<
https://www.scena9.ro/en/article/romania-ukraine-war-effects-danube-delta-environment-water>
"There is a remarkable place on the border between Ukraine and Romania — a maze
of waterways, lakes, canals, and islands that together form a unique ecosystem
spanning 7,322 square kilometers. This entire area, called the Danube Delta, is
protected by virtue of its status as a UNESCO transboundary biosphere reserve.
On the Ukrainian side, the reserve is known as the Danube Biosphere Reserve,
and on the Romanian side as the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve.
The Danube Delta is the largest delta ecosystem in Europe and plays a crucial
role in water purification. It provides habitat for approximately 350 species
of birds that use the delta for migration, wintering, or permanent residence.
In addition, the reserve is home to more than 100 species of fish, including
sturgeon populations.
Moreover, the delta serves as a vital refuge for endangered species, including
the European mink, wild cat and otter. Its diverse and rich ecosystem supports
a wide range of flora and fauna, making it one of the most important protected
areas in Europe.
After the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, this natural habitat became
threatened by the war and the increased naval traffic it brought to the region.
This is the story of that impact, but also of the solutions that people on both
the Ukrainian and Romanian sides of the Delta are working on to protect this
area. From small communities documenting plastic waste, to researchers raising
alarm bells, from actions that can be undertaken immediately to ideas that can
only be implemented after the end of the war, different responses show the many
nuances of the situation, as well as the people’s determination to protect this
wild part of nature.
In Romania and Ukraine, the Danube Delta Is Hurting. Can We Do Anything to
Heal It? is a cross-border investigation by Rubryka (Ukraine) and Scena9
(Romania) that explores current environmental challenges in the Danube Delta
biosphere in both countries (some aggravated by Russia's war in Ukraine), as
well as potential solutions, for the short and long term."
Via
Reasons to be Cheerful:
<
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/what-were-reading-listening-to-yellowstone-wolves/>
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
