Without a proper law, the Danube Delta's habitats and species will be irreversibly affected by uncontrolled tourism developments, road projects, unlicensed hunting and over-fishing. A new law is urgently required to protect the Delta's natural environment, whilst allowing sustainable economic development and a careful planning", commented Dr. Marina Cazacu, Danube Casework Officer at SOR.
