Rewilding of the Danube Delta
Alyssa Gallagher and Hannah Raffler
Keywords: Danube Delta, Rewilding, Restoration, Passive, Europe
SUMMARY
Situated in Ukraine and eastern Romania as well as eight other countries, the Danube Delta, declared a Ramsar Wetland of international importance and world heritage site (1990), is Europe’s second largest river and was Europe’s first Biosphere Reserve (established in 1995)[1,5]. The river system originates in the Black Forest mountains of western Germany and flows approximately 2,850 kilometers until it reaches its mouth at the Black Sea in Romania[4,16] and the wetland covers a 580,000 hectare extent, making it the second largest wetland in Europe1. The delta is home to a wide range of biodiversity, including several globally threatened species, as well as complex marine and forest mosaic landscapes and habitats[1]. Historically, the delta played a crucial role in the evolution and settlement of central and southern Europe offering primary navigation routes between nations[4].However, development and infrastructure throughout the twentieth century has led to deterioration of local water quality and biodiversity loss[2,6].
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As of 2012, a Dutch foundation called Rewilding Europe began working on rewilding the Danube Delta using a passive approach[2,7]. They are utilizing natural processes such as flooding and natural grazing to aid in the recovery of other natural processes, wildlife and biodiversity increase[2,7,18]. They hope to restore 40,000 hectares of wetland by 2024, with particular focus on the reconnection of wetland and lakes to the Danube river system and natural grazing to encourage ecological integrity[6,7,10]. This rewilding approach hopes to encourage the recovery of ecosystem function as well as aid in economic profit for local communities and stakeholders[2].
Ecological Genealogy
During the initial emergence of the delta, between 12 and 8 thousand years ago, the river's path flowed through a tectonic fault line along the deepest portion of the Danube Bay [3]. This fault line separated the delta from the southern hills, stopping the river from wandering and forcing all sediments down to the point of the peninsula [3]. During this period, the delta occupied half of the original Danube Bay [3]. The initial spit was also in early development and began closing off the northern portion of the bay [3]. As a result of the initial spit, six large open-coast lobes formed facing eastward and southward of the delta [3].
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The four initial lobes formed near the Sfântu Gheorghe (St. George) branch of the delta, and the remaining two formed near the Chilia and Sulina branches [3,4]. The growth of the four lobes found on the eastern portion of the delta was favoured by longshore transported sand, groin effects promoted by longshore current, and river currents [3]. The remaining two lobes located on the southern portion of the delta were the result of north westerly waves becoming highly prominent during large storms and generating southward development of the coastal features [3]. Presently, the branches are maintained by the position of the shoreline in relation to the fluctuation in discharge from the Danube Delta [3]. |
Historically, the delta played a crucial role in the evolution and settlement of central and southern Europe[4]. The banks acted as boundaries between empires and the rivers were used as primary navigation routes between nations[4]. Over the last four decades, steady human development and change in sediment transport and deposition has deteriorated the banks of the delta[4].Construction of upstream dams, and deterioration in water quality due to upstream contaminates modified the flooding systems[5]. During the last 100 years, this modification impacted the long-distance migratory fish species that would visit the delta annually and an increase in nutrient levels led to the loss of aquatic plants and fish[5]. In addition, an increase in agriculture and fish marshland has reduced the natural areas by 20% from the baseline established 4 decades ago[5]. Finally, navigation channels have been altered to carry polluted water, which changed the deltas hydrology, water quality, and flood drainage abilities resulting in a shift from limnophila to eurytopic species[5].
In 1990 the Danube Delta was declared a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance and a World Heritage Site[5]. From the designation of the World Heritage Site, the Biosphere Reserve was established and in 1995 they identified conservation objectives and sustainable development[5]. The Biosphere Reserve presently governs the regions and manages projects in the delta such as wetland restoration[5]. Since 1995, the delta has been profoundly impacted by anthropogenic intervention. The delta has been intersected with canals and dykes that have had a lasting impact on the growth of the delta[6]. Dams, polders (land enclosed by dykes), and roads were built and two of the arms were straightened in order to reclaim land[7]. This has left behind obsolete infrastructure, degraded waterways and land, and poor communities[7].
In 1990 the Danube Delta was declared a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance and a World Heritage Site[5]. From the designation of the World Heritage Site, the Biosphere Reserve was established and in 1995 they identified conservation objectives and sustainable development[5]. The Biosphere Reserve presently governs the regions and manages projects in the delta such as wetland restoration[5]. Since 1995, the delta has been profoundly impacted by anthropogenic intervention. The delta has been intersected with canals and dykes that have had a lasting impact on the growth of the delta[6]. Dams, polders (land enclosed by dykes), and roads were built and two of the arms were straightened in order to reclaim land[7]. This has left behind obsolete infrastructure, degraded waterways and land, and poor communities[7].
Present conditions
Given that the Danube Delta is situated within the national borders of Ukraine and Romania, and the river system itself crosses through 10 countries (Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine), this unique landscape is incredibly diverse in social and ecological factors[4,17]. As a transboundary landscape, restoration of the delta involves an extensive number of stakeholder groups across international jurisdictions. These range from multiple administrative authorities, governments, farmers and fishers, agencies and more. This was identified as a problem due to a lack of communication and effective policies between governmental institutions and the different sectors (main economic sectors are tourism, fishing, cattle grazing, and subsistence farming on small scale)[14].
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Additionally, the area is used by multiple public and privatized groups for the extraction of resources such as land and fish which causes tension between those involved due to numerous opinions and a lack of participation in decision making processes[16]. For this reason, the rewilding project, spearheaded by Rewilding Europe in 2012, involves attention on the landscape as well as local communities across the area to best ensure support from all influenced by the delta and to benefit local communities that may be socially and economically challenged[7,8]. Local population is estimated to be 14,000 in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, with a very high ethnic and cultural diversity, including Romanians, Lipovans (Russians), Ukrainians, Roma people, Greeks, Turks, Hungarians, Bulgarians, Germans, Armenians, and other ethnic groups[1]. Population tends to be distributed in small villages along each of the three main waterways of Chilia, Sulina and Sfântu Gheorghe[14]. The delta represents a heavily biodiverse arrangement of habitats, from waterways, reedbeds, steppes and dunes, to lagoons, beaches, saltmarshes and forests which supports incredibly rich species diversity[7,9,15].
The Danube Delta is home to a wide range of biodiversity with 300 species of birds, over 100 species of fish, including four species of sturgeon (Acipenseridae), and mammals such as otters (Lutra lutra) and European mink (Mustela lutreola)[7,9,15]. There are several globally threatened species as well as some of Europe's very few remaining grazed mosaic forest landscapes[7,9,15,17]. Development and infrastructure during the twentieth century led to the deterioration in local water quality and biodiversity loss and has resulted in interest in bringing this large-scale ecosystem to its former function[2,6] .Rewilding Europe, a foundation focused on rewilding natural landscapes of Europe has been carrying out rewilding activities in the Danube Delta since 2012 using natural dynamics as drivers of change[7].
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They utilize a passive rewilding approach in which natural processes of the landscape, such as flooding and natural grazing in the Danube, will govern landscape formation and encourage the return of other ecosystem processes, wildlife comeback and increased biodiversity[2,7,18]. However, in 2018 a 2.1 million-euro (2.4 million USD) grant from the Endangered Landscapes Programme (ELP) was given to Rewilding Europe to enable the accelerated rewilding of at least 40,000 hectares of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve in Romania, Moldova and Ukraine[7]. The ELP “aims to restore processes, populations and habitats for a better and more sustainable future” and this restoration project, in particular, is focused on accelerating the recovery of natural landscape and processes and the flora and fauna[7]. This funded restoration project will run from 2019 through to 2024, with focus on integrating the delta’s aquatic and terrestrial aspects at a landscape scale. Beginning in 2020, 10,000 hectares of wetland will be rewilded per year, with particular priority placed on the flooding of former polders and the reconnection of wetlands and lakes to the Danube river along with incorporating natural grazing[7].
The process of reintroducing large herbivores in areas that have already been restored is set to begin in 2019 and will actively involve local landowners of these areas. Species have been selected for which there is already a demand, such as Konik horses (Equus ferus caballus), Tauros (Maronesa, Maremmana, Boskarin, Sayaguesa, Pajuna, Podolica and crossbreeds of these) and water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)[7]. These species are selected to achieve ecological integrity as they mimic the functions of extinct animals (e.g., Tauros for the aurochs (Bos taurus primigenius) and are being introduced in the hopes of creating a more biodiverse mosaic landscape through ecosystem integration and cross-breeding with breeds to create a well-adapted herd that mimics the key function of aurochs in the past[6,7,10]. Additional projects will promote the return of large carnivores, specifically the wolf (Canis lupus lupus) and golden jackal (Canis aureus), to the area while promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife and mitigating conflict[8]. Restoration, through passive mechanisms, of waterways and shallow wetlands for natural spawning grounds for native fish species will increase fish productivity and local livelihoods of people in the area[9].
The process of reintroducing large herbivores in areas that have already been restored is set to begin in 2019 and will actively involve local landowners of these areas. Species have been selected for which there is already a demand, such as Konik horses (Equus ferus caballus), Tauros (Maronesa, Maremmana, Boskarin, Sayaguesa, Pajuna, Podolica and crossbreeds of these) and water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)[7]. These species are selected to achieve ecological integrity as they mimic the functions of extinct animals (e.g., Tauros for the aurochs (Bos taurus primigenius) and are being introduced in the hopes of creating a more biodiverse mosaic landscape through ecosystem integration and cross-breeding with breeds to create a well-adapted herd that mimics the key function of aurochs in the past[6,7,10]. Additional projects will promote the return of large carnivores, specifically the wolf (Canis lupus lupus) and golden jackal (Canis aureus), to the area while promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife and mitigating conflict[8]. Restoration, through passive mechanisms, of waterways and shallow wetlands for natural spawning grounds for native fish species will increase fish productivity and local livelihoods of people in the area[9].
Future Trajectory
The Danube Delta is a highly complex ecosystem that has been developed over thousands of years through natural and anthropogenic forces. The landscape has been altered through generations to conform to the needs of humans for trade, travel and resource extraction. As such, the delta exhibits aspects of both novel and designed ecosystems. The delta has seen extensive human intervention throughout the twentieth century from dams, dykes, roads and polders in the river network system[7]. Furthermore, it shows aspects of novelty through the reintroduction of species to perform lost ecological function, such as Tauros to function as natural grazers across the landscape[6,7].
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Rewilding efforts in the Danube Delta is not concentrated on replicating the pre-industrialized landscape as this is no longer feasible given species extinctions and climate change. Rather, it is focused on working towards restoring natural ecosystem processes, species populations, and habitat functionality for a more sustainable future[7]. The rewilding practice aims to encompass both the natural and social environments to ensure that the ecosystem and species sustainability is valued throughout all aspects of restoration and economic opportunities[7].
The project has the ability to strengthen ties through cross-border cooperation as well as benefit local communities through nature-based economies[7]. In the future, it will be interesting to assess the outcomes of these large-scale restoration practices and species introductions, such as the wolf,[13] and to see what predator-prey relationships have evolved. Species introductions will hopefully encourage the revitalization of lost ecosystem function and increase ecological integrity and biodiversity across the landscape. Additionally, monitoring the extent to which wildlife tourism will be sustainable and beneficial to local communities will be a way to measure success. A key concept that should be attempted in the Danube Delta is the development of a community wildlife conservancy, to encourage further rewilding endeavours[13].
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Given that the climate is still evolving, as well as human needs, establishing a group that is dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and the environment will work towards ensuring these are protected for future generations. Additionally, creating a community who has a sense of pride in the area will further incentivize rewilding ensure sustainable nature-based economy[7,18].
REFERENCES
- Meita, V., Petrisor, A., & Georgescu, E. (2014). planning, architecture, seismic, construction and energy-related criteria for sustainable spatial development in the Danube delta biosphere reserve area. Urbanism. Arhitectura. Constructii, 5(3), 55-68.
- Jepson, P. (2016). A rewilding agenda for Europe: Creating a network of experimental reserves. Ecography, 39(2), n/a. doi:10.1111/ecog.01602
- Vespremeanu-Stroe, A., Zăinescu, F., Preoteasa, L., Tătui, F., Rotaru, S., Morhange, C., Stoica, M., Hanganu, J., Timar-Gabor, A., Cardan, I., & Piotrowska, N. (2017). Holocene evolution of the Danube delta: An integral reconstruction and a revised chronology. Marine Geology, 388, 38-61. doi:10.1016/j.margeo.2017.04.00
- Pinka, P. & Pencev, P. (2018). Danube River | Location, Map, Countries, & Facts. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/place/Danube-River
- Navodaru, I., Buijse, A. D., & Staras, M. (2002). Effects of hydrology and water quality on the fish community in Danube delta lakes. International Review of Hydrobiology, 87(2-3), 329-348. doi:10.1002/1522-2632(200205)87:2/3<329::AID-IROH329>3.0.CO;2-J
- Tanasescu, M. (2017). Field notes on the meaning of rewilding. Ethics, Policy & Environment, 20(3), 333-349. doi:10.1080/21550085.2017.1374053
- ‘Danube Delta receives major grant to enable record-breaking restoration’. (2018). Rewilding Europe. Retrieved from https://rewildingeurope.com/news/danube-delta-receives-major-grant-to-enable-record-breaking-restoration/
- ‘The Danube Delta rewilding area expands into Ukraine’. (2017). Rewilding Europe. Retrieved from https://rewildingeurope.com/news/the-danube-delta-rewilding-area-expands-into-ukraine/
- Cambridge Conservation Initiative. (n.d.). Restoring the Danube Delta, Europe’s largest wetland. Endangered Landscapes Programme. Retrieved from https://www.endangeredlandscapes.org/projects/danube-delta-ukraine-romania-moldova/
- ‘Second shipment of Tauros arrives in the Danube Delta’. (2017). Rewilding Europe. Retrieved from https://rewildingeurope.com/news/second-shipment-of-tauros-arrives-in-the-danube-delta/
- Danube Delta, Romania - Travel and Tourism Information. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://romaniatourism.com/danube-delta.html
- Hobbs, R. J., Arico, S., Aronson, J., Baron, J. S., Bridgewater, P., Cramer, V. A., . . . Zobel, M. (2006). Novel ecosystems: Theoretical and management aspects of the new ecological world order. Global Ecology and Biogeography, 15(1), 1-7. doi:10.1111/j.1466-822X.2006.00212.x
- Pereira, H. M., Navarro, L. M., & SpringerLink (Online service). (2015). Rewilding European landscapes (2015th ed.). Cham: Springer International Publishing. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-12039-3
- Vaidianu, M. (2013). Fuzzy cognitive maps: Diagnosis and scenarios for a better management process of visitors flows in romanian Danube delta biosphere reserve. Journal of Coastal Research, 1(65), 1063.
- Danube Delta. (n.d.). Rezervatia Biosferei Delta Dunarii. Retrieved from http://www.ddbra.ro/en/danube-delta-biosphere-reserve/danube-delta
- Van Assche, K., Beunen, R., Jacobs, J., & Teampau, P. (2011). Crossing trails in the marshes: Rigidity and flexibility in the governance of the Danube delta. Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, 54(8), 997-1018. doi:10.1080/09640568.2010.547687
- Van Assche, K., Duineveld, M., Beunen, R., & Teampau, P. (2011). Delineating locals: Transformations of Knowledge/Power and the governance of the Danube delta. Journal of Environmental Policy & Planning, 13(1), 1-21. doi:10.1080/1523908X.2011.559087
- ‘Danube Delta: Europe’s unravelled wetland’. (n.d.). Rewilding Europe. Retrieved from https://rewildingeurope.com/areas/danube-delta/
FIGURE REFERENCES
Figure 1. ‘Aerials over the Danube delta rewilding area, Romania’ . Retrieved from https://rewildingeurope.com/areas/danube-delta/#!jig[1]/ML/5228
Figure 2. Map of the Danube Delta. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danube_Delta
Figure 3. Map of the Danube Delta river system as it ages. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danube_Delta
Figure 4. ‘Danube Delta’ [image]. Taken by Lorenzo Radu. Retrieved from https://whc.unesco.org/en/documents/129066
Figure 5. ‘Danube Delta’ [image]. Taken by Lorenzo Radu. Retrieved from https://whc.unesco.org/en/documents/129072
Figure 6. Allen, D. (2018). Boosting natural grazing, which in turns leads to the creation of more biodiverse mosaic landscapes, is an integral part of the ELP-funded project [image]. Rewilding Europe. Retrieved from https://rewildingeurope.com/news/danube-delta-receives-major-grant-to-enable-record-breaking-restoration/
Figure 7. Widstrand, S. (2018). At least 40,000 hectares of unique Danube Delta landscape will be restored as a result of the Endangered Landscapes Programme grant [image]. Rewilding Europe. Retrieved from https://rewildingeurope.com/news/danube-delta-receives-major-grant-to-enable-record-breaking-restoration/
Figure 2. Map of the Danube Delta. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danube_Delta
Figure 3. Map of the Danube Delta river system as it ages. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danube_Delta
Figure 4. ‘Danube Delta’ [image]. Taken by Lorenzo Radu. Retrieved from https://whc.unesco.org/en/documents/129066
Figure 5. ‘Danube Delta’ [image]. Taken by Lorenzo Radu. Retrieved from https://whc.unesco.org/en/documents/129072
Figure 6. Allen, D. (2018). Boosting natural grazing, which in turns leads to the creation of more biodiverse mosaic landscapes, is an integral part of the ELP-funded project [image]. Rewilding Europe. Retrieved from https://rewildingeurope.com/news/danube-delta-receives-major-grant-to-enable-record-breaking-restoration/
Figure 7. Widstrand, S. (2018). At least 40,000 hectares of unique Danube Delta landscape will be restored as a result of the Endangered Landscapes Programme grant [image]. Rewilding Europe. Retrieved from https://rewildingeurope.com/news/danube-delta-receives-major-grant-to-enable-record-breaking-restoration/