Archive for November, 2008:
Environment and Issues
Informations about Environment and Issues
Large scale works began in the Danube Delta as early as the second half of the 19th century. First corrections of the Sulina arm began in 1862 and they continued throughout the 20th century. A a result, the length of the Sulina arm was reduced from 92 to 64 km, and its flow more than doubled, to make it suitable for large-vessel navigation. By correcting the six large meanders on its course, the length of the Sfântu Gheorghe was also reduced to 70 km from 108, and its flow slightly increased also. Both these increases were made to the detriment of the Chilia arm, which as of present remains the most unspoiled arm of the main three. These corrections, as well as the digging of various secondary channels throughout the body of the delta have a serious impact on the ecosystem. Natural environments are altered, the breeding pattern of fish especially is disrupted, the flow of the main arms is increased, with serious consequences regarding the discharge of the alluviums and the erosion of the banks.
Reed was intensively harvested during the Communist era. The regime had plans of transforming the delta into a large agro-industrial zone. Although the first modern agricultural exploitation dates form 1939 (Ostrovul Tãtaru), just from the 1960 on have large areas been drained and converted, to the detriment of wetlands. As of 1991 agricultural land in the delta surpassed 100,000 ha, and more than a third of its surface has been affected by crop cultivation, forest pantation or pisciculture arrangements. As a result of these changes, as well as the increasing pollution and eutrophication of the Danube waters, and decades overexploitation and poor regulations on fishing (commercial and recreational), the fish population is in visible regress.
In 2004, Ukraine inaugurated work on the Bistroe Channel that would provide an additional navigable link from the Black Sea to the popolous Ukrainian section of the Danube Delta. However, because of the negative impact which this new channel may have upon the fragile ecosystem of the Delta, the European Union advised Ukraine to shut down the works. Romanian officials threatened to sue Ukraine at the International Court of Justice. Under the presidency of Kuchma Ukraine had responded that Romania is just afraid of the competition that the new channel will bring, and continued working on the channel. Under the presidency of Yuschenko, who visited Romania in 2005, both sides agree that professionals should decide the fate of the channel. In the long-run, Ukraine plans to build a navigation channel, if not through Bistroe Channel then through another channel.
Source: www.wikipedia.org
World Heritage
Informations about Wolrd Heritage
In 1991, the Romanian part of the Danube Delta became part of the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Around 2,733 km² of the delta are strictly protected areas.
In 1998, under UNESCO Programme on Man and the Biosphere, the 6264.03 km² of Danube Delta were established as Biosphere Reserve shared by Romania and Ukraine.
Historically, in Romania, part of Danube Delta was marked as a reserve back in 1938.
In Ukraine, the Danube branch of Black Sea State Reserve was established in 1973. In 1981 it was reorganized into Natural Reserve “Danube Fluxes”, and in 1998 it was extended into Danube Biosphere Reserve.
Source: www.wikipedia.org