June 2007
UNDP/GEF Danube Regional Project:
Strengthening the Implementation Capacities
for Nutrient Reduction and Transboundary
Cooperation in the Danube River Basin
Draft Final Report
Project number:
RER/01/G32/A/1G/31
RER/03/G31/A/1G/31
Duration:
December 2001 June 2007
Financed by:
GEF
Implementing Agency:
UNDP
Executing Agency:
UNOPS in cooperation with the ICPDR
UNDP/GEF Danube Regional Project Final Report
page 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abbreviations..................................................................................................................5
Executive Summary.........................................................................................................7
1. Introduction ........................................................................................................ 12
1.1. Structure of Final Report ............................................................................ 12
1.2. Background to the UNDP/GEF Danube River Basin Programme.................. 12
1.3. Background to the Danube Regional Project............................................... 13
1.3.1. Environmental Programme for the Danube River Basin......................................14
1.3.2. UNDP/GEF Danube Pollution Reduction Programme ..........................................14
1.3.3. UNDP/GEF Danube Regional Project ...............................................................15
1.4. DRP Budget ................................................................................................ 15
2. Overview of Project Activities and Themes.......................................................... 18
2.1. DRP Summary Statistics ............................................................................. 18
2.2. DRP Outputs ............................................................................................... 19
2.3. DRP Themes ............................................................................................... 19
3. River Basin Management ..................................................................................... 21
3.1. Background to UNDP/GEF DRP Intervention on River Basin Management.. 21
3.2. DRP Interventions on River Basin Management.......................................... 21
3.2.1. Support to WFD Article V Submission the Danube Basin Analysis Report ...........21
3.2.2. Sub-Basin Initiatives undertaken by DRP ........................................................22
3.2.3. Upgrade of the Water Quality Monitoring Network in the Danube River Basin........23
3.2.4. GIS development in the Danube River Basin....................................................24
3.2.5. Technical Support to Danube River Basin Management......................................24
3.3. DRP Achievements on River Basin Management ......................................... 25
4. Agriculture and Diffuse Pollution......................................................................... 27
4.1. Background to the UNDP/GEF DRP Intervention on Agriculture and Diffuse
Pollution.............................................................................................................. 27
4.2. DRP Interventions on Agriculture and Diffuse Pollution ............................. 27
4.2.1. Agricultural Policy assessment .......................................................................27
4.2.2. Introduction of Best Agricultural Practices through policy reforms .......................27
4.2.3. Evaluating BAPs on pilot farms ......................................................................28
4.2.4. Agricultural Small Grant Projects ...................................................................28
4.2.5. Nutrient Model MONERIS ...........................................................................29
4.3. DRP Achievements on Agriculture and Diffuse Pollution............................. 29
5. Industrial and Municipal Activities ...................................................................... 30
5.1. Background to UNDP/GEF DRP Intervention on Industrial and Municipal
Activities ............................................................................................................. 30
5.2. DRP Interventions on Industrial and Municipal Activities ........................... 30
5.2.1. Development of Industrial Policy....................................................................30
5.2.2. Elimination of phosphates in washing detergents..............................................31
5.2.3. Accident Prevention .....................................................................................31
5.2.4. Tariffs and Charges......................................................................................32
5.2.5. DRP Achievements on Industrial and Municipal Activities ......................... 32
UNDP/GEF DANUBE REGIONAL PROJECT
page 4
6. Wetlands ............................................................................................................. 34
6.1. Background to UNDP/GEF DRP Intervention on Wetlands ..........................34
6.2. DRP Interventions on Wetlands ..................................................................34
6.2.1. Development of Wetland and Land-use Policies ................................................34
6.2.2. Nutrient reduction/retention by wetlands.........................................................35
6.2.3. Wetlands Small Grant Projects and Campaigns.................................................36
6.3. DRP Achievements on Wetlands..................................................................36
7. Public Participation and Awareness Raising ........................................................ 37
7.1. Background to UNDP/GEF DRP Intervention on Public Participation and
Awareness Raising............................................................................................... 37
7.2. DRP Interventions on Public Participation and Awareness Raising .............37
7.2.1. Small Grants Programme ..............................................................................37
7.2.2. Development of Communication Strategy and Public Awareness Raising Campaigns
38
7.2.3. Public Participation and Access to Information..................................................39
7.3. DRP Achievements on Public Participation and Awareness Raising.............39
8. Institutional Strengthening ................................................................................. 41
8.1. Background to UNDP/GEF DRP Intervention on Institutional Strengthening
41
8.2. DRP Interventions on Institutional Strengthening ......................................41
8.2.1. ICPDR ........................................................................................................41
8.2.2. Strengthening NGO Involvement....................................................................42
8.2.3. Support for the ICPDR/Black Sea Commission co-operation process ....................43
8.2.4. Inter-ministerial Co-ordination Mechanisms .....................................................43
8.2.5. Development of Indicators ............................................................................43
8.2.6. Phase-Out of the Danube Regional Project.......................................................44
8.3. DRP Achievements on Institutional Strengthening .....................................44
Annex: Project Outputs and Outcomes
UNDP/GEF Danube Regional Project Final Report
page 5
ABBREVIATIONS
AEWS
Accident Early Warning System
AQEM
EU FP5 Project: Development and testing of an integrated assessment system
for the ecological quality of streams and rivers throughout Europe using benthic
macroinvertebrates
ASTEC
Accounts Simulation for Tariffs and Effluent Charges
BAP
Best Agricultural Practices
BAT
Best Available Techniques
BSERP
Black Sea Ecosystems Recovery Project
CEE
Central and East Europe
DABLAS TF
Danube Black Sea Task Force
DaNUbs
EU FP5 Project: Nutrient Management in the Danube Basin and its Impact on the
Black Sea
DBAM
Danube Basin Alarm Model
DEF
Danube Environmental Forum
DRB
Danube River Basin
DRBD
Danube River Basin Districk
DRP
Danube Regional Project
DRPC
Danube River Protection Convention
DWQM
Danube Water Quality Model
EMIS EG
Emissions Expert Group
EC GIG
Eastern Continental Geographical Intercalibration Group
EG Expert
Group
EU European
Union
EPDRB
Environmental Programme for the Danube River Basin
EU WFD
EU Water Framework Directive
GEF
Global Environment Facility
GIS Geographic
Information
System
ICPDR
International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River
IMCM
Inter-ministerial coordination mechanisms
JTWG
Joint Technical Working Group
MA EG
Monitoring and Assessment Expert Group
MoU
Memordandum of Understanding
NGO Non-governmental
Organization
PIACs
Principal Incident Alarm Centres
UNDP/GEF DANUBE REGIONAL PROJECT
page 6
P&M EG
Pressures and Measures EG
PRP
Pollution Reduction Programme
RBM River
Basin
Management
REC
Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe
TDA
Trans-boundary Diagnostic Analysis
TNMN
Trans-national Monitoring Network
UNDP
United Nations Development Programme
WB World
Bank
Overview of DRP Activities
page 7
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Background
Since the 1960s, massive over-fertilization of the Black Sea by nitrogen and phosphorus from
agriculture, municipal and industrial sources seriously degraded the ecosystem, disrupted the
fisheries, reduced biodiversity, posed threats to humans and resulted in billions of dollars of losses
to the economies of the six Black Sea littoral countries. The Danube River as one main source of
nutrients flowing to the Black Sea also faced pollution from nutrients and toxic substances.
Pollution from 17 countries created this transboundary water quality problem.
Since 1991, efforts had been underway with European Union (EU) and GEF support to gradually
reverse this situation in the Danube and the Black Sea Basin. Initial efforts focused on the
Environmental Programme for the Danube River Basin (EPDRB) established in September 1991,
geared to restore and protect the Danube River through a `Danube Environmental Programme' and
the eventual development of the `Danube River Protection Convention (DRPC)'. Soon after, the
International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) was created to provide a
regional approach to managing the Danube Basin.
The project "Developing the Danube River Basin Pollution Reduction Program" (DPRP) represented
the 1997-99 GEF contribution to phase two of the EPDRB. The DPRP supported the activities of the
ICPDR and implementation of the DRPC. Key outputs included the Transboundary Diagnostic
Analysis (TDA) to obtain a complete knowledge base for priority pollution loads and environmental
issues in the Danube Basin and a revised Strategic Action Plan prepared as a review of policies for
the protection of the Danube Basin.
Danube Regional Project
Following previous GEF assistance and building on the results and efforts of the participating
countries in the Danube/Black Sea Basins, a `Strategic Partnership' was then developed by GEF to
accelerate implementation of nutrient reduction measures and policy, legal and institutional
reforms in the Basin. One of the Partnership's three complementary parts was the `Danube
Regional Project (DRP)' - a GEF Danube Basin regional capacity building and technical assistance
element implemented under the leadership of UNDP. The DRP was the last Danube River Basin-
wide intervention following 15 years of funding by UNDP/GEF. From 1992 to 2000, this totalled
about 12.4 million USD from UNDP/GEF assistance.
The long-term development objective of the Danube Regional Project is to contribute to
sustainable human development in the Danube River Basin through reinforcing the capacities of the
participating countries in developing effective mechanisms for regional cooperation and
coordination in order to ensure protection of international waters, sustainable management of
natural resources and biodiversity.
The overall objective of the DRP is to reduce nutrient loadings into the Danube River and its
tributaries, in order to improve water quality in the Danube, and in the Black Sea. The DRP is
designed to complement the activities of the ICPDR.
The DRP was designed to complement the activities of the ICPDR to provide a regional approach to
the development of national policies and legislation and the definition of priority actions for nutrient
reduction and pollution control with particular attention to achieving sustainable transboundary
ecological effects within the Danube River Basin and the Black Sea area.
UNDP/GEF DANUBE REGIONAL PROJECT
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The DRP, launched December 2001, was planned for a period of five years, with a budget of 17.24
M USD. The GEF contribution with in-kind contributions from beneficiary countries was estimated to
be 19.5 M USD.
Key outputs included consultant reports, Fact Sheets, brochures, stocktaking meeting, mid-term
evaluation and a Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis. Overall, outputs included, for example, new:
reports with new data, information and recommendations; tools; partnerships; materials for media
and general public consumption; demonstration sites; and workshops. DRP considers these outputs
to be of value for a diverse range of audiences, stakeholders and beneficiaries.
The DRP was implemented through four over-arching key objectives which were themselves
divided into a total of 22 project components. These activities were then divided into the following
six key themes; River Basin Management; Agriculture and Diffuse Pollution; Industrial and
Municipal Activities; Wetlands; Public Participation and Awareness Raising; and Institutional
Strengthening. The main achievements related to each theme were as follows:
1) River Basin Management:
> Contributed significantly to the completion of the `Danube River Basin Analysis' by:
building capacities through workshops; drafting a number of key chapters; supporting the
preparation of the maps reported to the European Commission; production of the Danube
Basin Analysis Summary Report in six national languages; and assistance for developing
the `Danube River Basin Management Plan' by 2009, the next significant WFD
requirement for the Danube.
> Support for sub-basin initiatives including: a workshop agreeing on the structure of the
future Sava RBMP and related Road Map, including steps for public participation; technical
assistance to Ukraine to participate actively in the ICPDR initiative on the Tisza River sub-
basin; strengthening the capacity of Prut River Basin countries to implement the WFD and
develop the Prut River Basin Management Plan, and raise awareness raising about the
Common Agricultural Policy and phosphate-free detergents.
> Technological support included: an upgrade of the Trans-National Monitoring Network
(TNMN) to meet WFD requirements; developing a Danube GIS prototype; harmonizing
intercalibration methods between countries; help for BiH to develop a monitoring
programme; developing a database for biological parameters to meet WFD monitoring
demands; harmonizing river typologies; training programmes for the sampling, analysis
and interpretation of benthic macroinvertebrates; and assessing sediment quality in the
Iron Gate Reservoir and preparing related recommendations.
2) Agriculture and Diffuse Pollution
> Assessment of the status of the development and enforcement of current agricultural
policies with recommendations to assist farmers and agricultural extension services.
Introduction and agreement on a definition of `Best Agricultural Practices (BAPs)' for the
Danube River Basin, and the identification of six Strategic Aims with eleven Objectives for
measures to control and reduce agricultural pollution.
> Eight pilot family farms in Serbia served as demonstration projects to test 15 BAPs. It was
estimated that the application of the 15 BAPs on these pilot farms would reduce the
release of approximately 14 tonnes of nitrogen, 2 tonnes of phosphorus and 160 kg of
pesticides per year. The estimates were extended to all seven lower Danube Basin
countries, where the dissemination of the pilot project results and approaches reached
thousands of farmers.
> 52 financial grants distributed to NGOs working to reduce pollution from agriculture.
Overview of DRP Activities
page 9
> MONERIS was accepted as an important tool for estimating nutrient loads from diffuse
sources in the basin ands extensive use was made of its results in the Danube River Basin
Analysis.
3) Industrial and Municipal Activities
> A review of legislation related to industrial pollution and identification of gaps and
opportunities for reforms and measures;
> Targeted assistance and capacity building programme for non-accession Danube countries
related to industrial pollution reduction policy and regulatory framework
> Assessment of the impacts of the ICPDR recommendations about `Best Available
Technologies (BAT)' , and potential impacts of the EU Integrated Pollution Prevention and
Control Directive.
> Policy, institutional and enforcement summary relating to industrial policy reduction for 11
countries; estimate of the impact of BAT implementation in 13 countries; Road Maps and
Country-Specific Work Plans for BAT implementation in four countries; materials and
training for over 100 people in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova and Serbia.
> A review of existing legislation policies, and voluntary commitments related to the
reduction of phosphorus (P) in laundry detergents across the EU and the Danube River
Basin; the compilation and evaluation of data on P-containing detergents and production
structures within the DRB; and an exploration of the feasibility of voluntary agreements to
achieve a reduction in P in detergents across the DRB.
> Application of a checklist methodology to assess pollution risks for large industrial
complexes (e.g. refineries); development of a methodology for the assessment of
contaminated sites in flood risk areas; and activities in support of the Accident Early
Warning System.
> The mathematical tool `ASTEC' to test the impacts of a range of simultaneous
considerations on pricing for water and wastewater treatment utilities; `inventory' of a
wide range of reforms that treatment plans can apply to streamline operations, cut costs,
improve service quality or generate more revenue; two related demonstration sites; in-
country workshops, fact sheets and media outreach; and a report on best practices in
water and wastewater tariffs setting.
4) Wetlands
> A methodology for assessing land use was successfully applied in three pilot sites in
Slovakia, Romania and Croatia. Assessments were completed of the applicability of
developing sustainable land-use concepts at each site that aim at reducing nutrient inputs
into water bodies, particularly through wetland and floodplain rehabilitation and/or
restoration, and of finding measures to move towards more sustainable land use patterns.
Examples of concrete activities at the test sites include the re-opening of meanders and
restoring wetlands. The project supplied evidence that carefully planned land-use changes
can contribute to wetland restoration and wise wetland management.
> The project established a literature database with over 130 scientific reports related to
nutrient retention in wetlands, and a project database containing more than 50 projects
within the DRB dealing with wetland restoration or nutrient removal. Three pilot sites in
Moldova, Romania and Ukraine helped to develop and implement a wetland restoration
programme including nutrient retention. A `Guidance Document' was also prepared to
encourage Danube national water and wetland managers to increase wetland protection
and restoration activities.
UNDP/GEF DANUBE REGIONAL PROJECT
page 10
> Through its Small Grants Programme, the DRP supported a wide range of NGOs to
undertake projects with a focus on wetlands. This included four NGOs initiating multi-
stakeholder campaigns in Croatia, Serbia, Slovakia and Slovenia. The DRP also supported
the DEF's `International Wetlands Campaign'.
> Significant media outreach was observed in relation to all NGO campaigns.
5) Public Participation and Awareness Raising
> Through the DRP Small Grants Programme (SGP), for two grant rounds, 120 National
Grants and 10 Regional Grants were distributed to NGOs. The main focus was the
reduction of nutrient and hazardous pollution to Danube Basin waters. The 11 target
countries were Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary,
Moldova, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Ukraine.
> A consistent strategic approach to communications was used throughout the project.
Basic products for communicating what the DRP does were developed and disseminated.
Activities included the writing and submission of stories about the Danube and DRP for
international environmental journals. Target audiences of the DRP received significant
communications support, including the ICPDR and DEF. A select number of DRP sub-
projects were also supported to develop and implement strategic communications, and
effective products and activities that would reach target audiences in the best position to
affect positive change.
> The project activity, called `Enhancing Access to Information and Public Participation in
Environmental Decision-making', was implemented in five Danube riparian countries:
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania and Serbia. The project developed a
number of outputs including reports, manuals for government employees, information
databases, training, study tours, information dissemination and public participation tools,
and information brochures for citizens and NGOs.
6) Institutional Strengthening
> Technical improvements to the Danube Information System `DANUBIS' focused on system
structure, overall orientation and system and user administration. Based on the `DANUBIS
User Survey', hardware was upgraded at the central level and computer equipment was
provided to all project beneficiary countries. Training workshops for DANUBIS users were
conducted in 11 countries.
> Support was provided for country participation at high-level ICPDR meetings and to the
expert group meetings, and to the ICPDR Secretariat and Expert Group Chairmen on
facilitation and communication skills. An Open-Space Workshop on ICPDR Further
Development led to the restructuring and streamlining of the ICPDR instructional set-up.
> Particular attention was given to establishing and strengthening the capacities of the
Danube Environmental Forum (DEF), now the umbrella organization for the largest
network of NGOs in the Danube Basin with 174 members and national focal points in all
13 Danube countries. DRP support helped to make the DEF fully operational, establish a
Regional Secretariat to coordinate its multi-country activities and to raise its capacities to
resolve Danube water pollution issues.
> The DRP, together with the BSERP, facilitated the re-establishment of the Joint Technical
Working Group (JTWG) between the ICPDR and BSC, to create agreement on the changes
over time to the Black Sea ecosystem and provide to both commissions recommendations
on strategies and practical measures. A list of indicators of Black Sea ecosystems was
developed, regular reporting on pollution loads from the Danube commenced and the first
Overview of DRP Activities
page 11
report on improving the understanding of the Danube River's impacts on the status of the
Black Sea was developed.
> Based on the results of an updated analysis of inter-ministerial coordinating mechanisms
(IMCM) and agreed work plans in participating countries, the project carried out specific
workshops/trainings and other appropriate targeted activities supporting the
establishment or strengthening of IMCM focusing primarily in lower Danube countries,
including proposals for new IMCM.
> To monitor the results of the DRP, the project used three categories of GEF indicators:
process, stress reduction and environmental status.
> A DRP `Exit Strategy' was developed and agreed with the ICPDR, which identified for the
ICPDR the financial and technical gaps that will open once the DRP has ended, and
recommended actions to make up for related reductions in technical and financial
assistance.
UNDP/GEF DANUBE REGIONAL PROJECT
page 12
1. INTRODUCTION
This document represents the Final Report of the Danube Regional Project (DRP).
The DRP is the last Danube River Basin-wide intervention following 15 years of continuous funding
by UNDP/GEF.
This Introduction includes the following sections:
1. Structure of Final Report;
2. Background to the UNDP/GEF Danube River Basin Programme;
3. Background to the Danube Regional Project;
4. DRP Outputs and Outcomes;
5. DRP
Budget.
1.1. Structure
of Final Report
This document begins with an Executive Summary, summarizing in brief the main points of the
entire Final Report, including the main achievements of the DRP.
Chapter 1 is an Introduction to the background of UNDP/GEF activities in the Danube River Basin
since 1991, providing the source of environmental problems, justification for the project and
various phases of involvement, leading up to the Danube Regional Project (DRP) as a key
component of the GEF Strategic Partnerships for the Danube/Black Sea region.
Chapter 2 is an Overview of the Project and Themes, including summary statistics about budget,
numbers of contracts and workshops, main outputs, and explanations about the six main themes of
the DRP.
The six chapters from Chapter 3 to Chapter 8 each take a detailed look into one of the DRP
themes, following a consistent approach: background, DRP related interventions, and a list of
overall related achievements).
1.2. Background to the UNDP/GEF Danube River Basin Programme
Until the 1960s, the Black Sea was known for its productive fishery, scenic beauty, and as a resort
destination for millions of people. Since that time, as with other water bodies around the world,
massive over-fertilization of the sea by nitrogen and phosphorus from agriculture, municipal and
industrial sources seriously degraded the ecosystem, disrupted the fisheries, reduced biodiversity,
posed health threats to humans and resulted in billions of dollars of losses to the economies of the
six Black Sea littoral countries.
The Danube River as one of the main sources of nutrients flowing to the Black Sea is also facing a
problem of pollution from nutrients and toxic substances due to industrial activities, agriculture and
expanding municipalities. These have a negative impact on the river including its water quality,
water uses (e.g. water supplies for inhabitants) and aquatic life.
Overview of DRP Activities
page 13
Pollution from 17 countries has created this transboundary water quality problem. Since 1991,
efforts have been underway with European Union and GEF support to gradually reverse this
situation in the Danube and the Black Sea Basin.
Through its Operation Strategy, the GEF identified that there is a need to: (a) build the capacity of
countries to work together, (b) jointly understand and set priorities based on the environmental
status of waterbodies, (c) identify actions and develop the political commitment to address the top
priority transboundary problems, and then (d) to implement the agreed policy, legal and
institutional reforms and investments needed to address them.
Following the previous GEF assistance and building on the achieved results and efforts of the
participating countries in the Danube/Black Sea Basins, a Strategic Partnership was developed,
with the aim to accelerate implementation of nutrient reduction measures and policy, legal and
institutional reforms in the Basin.
GEF and its Implementing Agencies are implementing the Strategic Partnership consisting of capital
investments, economic instruments, development and enforcement of environmental law and
policy, strengthening of public participation and monitoring of trends and compliance over the
period of 2001-2007 for the 17 countries of the Danube/Black Sea Basins. This Partnership is
composed of three complementary parts:
1. The Black Sea Ecosystems Recovery Project (BSERP) - a GEF Black Sea Regional capacity
building and technical assistance element implemented (in cooperation with the Black Sea
Commission) under the leadership of UNDP;
2. The Danube Regional Project (DRP) - a GEF Danube River Basin regional capacity building
and technical assistance element implemented (in cooperation with the ICPDR) under the
leadership of UNDP;
3. The World Bank Investment Fund - a GEF / World Bank Partnership Investment Fund for
Nutrient Reduction focused on single country nutrient reduction investments.
The DRP is of global interest to GEF and other water basins that require international management.
Concrete results have been achieved and future positive outputs are expected. This is especially
true for reducing nutrient pollution - a common and serious problem in water bodies worldwide.
Ultimately, the Danube Regional Project could become a progressive model for expanding public
awareness of the threats from nutrient pollution worldwide.
The DRP has to be seen as an integral part of the Danube/Black Sea Basin Strategic Partnership
and a logical continuation of the GEF support for capacity building provided for a period of five
years to the countries of the Danube River Basin.
1.3. Background to the Danube Regional Project
Since 1992, international assistance to develop appropriate mechanisms and planning tools for the
implementation of the Danube River Protection Convention has been provided by the UNDP/GEF,
and the EU through its Phare and Tacis programmes. In addition they have assisted with the
funding of pollution prevention and reduction activities required to both restore the Danube River
Basin and to protect the Black Sea environment.
In this frame, from 1992 to 2000, donor investments can be estimated at about 27 million USD for
the EU Phare and Tacis Programs and about 12.4 million USD for the UNDP/GEF assistance. This
facilitated the building up of capacities and structures of the ICPDR for joint operation under the
Convention.
UNDP/GEF DANUBE REGIONAL PROJECT
page 14
1.3.1. Environmental Programme for the Danube River Basin
The Environmental Programme for the Danube River Basin (EPDRB) was established in Sofia,
Bulgaria in September 1991 by the countries of the Danube River Basin, international institutions,
financial organisations, G-24 countries and NGOs, to start an initiative to support, enhance and
reinforce actions for the restoration and protection of the Danube River. The countries also set up a
Task Force and a Programme Coordination Unit for the implementation of the `Danube
Environmental Programme', and agreed on further development of the Danube River Protection
Convention.
The EPDRB was designed to support the Danube countries in their long-term objective of improving
the environmental management of the Danube River Basin and to enable the practical work to
begin. In parallel, an international convention for the protection of the Danube River and its
catchment area was being negotiated. The Danube Environmental Programme supported
monitoring, collection and assessment of data, emergency response systems, pre-investment
studies, institutional strengthening, capacity building and NGO activities.
1.3.2. UNDP/GEF Danube Pollution Reduction Programme
The project "Developing the Danube River Basin Pollution Reduction Program" (DPRP) represents
the GEF contribution to phase two of an Environmental Programme for the Danube River Basin. The
DPRP was carried out during the period 1997-99 in the Danube River Basin, and its results
supported the activities of the ICPDR through a program of action for the implementation of the
DRPC. It was a major international response to degradation of surface and ground water quality in
the Danube River Basin and eutrophication of the Black Sea and it had the following outputs:
> The Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) was carried out to obtain a complete
knowledge base for priority pollution loads and environmental issues in the Danube River
Basin;
> The Danube Water Quality Model (DWQM) was designed to estimate and evaluate the flow
of pollution in particular nitrogen and phosphorus - through the Danube into the Black
Sea;
> A revised Strategic Action Plan was prepared as a review of policies for the protection of
the Danube River Basin, on the basis of existing analytical documents National Review
Reports and National Planning Workshop Reports;
> A Memorandum of Understanding between Danube and Black Sea Countries was drafted
based on the results of the Danube-Black Sea Joint Ad Hoc Technical Working Group;
> The development of the ICPDR Information System;
> The Project Database includes the Pollution Reduction Programme (PRP) Investment
Portfolio available for financing institutions and donor organizations in the future. The
Database contained 421 projects, covering 246 hot spots in the Danube River Basin,
comprising 192 municipal, 113 industrial, 67 agricultural, 29 wetland restoration projects
and 20 projects classified as general measures;
> The project gave support to NGOs, in particular in developing the regional body, the
Danube Environmental Forum (DEF), and the Small Grant Programme was financed to
reinforce NGO participation in pollution reduction measures and awareness raising
projects.
Overview of DRP Activities
page 15
1.3.3. UNDP/GEF Danube Regional Project
Building on the achievements from previous projects, the new UNDP/GEF Danube Regional Project
(DRP) was prepared in the frame of the Danube/Black Sea Strategic Partnership, in order to further
reinforce implementation of nutrient reduction measures and policy reforms in the Danube Basin
countries.
The long-term development objective of the Danube Regional Project is to contribute to
sustainable human development in the Danube River Basin through reinforcing the capacities of the
participating countries in developing effective mechanisms for regional cooperation and
coordination in order to ensure protection of international waters, sustainable management of
natural resources and biodiversity.
The overall objective of the DRP is to reduce nutrient loadings into the Danube River and its
tributaries, in order to improve water quality in the Danube, and in the Black Sea. The DRP is
designed to complement the activities of the ICPDR.
The DRP was designed to complement the activities of the International Commission for the
Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR), an international commission established through the
Danube River Protection Convention (DRPC), providing a regional approach to the development of
national policies and legislation and the definition of priority actions for nutrient reduction and
pollution control with particular attention to achieving sustainable transboundary ecological effects
within the Danube River Basin and the Black Sea area.
1.4. DRP Outputs and Outcomes
The UNDP/GEF DRP adopted a log-frame approach to planning and reporting progress to UNDP and
GEF. A summary of the outputs and outcomes achieved by the project components together with
the quantifiable indicators is presented in the Annex to this report.
1.5. DRP
Budget
The total budget of the DRP, for the phase 1 and phase 2 was 17,240 million USD. The following
table shows the budget breakdown by project components.
Current Budget
DRP Cost Code
Component
M USD
1.1 RBM
Tools
1.13
1.2/1.3 Agriculture
1.20
1.4 Wetlands
0.31
1.5 Industry
0.42
1.6/1.7 Tariffs
&
Charges
0.54
1.8 Detergents
0.10
TOTAL 1
3.70
2.1 Inter-ministerial
0.23
2.2 MLIM
0.24
2.3 Accident
0.24
2.4 DANUBIS
0.31
UNDP/GEF DANUBE REGIONAL PROJECT
page 16
Current Budget
DRP Cost Code
Component
M USD
2.5
Danube - Black Sea
0.10
2.6
Training & Workshops
0.76
TOTAL 2
1.88
3.1 NGO
Development
0.84
3.2 Small
Grants
1.98
3.3
Communications & campaigns
1.08
3.4
PP & Access to information
1.96
TOTAL 3
5.86
4.1 Indicators
0.10
4.2 Iron
Gates
0.11
4.3
Nutrient / wetlands
0.24
4.4 Pollution
Trading
0.22
TOTAL 4
0.67
0
Project Management and Assistance Staff
2.73
PM travels, office rental, equipment,
operational costs
1.23
UNOPS
1.17
TOTAL 0
5.13
TOTALS
17.24
The exchange rate in December
2001, when the project started with
Average exchange rate USD/EURO
disbursements, was 1.136 EURO per
2002 - 2007
USD. The value of the USD has since
1.200
decreased substantially, whereas in
1.100
1.073
May 2007 the rate was 0.732 EURO
1.000
per USD. On average, the drop of
0.896
0.900
the USD against the EURO was
0.810
0.802
29.7%.
0.800
0.799
0.754
0.700
0.600
average
0.500
0.400
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
Overview of DRP Activities
page 17
Figure 1: Overview of project components
"Strengthening the Implementation Capacities for Nutrient Reduction and Transboundary
Cooperation in the Danube River Basin"
Objective 1
Objective 2
Objective 3
Objective 4
Support for Policy
Capacity Building
Public Participation
Project Monitoring
Development
&T-B Cooperation
& Awareness
& Evaluation
Indicators (4.1)
RBM Tools (1.1)
Inter-ministerial
NGO Institutional
Mechanisms (2.1)
Development- (3.1)
Analysis of Sediments in the
Agriculture - Policies (1.2)
NGO Small Grants
Iron Gate reservoir, and
Monitoring, Laboratory &
Programme (3.2)
impact assessment of heavy
Info Management (2.2)
metals (4.2)
Agriculture - Pilot Projects
(1.3)
Accident Emergency
Communication Strategy
and Public Awareness
Monitoring Nutrient
Response (2.3)
Campaigns (3.3)
Removal Capacities of
Wetlands (1.4)
Wetlands (4.3)
DANUBIS (2.4)
Industry (1.5)
Public Participation and
Study on Pollution Trading
(MoU) Danube-Black Sea
Access to Information (3.4)
& Economic Instruments for
Cooperation (2.5)
Nutrient Reduction (4.4)
Water Tariffs (1.6)
Trainings and Workshops
Pollution Charges, Fines,
(2.6)
Incentives (1.7)
River Basin Management
Agriculture and Diffuse Pollution
Industrial and Municipal Activities
Phosphorus Reduction -
Detergents (1.8)
Wetlands
Public Participation and Awareness
Institutional Strengthening
Raising
UNDP/GEF DANUBE REGIONAL PROJECT
page 18
2. OVERVIEW OF PROJECT ACTIVITIES AND THEMES
The DRP was implemented through four over-arching key objectives which were themselves
divided into a total of 22 project components, out of which 18 were directly contributing or are
relevant to the work and achievements of the ICPDR and its Expert Groups. Figure 1 shows the
overview of the DRP objectives and project components. These activities were then divided into the
following six key themes;
·
River Basin Management;
·
Agriculture and Diffuse Pollution;
·
Industrial and Municipal Activities;
·
Wetlands;
·
Public Participation and Awareness Raising;
·
Institutional Strengthening.
2.1. DRP Summary Statistics
The Danube Regional Project, launched in December 2001, was planned for a period of five years,
with a budget of 17.24 M USD. The GEF contribution with in-kind contributions from beneficiary
countries was estimated to be 19.5 M USD.
The Table below indicates the number of contracts prepared by the Vienna-based management unit
of the DRP under each of the 6 themes. Reports on the majority of these contracts are available on
the CD that is annexed to this report.
Theme / Activity
No. of
Budget
Contracts
M USD
River basin management
59
1.42
Agriculture and diffuse pollution
9
1.43
Industrial and municipal activities
28
1.42
Wetlands 18
0.66
Public participation and communications
24*
5.06
Institutional strengthening
40
2.35
Project management and assistance staff
2.73
Office rental, equipment and PM travel
1.00
UNOPS
1.17
TOTAL 178
17.24
*In addition to the above contracts, 120 national and 10 regional projects were organised under
the DRP's Small Grant Programme administered by the Regional Environmental Center for Central
and Eastern Europe (REC).
Overview of DRP Activities
page 19
The Table below is an overview of the meetings, seminars and workshops, including total
participants, organised by the DRP team, in addition to the workshops organised by sub-
contractors within different project components.
Year No.
workshops,
Total No.
etc.
Participants
2002 3 41
2003 33 606
2004 7 336
2005 11 175
2006 12 333
2007 4 185
TOTAL 70
1676
2.2. DRP
Outputs
Reports have been prepared by consultants covering all key outputs from the DRP's activities and
these reports are included as annexes to this final report. In addition the DRP has produced a wide
range of other documents including:
·
Fact Sheets;
·
Press releases;
·
Brochures;
·
Other reports including:
o Stocktaking meeting;
o Mid-term evaluation;
o Joint report from the DRP and UNDP/GEF BSERP on the Impact of the Danube on
the Black Sea;
o Reports to GEF Council;
o Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis.
2.3. DRP
Themes
The DRP and its many sub-projects (approximately 80) produced numerous outputs since its
launch. These include, for example, new: reports with new data, information and
recommendations; tools; partnerships; materials for media and general public consumption;
demonstration sites; and workshops. DRP considers these outputs to be of value for a diverse
range of audiences, stakeholders and beneficiaries. In response, the DRP launched a new approach
for communicating its project and sub-project outputs, organized around a set of themes that best
reflect the DRP's main overall areas of project activity, including:
UNDP/GEF DANUBE REGIONAL PROJECT
page 20
1. River
Basin
Management
2. Agriculture and Diffuse Pollution
3. Industry and Municipal Activities
4. Wetlands
5. Public
Participation
6. Institutional
Strengthening
References to the project's original components, as noted in Figure 1, are included in the text.
Overview of DRP Activities
page 21
3. RIVER BASIN MANAGEMENT
3.1. Background to UNDP/GEF DRP Intervention on River Basin
Management
The Danube Regional Project, the concluding intervention by UNDP/GEF within the Danube River
Basin, continued to support activities associated with Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM).
This support naturally built on earlier work and complemented the work undertaken by the ICPDR
in fulfilling the DRPC, and more recently the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD). The WFD is the
legislative instrument for EU countries to achieve `good ecological status' in all water bodies within
a river basin district. In 2000 the ICPDR Heads of Delegation declared that the implementation of
the WFD was to be the highest priority for the ICPDR a statement that was reinforced by
Ministers of Environment from all the Contracting Parties from both the EU (existing and proposed)
and non-EU countries.
This focus on the implementation of the WFD has been a significant challenge for the Contracting
Parties, the ICPDR Secretariat and the DRP. The evolving issues, priorities and understanding of
the WFD required the DRP and others to adapt their programmes to respond in a timely and
effective way. The strict timetable of the WFD (which has to date been met by the ICPDR and the
Contracting Parties) required considerable adaptive management from the DRP which was able to
respond in a reactive way to these evolving needs while still meeting the DRP's overall objectives
on IRBM. Indeed, the DRP (and UNDP/GEF) have benefited from the promotion of river basin
management within the WFD, resulting in a true win-win situation between the countries of the EU,
the non-EU and UNDP/GEF on the implementation of IRBM principles.
The DRP executed nearly 60 contracts under the scope of river basin management ranging from
small support activities of a few thousand USD up to the piloting of a river basin management
scoping study in the Sava River Basin with a value of 200,000 USD. The main actions under the
theme of River Basin Management taken by the DRP can be summarised as follows:
> Support to the completion of the WFD Article V Danube River Basin Analysis;
> Sub-basin initiatives (Sava, Tisza, Prut Rivers);
> Upgrade of the water quality monitoring network to ensure compliance with the WFD;
> The development of a GIS for the whole Danube River Basin compatible with the reporting
requirements of the WFD;
> Miscellaneous activities to technically support IRBM and WFD implementation across the
whole Danube River Basin.
3.2. DRP Interventions on River Basin Management
3.2.1. Support to WFD Article V Submission the Danube Basin Analysis
Report
(DRP Component 1.1)
An important deliverable for EU Member States under the WFD is referred to as the
"Characterisation" or "Article 5" report due in March 2005. This report provides information on the
characteristics of each river basin district, a review of the impact of human activity on the status of
the surface waters and on groundwaters, and an economic review of water use. The WFD requires
Member States to provide this report for waterbodies within their borders and to also include issues
UNDP/GEF DANUBE REGIONAL PROJECT
page 22
of importance to the whole river basin. To facilitate this activity within the Danube River Basin, the
ICPDR developed the concept of a "Roof Report" which provides details of the Danube River that
are common to all Danube Basin countries. This Roof Report was submitted together with the
respective detailed national reports. The Roof Report contains, in particular, an overview of the
main driving forces of multilateral or basin-wide importance and the related pressures exerted on
the environment. This analysis was based on available data resulting from past and on-going
projects.
The DRP, in co-ordination with the ICPDR's Joint Action Programme (JAP), implemented a wide
range of activities addressing specific pollution problems associated with nutrient and toxic
discharges within a river basin management framework. The projects executed have been
consistent with, and of benefit to, the overall implementation of the WFD in the basin and the
preparation of the Roof Report and national Characterisation Reports in particular. This support
included significant capacity building workshops to assist with the long-term sustainability of these
pollution reduction initiatives. Specifically, the support included workshops on groundwaters,
nutrient reduction, typology and reference conditions, risk of failure of meeting "good status" and
on Heavily Modified Water Bodies. These five workshops were all directed at supporting WFD
implementation.
The DRP further contributed significantly to the completion of the Danube River Basin Analysis
through the drafting of a number of key chapters including:
> Economic
analysis;
> Heavily modified water bodies;
> Hydro-morphological
alterations;
> Characterization of ground waters,
> Significant point and diffuse sources of pollution;
> Nutrients;
> Water
bodies;
> Assessment of the risk of failure to reach the environmental objectives.
The DRP also supported the preparation of the maps reported to the European Commission and the
production of the Danube Basin Analysis Summary Report in six national languages.
The Danube Basin Analysis has been used as the key information source for updating the Danube
River Basin Transboundary Analysis (2006). Its key conclusion was that pollution by organic,
nutrient and hazardous substances, as well as hydromorphological alterations, were the future key
water management issues in the basin, and hence, the focus for developing the Danube River
Basin Management Plan by 2009. The Plan is the next significant WFD requirement for the Danube,
again coordinated by the ICPDR with significant UNDP/GEF support.
3.2.2. Sub-Basin Initiatives undertaken by DRP
3.2.2.1. Sava River Basin Management
(DRP Component 1.1)
The pilot project for the development of a Pragmatic Sava RBM Plan constitutes an activity
(Component 1.1-9) within the DRP's objective regarding the "Creation of sustainable ecological
conditions for land use and water management". The assignment was based on the outcomes of
Phase 1 (April 2003 to February 2004) in which important data and information on water
management and socio-economic issues of the WFD in Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina,
and Serbia and Montenegro were collected.
Overview of DRP Activities
page 23
At the 4th meeting of the "Sava Working Group" on 12 December 2003 in Ljubljana, the "Draft
Concept for the Preparation of the Sava RBM Plan" prepared by the DRP was presented, discussed
and generally accepted. Particular attention was given to the need to reinforce national capacities.
Phase 1 provided a first overview of data gaps on WFD implementation in the Sava River Basin.
The objective of Phase 2 was to help the four national governments sharing the Sava River Basin to
develop a Pragmatic Sava RBM Plan until February 2007, while in the long-term (by 2009) a Sava
RBM Plan completely in line with EU WFD requirements and ICPDR guidance should be completed
by Sava countries (facilitated by the Sava Commission). This RBM Plan, together with the related
national RBM plans, will serve as the main instruments to start concrete actions with regard to
transboundary issues in the Sava river basin and will also constitute the basis for future
investments by international and bilateral donors.
The follow-up project was launched 16 November 2005. Activities were guided by the ICPDR's
ongoing work for making the Danube RBMP, including its structure and Road Map, and progress
made in the Tisza River Basin with WFD reporting. The regional DRP activities also worked in
synergy with a CARDS Sava project focusing on local sub-basins in the Sava region.
Tasks began with a gap analysis to assess the national availability of information needed for EU
WFD reporting. Austrian and German consultants advised local government experts from the Sava
countries in how to meet WFD reporting obligations in terms of hydromorphology (risk assessment,
identification), groundwater characterization, GIS tools and point and diffuse source pollution.
In November 2006, a regional workshop identified preliminary key water management issues and
topics of measures for the Sava Basin. In January 2007, the DRP project ended with a workshop
agreeing on the structure of the future Sava RBMP and related Road Map, including steps for public
participation.
3.2.2.2. Tisza River Basin Management
(DRP Component 1.1)
The DRP provided technical assistance to Ukraine to participate actively in the ICPDR initiative on
the Tisza River sub-basin. This assistance enabled the completion of the templates necessary for
the WFD river basin management plan. The DRP also provided assistance to interpret WFD
assessment templates to further analyze the Tisza River sub-basin.
3.2.2.3. Prut River Basin Management
(DRP Component 1.1)
The DRP undertook a small project aimed at strengthening the capacity of the Prut River Basin
countries with regards to implementing the WFD and specifically to assist with increasing the
awareness of local stakeholders of the key steps leading to the Prut River Basin Management Plan.
In addition, the project also targeted awareness raising on issues associated with the Common
Agricultural Policy and changing consumer behaviour on the introduction of phosphate-free
detergents.
3.2.3. Upgrade of the Water Quality Monitoring Network in the Danube
River Basin
(DRP Component 2.2)
The upgrade of the Trans-National Monitoring Network (TNMN) was a key activity of the MA Expert
Group. The DRP supported this by providing a number of outputs to assist with WFD compliance,
UNDP/GEF DANUBE REGIONAL PROJECT
page 24
including the development of a biological database, nutrient standards and most importantly
assisting with the design of a basin-wide monitoring programme meeting the needs of the WFD
submitted to the European Commission in March 2007.
The WFD places strong requirements for monitoring on the countries within the Danube Basin.
While a functional monitoring network was in operation for a decade, there was a need to expand
this to reflect the new needs of the WFD, particularly in the area of biological monitoring. Within
the basin there was little experience of undertaking WFD-compliant biological monitoring so the
DRP organised a series of workshops across the basin to help implement a common approach for
the sampling and analysis of macro-invertebrates.
3.2.4. GIS development in the Danube River Basin
(DRP Component 1.1)
The development of a harmonised GIS for the Danube River Basin was identified as one of the key
issues in the implementation of the WFD. It will help to coordinate the exchange of WFD-related
data between the DRB countries and the ICPDR and to streamline reporting requirements.
Furthermore it will be a tool for the integration of existing and future data providing in the long-
term a sound data basis for all water-related issues in the context of the whole DRB.
With input from the "Needs Assessment and Conceptual Design for a DRB GIS", prepared in 2003,
the DRP supported further Danube GIS development activities, namely `System Definition and
Design' and `Development of a Prototype'. The assignment was implemented by UBA Wien, and the
Danube GIS Prototype is available now for further testing and development. The ICPDR takes over
management of additional development with support from the EU.
3.2.5. Technical Support to Danube River Basin Management
Intercalibration (DRP Component 2.2):
This project focused on the intercalibration of methods using benthic macroinvertebrates,
macrophytes and phytobenthos in the rivers of the Eastern Continental Geographical
Intercalibration Group (EC GIG). The countries involved were Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic,
Hungary, Romania and Slovak Republic.
The EU WFD stipulates the comparison of the results of biological assessment methods among
countries. In the intercalibration exercise, the good ecological status boundaries of national
classification schemes are compared and harmonised. Based on national monitoring data, bio-
statistical analyses were performed to compare national quality class boundaries against
international benchmark conditions.The intercalibration of the Austrian and Slovak methods using
benthic macroinvertebrates was completed. The intercalibration methodology elaborated within the
project now enables other countries to compare their classification schemes as soon as national
WFD-compliant assessment methods are developed. Finally, results from the EC GIG were reported
to the European Commission and presented at various international meetings (e.g. ECOSTAT, RBM
EG, MA EG).
Support to Bosnia and Herzegovina (DRP Components 2.1 and 2.2):
The DRP provided direct assistance to the Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of
Bosnia and Herzegovina (MoFTER) in BiH through an expert working in the Ministry with the
responsibility of co-ordinating WFD activities with the ICPDR, the Ministry and the two BiH entities.
In addition, the DRP has provided an expert to assist with developing a pragmatic monitoring
programme in line with the expectations of the WFD and consistent with the available budget of the
Ministries in BiH.
Overview of DRP Activities
page 25
Biological Database (DRP Component 2.2)
To assist with meeting the monitoring demands of the WFD, a database for biological parameters
was developed based on approaches previously used by the ICPDR. The main aims of this
development project were the upgrade of taxa coding to incorporate the current results of projects
at the European level (e.g. AQEM, STAR, Euro-limpacs), the improvement of data input tools and
enhancement of query functionalities. Results will be used by all Danube countries for reporting
and storing data from routine monitoring and periodic sampling programmes (e.g. Joint Danube
Surveys).
River Typologies (DRP Component 1.1)
In the countries of the Danube River Basin District (DRBD) different stream typologies have
independently been developed for the implementation of the EU WFD. The development of the
typology systems as well as the attribution of watercourses to stream types followed the national
needs within the scope of interpreting the EU WFD specifications.
In order to prepare a stream type map of an international river basin, a synopsis of all relevant
national stream types was in demand. The high number of national types required harmonisation
efforts to reduce the total number of stream types. Similar types defined by several countries
needed to be identified and duplicate denominations had to be deleted. Harmonisation of national
stream typologies also plays an essential role in analogous mapping of the DRBD. In response, the
DRP collected all of the data on stream types and prepared a recommendation on their
harmonization between the contracting parties.
Training Course in River Assessment: (DRP Component 2.2)
The WFD requires the development and implementation of compliant methods for assessing
biological quality elements and ecological status. In response, the DRP organised three training
programmes for the sampling, analysis and interpretation of benthic macroinvertebrates based on
the agreed AQEM approach.
Iron Gates Sediments (DRP Component 4.2)
The overall objective was to assess sediment quality in the Iron Gate Reservoir and to prepare
initial recommendations for future protection of the Danube River and Black Sea. The main actions
included: the collection and review of existing data and undertaking a sampling and analysis
programme to address gaps in data. The work was undertaken by teams from Romania and Serbia
together with an independent laboratory (VITUKI). The results were presented during the MA
Expert Group meeting in February 2007. The conclusion of this work indicated that there would
need to be a significant increase in the monitoring and analysis of the sediments to fully
understand the extent of the contaminated sediments and to be in a position to make clear
management recommendations.
3.3. DRP Achievements in River Basin Management
> Contributed significantly to the completion of the `Danube River Basin Analysis' by:
building capacities through workshops; drafting a number of key chapters; supporting the
preparation of the maps reported to the European Commission; production of the Danube
Basin Analysis Summary Report in six national languages; and assistance for developing
the `Danube River Basin Management Plan' by 2009, the next significant WFD
requirement for the Danube.
> Support for sub-basin initiatives including: a workshop agreeing on the structure of the
future Sava RBMP and related Road Map, including steps for public participation; technical
assistance to Ukraine to participate actively in the ICPDR initiative on the Tisza River sub-
basin; strengthening the capacity of Prut River Basin countries to implement the WFD and
UNDP/GEF DANUBE REGIONAL PROJECT
page 26
develop the Prut River Basin Management Plan, and raise awareness raising about the
Common Agricultural Policy and phosphate-free detergents.
> Technological support included: an upgrade of the Trans-National Monitoring Network
(TNMN) to meet WFD requirements; developing a Danube GIS prototype; harmonizing
intercalibration methods between countries; help for BiH to develop a monitoring
programme; developing a database for biological parameters to meet WFD monitoring
demands; harmonizing river typologies; training programmes for the sampling, analysis
and interpretation of benthic macroinvertebrates; and assessing sediment quality in the
Iron Gate Reservoir and preparing related recommendations.
Overview of DRP Activities
page 27
4. AGRICULTURE AND DIFFUSE POLLUTION
4.1. Background to the UNDP/GEF DRP Intervention on Agriculture
and Diffuse Pollution
The UNDP/GEF Danube Pollution Reduction Programme (1999) found that approximately 50% of
nutrients in the basin derived from agriculture or non-point sources. This information was
strengthened by the Danube Basin Analysis Report (2004) which presented nutrient pollution as
one of the four key issues affecting the Danube Basin.
Overall, the DRP undertook a range of activities aimed at understanding the situation, providing
recommendations on policy reforms and demonstrating how to reduce nutrient emissions among
farmers. The DRP also funded a number of NGOs through its Small Grants Programme, providing
valuable local advice to farmers on BAPs.
4.2. DRP Interventions for Agriculture and Diffuse Pollution
4.2.1. Agricultural Policy assessment
(DRP Component 1.2)
In the first phase, the project worked with the ICPDR's EMIS Expert Group (the current P&M EG) to
assess the then current status of agricultural policy development and its enforcement, with a focus
on the storage and use of manure, fertilisers and pesticides. This resulted in the development of a
number of reports and recommendations to assist farmers and agricultural extension services.
These assessments were updated in phase 2 of the DRP for the lower Danube countries at which
time recommendations regarding policy initiatives were completed.
4.2.2. Introduction of Best Agricultural Practices through policy reforms
(DRP Component 1.2)
Phase 1 of the DRP saw the introduction and the agreement of a definition of `Best Agricultural
Practices (BAPs)' for the Danube River Basin, defined as: `...the highest level of pollution control
practices that any farmer could be expected to adopt within their own national, regional and/or
local context of the Danube River Basin'.
The first phase further identified six Strategic Aims with eleven Objectives for measures to control
and reduce agricultural pollution. The six Strategic Aims are to:
1. Reduce pollution from mineral fertilisers and manure;
2. Reduce pollution from pesticides;
3. Improve compliance and enforcement of regulatory instruments for agricultural
pollution control;
4. Develop appropriate economic instruments for agricultural pollution control;
5. Develop the capacities of agricultural extension services for agricultural pollution
control;
6. Promote organic farming and other low input farming systems.
UNDP/GEF DANUBE REGIONAL PROJECT
page 28
Examples of Objectives include improving national research into the relationship between
agriculture and pollution and encouraging proper pesticide use. The Aims and Objectives are
designed to encourage farmers to 'move up' a `BAP hierarchy' to adopt more demanding pollution
control practices. Phase 2 of the project focused more on the lower seven Danube countries and
further developed the concept of BAPs.
4.2.3. Evaluating BAPs on pilot farms
(DRP Component 1.3)
In phase 2, eight pilot family farms, with a total area of 472 ha and 288 animal units, in the
Vojvodina region of Serbia were selected for demonstration projects to test 15 BAPs over the final
year of the DRP. 12 of these BAPs responded to issues of nutrient pollution and three to the use of
pesticides. Vojvodina was one of the potential pilot locations identified in the first phase of the DRP.
The pilot farmers received significant assistance from the consultant (Carl Bro from Denmark) and
were involved in a number of training programmes both within the region and externally. Feedback
from the participating farmers about the new practices for pollution reduction and farming practices
(e.g. soil analysis, use of slurry, financial losses due to poor manure handling) was very positive.
It was estimated that the application of the 15 BAPs on these pilot farms would reduce the release
of approximately 14 tonnes of nitrogen, 2 tonnes of phosphorus and 160 kg of pesticides per year.
Extending the results from the Vojvodina farms to all seven Lower Danube Basin countries, it was
found that the introduction of the 12 BAPs dealing with livestock manure management would save
the environment over 500,000 tonnes of nitrogen and 90,000 tonnes of phosphorus annually.
Given the expected increases in livestock production in the next few years, this could increase to
1.1 million tonnes of nitrogen and 160,000 tonnes of phosphorus. The environment and food chain
in all seven countries could further be saved from 23,000 tonnes of pesticides under current
consumption and 50,000 tonnes under expected future conditions.
Results and approaches were disseminated throughout the lower Danube reaching thousands of
farmers. However, as it was observed that the time available in phase 2 for a detailed assessment
within the pilot farms was limited, participants requested project extensions.
4.2.4. Agricultural Small Grant Projects
(DRP Component 3.2)
The DRP supported a large number of NGOs within the Danube River Basin with projects that had a
focus on agriculture. This included four regional and 48 national grants awarded on a wide range of
topics.
One of the most popular topics was the interpretation and promotion of BAPs locally and regionally
circumstances. Since good environmental awareness and technical knowledge form the basis of
any sustainable farming system, the majority of NGOs chose to implement project activities related
to the awareness raising and education of farmers about BAPs, including organic farming which is
one of the most highly developed forms of BAPs. Typical activities and outputs included
information materials, technical manuals, training courses, seminars, management plans and
demonstration activities. In the regional projects, study tours were also used very effectively to
exploit the benefits of transboundary co-operation and share experiences, good practices and
innovations between farmers and agricultural advisers in different regions of the lower DRB.
Finally, given the importance of local government officials as key stakeholders regarding
agricultural pollution control, their active involvement as participants and partners in local and
regional activities was encouraged by many NGOs.
Overview of DRP Activities
page 29
4.2.5. Nutrient Model MONERIS
(DRP Component 1.3)
MONERIS has been accepted as an important tool for estimating nutrient loads from diffuse
sources. Extensive use was made of the model's results in the Danube River Basin Analysis. The
DRP provided an update of the model to reflect the catchment boundaries adopted for WFD
implementation within the Danube River Basin. Training on the use of MONERIS was provided for
the ICPDR, and the functionality of the model was fully documented to ensure the transparency of
its operation.
4.3. DRP Achievements on Agriculture and Diffuse Pollution
> Assessment of the status of the development and enforcement of current agricultural
policies with recommendations to assist farmers and agricultural extension services.
Introduction and agreement on a definition of `Best Agricultural Practices (BAPs)' for the
Danube River Basin, and the identification of six Strategic Aims with eleven Objectives for
measures to control and reduce agricultural pollution.
> Eight pilot family farms in Serbia served as demonstration projects to test 15 BAPs. It was
estimated that the application of the 15 BAPs on these pilot farms would reduce the
release of approximately 14 tonnes of nitrogen, 2 tonnes of phosphorus and 160 kg of
pesticides per year. The estimates were extended to all seven lower Danube Basin
countries, where the dissemination of the pilot project results and approaches reached
thousands of farmers.
> 52 financial grants distributed to NGOs working to reduce pollution from agriculture.
> MONERIS was accepted as an important tool for estimating nutrient loads from diffuse
sources in the basin ands extensive use was made of its results in the Danube River Basin
Analysis.
UNDP/GEF DANUBE REGIONAL PROJECT
page 30
5. INDUSTRIAL AND MUNICIPAL ACTIVITIES
5.1. Background to UNDP/GEF DRP Intervention on Industrial and
Municipal Activities
The DRP undertook a wide range of projects that offer benefits to the environment from industrial
and municipal activities. Industrial activities are a potentially significant source of pollution within
the Danube River Basin. Pollution sources are varied including industrial discharges, accidents
resulting in pollution, flooding of contaminated sites and leaching of pollutants, and phosphates
from detergents discharged from wastewater treatment utilities. In addition, the options to
enhance the operation of wastewater utilities through better financial controls can provide an
effective means to reduce pollution. The DRP conducted a variety of projects aimed at assisting the
ICPDR to better understand risks and to provide tools to help reduce them in the future.
5.2. DRP Interventions on Industrial and Municipal Activities
5.2.1. Development of Industrial Policy
(DRP Component 1.5)
Taking into account the expected revitalization of industries in the Danube River Basin countries
following the post-communist recession, the Project in Phase 1 focused on industrial policies and a
review of legislation in order to ensure that environmental considerations are adequately taken into
account and that mechanisms for compliance are put in place. Phase 1 also focused on the
identification of gaps and opportunities for reforms and measures,
Phase 2 was oriented toward the development and implementation of targeted assistance
programme to non-accession Danube countries related to industrial pollution reduction policy and
regulatory frameworks including necessary capacity building activities. Phase 2 also included
analytical components to assess the impact of the recommendations provided by the ICPDR about
`Best Available Techniques (BAT)' , and to estimate the potential impact of the EU Integrated
Pollution Prevention and Control Directive on the Danube River Basin.
Based on updated information on legislation and national policies, the Project addressed these
issues primarily in the non-accession countries. One of the key outputs was the preparation of
agreed road maps for the non-accession countries to assist with implementing industrial pollution
control policies.
The Phase 2 project produced four major outputs:
> Policy, institutional and enforcement summary relating to industrial policy reduction for 11
countries;
> Preliminary estimate of the impact of the implementation of BAT on industrial pollution
reduction for 13 countries;
> Road Maps and Country-Specific Work Plans for BAT implementation in four countries;
> Support materials and training for over 100 people in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova
and Serbia.
Overview of DRP Activities
page 31
5.2.2. Elimination of phosphates in washing detergents
(DRP Component 1.8)
The Project's study included: a review of existing legislation policies, and voluntary commitments
related to the reduction of phosphorus (P) in laundry detergents across the EU and the Danube
River Basin; the compilation and evaluation of data on P-containing detergents and production
structures within the DRB; and an exploration of the feasibility of voluntary agreements to achieve
a reduction in P in detergents across the DRB.
Only Germany and Austria are virtually P-free. The Czech Republic recently introduced legislation
to replace a voluntary agreement that had failed after an initial period of success. Slovenia has a
high proportion of P-free detergents, but there are signs of a decreasing trend that should be
monitored. Together these four countries account for about a quarter (26%) of the DRB population.
The study further showed that voluntary agreements without legislative back-up are unlikely to
succeed in DRB countries, as clearly demonstrated in the Czech Republic, where the initial success
of a voluntary agreement between government and the industry association was eroded due to
increasing sales of phosphate detergents by non-members of the association. Moreover, it is
difficult to control imports of P detergents.
Current EU legislation (Detergents Regulation EC/648/2004, Article 16) provides a timely
opportunity to review the situation and to harmonise it across Europe by introducing a ban or
restrictions on phosphate detergents across the EU. However, unless EU legislation can be
expected in the near future, it will be important to persuade DRB country governments of the need
for national legislation.
While it is recognised that other actions, such as improved urban waste water collection and
treatment, as well as `good agricultural practices', are necessary complementary actions, there is
scope for contributing to a successful resolution of the problem of eutrophication, by replacing P
detergents with P-free detergents, thereby reducing the total phosphate burden from detergents.
The UNDP/GEF DRP and ICPDR held a seminar on 25 January 2007 in Romania to inform
stakeholders of the situation and to explore a way forward for P reduction in detergents. An output
of the seminar is a recommendation for adoption by the ICPDR and countries of the Danube River
Basin for P-reduction in laundry detergents.
5.2.3. Accident Prevention
(DRP Component 2.3)
Under this topic, the DRP supported a number of key activities. These included the application of a
checklist methodology to assess pollution risks for large industrial complexes (e.g. refineries), the
development of a methodology for the assessment of contaminated sites in flood risk areas, and
activities in support of the Accident Early Warning System.
Refineries Pilot Project: The DRP supported the development and application of a checklist
methodology for assessing pollution risk from large industrial complexes, using oil refineries as an
example. The developed methodology was assessed and enhanced following two on-site training
events for pollution control officers from across the basin. The first course was held at a refinery
near Berlin, Germany and the second near Constanta, Romania. Following the training course in
Constanta, the ICPDR Task Group responsible under the P&M Expert Group approved the approach.
Contaminated sites assessment methodology: The DRP supported the development of a
methodology to assess contaminated sites within flood-risk locations. The so-called M1 and M2
methodologies utilise a checklist assessment approach and the finalised method was tested on a
contaminated site -- an oil refinery waste deposit near Constanta. This methodology was accepted
UNDP/GEF DANUBE REGIONAL PROJECT
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by the ICPDR Task Group responsible under the P&M Expert Group. This work provided a number
of recommendations for further developing the system and obtaining improved data on
contaminated sites across the basin.
Accident Early Warning System (AEWS): The existing AEWS was upgraded and a web-based
communication solution for information exchange in emergency cases through `Principal Incident
Alarm Centres (PIACs), using the ICPDR website. The new communication software was developed
and successfully tested by national PIACs. A concept for calibration options for the Danube Basin
Alarm Model (DBAM) and the outline for the DBAM calibration manual was also prepared. Finally,
the DBAM was upgraded to be functional under the Windows XP operating system.
5.2.4. Tariffs and Charges
(DRP Component 1.6/1.7)
The regulatory, economic and institutional environment of local and regional water systems in
Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) is undergoing substantial change. Water systems in the region
have to: respond to new or redesigned environmental regulations such as standards, effluent
charges and fines; comply with revised and extended supervision of tariff setting, tariff design and
cost recovery; and serve a market which is much more uncertain than it used to be.
Meanwhile, operating and investment subsidies formerly provided by the central government are
being eliminated or sharply curtailed. In parallel, the ownership of assets and service
responsibilities have been, or are being, transferred from the central government to local levels. In
some cases, private participation in the operation or ownership of water systems has become an
option. In short, water systems are currently beset by a variety of interconnected technical,
economic and organizational challenges.
Given that costs for improving wastewater treatment are significant, many utilities need help in
making the right price and investment decisions to pay for cleaner water. This sub-project raised
awareness among DRB policy makers and water and wastewater utility managers and made
recommendations on possible reforms for improving operational effectiveness to reduce internal
costs. It developed and disseminated financial tools to assist in making decisions about investing in
extensions and expansions to utility services, for example adding nutrient removal capacity. The
key one was a mathematical tool named `ASTEC' to test the impacts of a range of simultaneous
considerations on pricing. The Project developed an `inventory' of a wide range of reforms that
treatment planrs can apply to streamline operations, cut costs, improve service quality or generate
more revenue. Two demonstration sites, in Croatia and in Romania, demonstrated the practicality
and to provide real examples of testing its products on the ground,. In-country workshops, fact
sheets and the media were used to raise awareness about the project's products and activities in
many Danube countries. Finally, a report on best practices in water and wastewater tariffs setting
was developed for the DABLAS Task Force.
5.2.5. DRP Achievements on Industrial and Municipal Activities
> A review of legislation related to industrial pollution and identification of gaps and
opportunities for reforms and measures;
> Targeted assistance and capacity building programme for non-accession Danube countries
related to industrial pollution reduction policy and regulatory framework
> Assessment of the impacts of the ICPDR recommendations about `Best Available
Technologies (BAT)' , and potential impacts of the EU Integrated Pollution Prevention and
Control Directive.
> Policy, institutional and enforcement summary relating to industrial policy reduction for 11
countries; estimate of the impact of BAT implementation in 13 countries; Road Maps and
Overview of DRP Activities
page 33
Country-Specific Work Plans for BAT implementation in four countries; materials and
training for over 100 people in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova and Serbia.
> A review of existing legislation policies, and voluntary commitments related to the
reduction of phosphorus (P) in laundry detergents across the EU and the Danube River
Basin; the compilation and evaluation of data on P-containing detergents and production
structures within the DRB; and an exploration of the feasibility of voluntary agreements to
achieve a reduction in P in detergents across the DRB.
> Application of a checklist methodology to assess pollution risks for large industrial
complexes (e.g. refineries); development of a methodology for the assessment of
contaminated sites in flood risk areas; and activities in support of the Accident Early
Warning System.
> The mathematical tool `ASTEC' to test the impacts of a range of simultaneous
considerations on pricing for water and wastewater treatment utilities; `inventory' of a
wide range of reforms that treatment planrs can apply to streamline operations, cut costs,
improve service quality or generate more revenue; two related demonstration sites; in-
country workshops, fact sheets and media outreach; and a report on best practices in
water and wastewater tariffs setting.
UNDP/GEF DANUBE REGIONAL PROJECT
page 34
6. WETLANDS
6.1. Background to UNDP/GEF DRP Intervention on Wetlands
Wetlands have a number of very important environmental and practical benefits for river basins
including flood mitigation, ecological and habitat support and the potential to act as nutrient sinks.
In the last 150 years it is estimated that over 80% of Danube River Basin wetlands were lost
through drainage, flood prevention and other river `management' schemes.
In the frame of the UNDP/GEF Danube Pollution Reduction Program, the rehabilitation and
management of about 600.000 hectares of wetlands and floodplains in the DRB had been
proposed.
The DRP was heavily involved in wetland programmes throughout the duration of the Project.
These activities have included the development of methods to assess land use and assist with
policy reforms, the evaluation of wetlands to remove/reduce nutrients and the preparation of
guidance to assist decision-makers. These project activities were supported by a number of pilot
projects addressing nutrient reduction and land-use policies. In addition the DRP has supported a
number of small grant projects by NGOs with an emphasis on wetlands. The DRP has been working
with World Bank support projects in Bulgaria and recently in Hungary to share experiences.
The DRP held a basin-wide workshop in the Danube Delta in April 2007. The intention was to bring
together river basin managers and wetland managers to jointly discuss issues affecting wetlands
and the WFD Programme of Measures. The workshop involved over 50 participants from a wide
range of international organisations (e.g. Ramsar, IUCN, WWF), national experts and managers
responsible for wetlands and protected areas throughout the DRB. The workshop also saw the
launch of a basin-wide declaration by national park managers to form a `network of protected area
managers' with the objective of further enhancing the wetlands within the DRB.
6.2. DRP Interventions on Wetlands
6.2.1. Development of Wetland and Land-use Policies
(DRB Component 1.4)
The overall aim of Output 1.4 was to assist DRB countries to prepare new land-use and wetland
rehabilitation/protection policies and legislation in line with existing and emerging legislation,
particularly the EU Water Framework Directive. The specific objectives for Phase 1 were to:
(a) develop a straightforward, yet rigorous, land-use assessment methodology that could be
tested and adapted if necessary for use across the region;
(b) select three pilot sites on which the methodology could be tested by implementation of
specific site-based activities and various future land-use alternatives;
(c) according to the results of the test phase, develop specific proposals for final land-use
concepts at each pilot site, including recommendations for the actions and measures
required to implement the concepts in practice
(d) ensure the dissemination of conclusions and recommendations, including the final land-use
assessment methodology, throughout the DRB.
Overview of DRP Activities
page 35
The specific objectives for Phase 2 were to:
(a) implement technical mitigation measures and alternative concepts that have been
developed in the first phase to achieve integrated land-use management at each pilot site
(e.g. practical restoration work, regulatory issues, economic fines and incentives);
(b) mainstream wetland conservation and restoration activities into rural development plans
and policy and secure governmental commitments to implement the newly proposed
concept for integrated land use in the selected case studies;
(c) demonstrate mechanisms for sustainable wetland use and disseminating project results in
the DRB.
Activities related to the application of the methodology for assessing land use included:
1. The methodology was successfully applied in the selected three pilot sites in Slovakia,
Romania and Croatia.
2. An assessment was completed of the applicability of developing sustainable land-use
concepts at each pilot site that aim at reducing nutrient inputs into water bodies,
particularly through wetland and floodplain rehabilitation and/or restoration;
3. An assessment was completed of the applicability to find practical and policy measures
required to move towards more sustainable land use patterns at each pilot site.
Numerous activities were completed at the three test sites in phase 2 such as the re-opening of
meanders, restoring wetlands, planting trees, public information dissemination, implementing
improved agricultural practices and declaring new protected areas.
The project supplied evidence that by carefully planned landuse changes, it is possible to provide a
significant contribution to wetland restoration and wise management of wetland resources and
services.
6.2.2. Nutrient reduction/retention by wetlands
(DRP Component 4.3)
In this project component, the overall objective was to identify the benefits of wetlands as nutrient
reduction/retention facilities and the contribution of wetlands in this role to the WFD Programme of
Measures. It is generally recognized that nutrient removal capacity varies considerably according to
water flow, concentration, loads and natural conditions of the wetlands.
This was achieved by demonstrating the possibilities for optimizing such processes via integrated
wetland management while still considering other benefits (e.g. biodiversity, water purification)
and giving priority to the ecological needs of these ecosystems. Effective implementation would
considerably improve the knowledge about nutrient removal through wetlands rehabilitation and
would define the technical and economic parameters for efficient wetlands management.
The first success was the establishment of a literature database with more than 130 scientific
reports, and a project database containing more than 50 projects within the DRB, dealing with
wetland restoration or nutrient removal. The project also selected three pilot sites in Moldova,
Romania and Ukraine and helped to develop and implement a wetland restoration programme
including nutrient retention. These real world examples highlighted different aspects of nutrient
removal and the importance of including them into wetland management concepts and planning.
The final goal was to create guidelines for best practises in wetland restoration and to improve
wetland management in the light of nutrient removal in the DRB. The main output here was a
`Guidance Document' finalized at the beginning of 2007. This document is geared to encouraging
Danube national water and wetland managers to increase wetland protection and restoration
activities. It explains why wetlands are important for water and river basin management, especially
UNDP/GEF DANUBE REGIONAL PROJECT
page 36
in reducing nutrient pollution, and provides examples of how managers can proceed with wetland
efforts.
6.2.3. Wetlands Small Grant Projects and Campaigns
(DRP Component 3.2)
Through its Small Grants Programme, the DRP supported a wide range of NGOs to undertake
projects with a focus on wetlands.
This included four NGOs initiating multi-stakeholder campaigns in Croatia, Serbia, Slovakia and
Slovenia were supported in targeting specific environmental/pollution problems, especially
wetlands.
DRP also supported the DEF's `International Wetlands Campaign' that encourages national water
managers in the Danube Basin to better incorporate wetland protection into their national river
basin management plans. This will assist DEF in their efforts to develop measures to meet the EU
WFD.
6.3. DRP Achievements on Wetlands
> A methodology for assessing land use was successfully applied in three pilot sites in
Slovakia, Romania and Croatia. Assessments were completed of the applicability of
developing sustainable land-use concepts at each site that aim at reducing nutrient inputs
into water bodies, particularly through wetland and floodplain rehabilitation and/or
restoration, and of finding measures to move towards more sustainable land use patterns.
Examples of concrete activities at the test sites include the re-opening of meanders and
restoring wetlands. The project supplied evidence that carefully planned land-use changes
can contribute to wetland restoration and wise wetland management.
> The project established a literature database with over 130 scientific reports related to
nutrient retention in wetlands, and a project database containing more than 50 projects
within the DRB dealing with wetland restoration or nutrient removal. Three pilot sites in
Moldova, Romania and Ukraine helped to develop and implement a wetland restoration
programme including nutrient retention. A `Guidance Document' was also prepared to
encourage Danube national water and wetland managers to increase wetland protection
and restoration activities.
> Through its Small Grants Programme, the DRP supported a wide range of NGOs to
undertake projects with a focus on wetlands. This included four NGOs initiating multi-
stakeholder campaigns in Croatia, Serbia, Slovakia and Slovenia. The DRP also supported
the DEF's `International Wetlands Campaign'.
> Significant media outreach was observed in relation to all NGO campaigns.
Overview of DRP Activities
page 37
7. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND AWARENESS RAISING
7.1. Background to UNDP/GEF DRP Intervention on Public
Participation and Awareness Raising
A major component of the UNDP/GEF Danube Regional Project (DRP) was devoted to enhancing
public participation and communications in the Danube River Basin. One main focus was
strengthening public input into the implementation of the Danube River Protection Convention as
well as the development of the Danube River Basin Management Plan and sub-basin plans as
required by the EU Water Framework Directive. Another focus was to assist in reducing nutrient
and toxic pollution in the Danube Basin and to the Black Sea. Finally, another was to build the
capacities of NGOs involved with water-related issues.
In a stakeholder analysis meeting carried out in 2003, ICPDR experts, members of governments,
DRP, and NGOs defined the first steps of a strategy to involve stakeholders in the implementation
of the EU Water Framework Directive and how to define stakeholders at the Danube River Basin
level. The important work done there was critical in identifying stakeholders and developing
stakeholder involvement mechanism programmes and activities at the Danube River Basin level.
Overall DRP activities related to this theme were based on four pillars:
1. Small Grants Programme for Danube NGOs
2. Enhancing access to information and public participation in environmental decision-making
3. Support for the Danube Environmental Forum (DEF) (see page??)
4. Strategic communications
7.2. DRP Interventions on Public Participation and Awareness
Raising
7.2.1. Small Grants Programme
(DRP Component 3.2)
The Small Grants Programme (SGP) was the DRP's main vehicle for engaging local stakeholders to
address environmental problems and challenges through NGO involvement. It also helped to build
the capacities of NGOs in project management, implementation and communications.
Grants were distributed to NGOs in the Danube Basin through two rounds, each lasting
approximately one year. National Grants were awarded to single NGOs acting on their own.
Regional Grants, with larger amounts of funding relative to National Grants, were awarded to
projects implemented by at least two NGOs working in at least two Danube countries and
addressing transboundary issues. The 11 target countries were Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Moldova, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Ukraine.
In total, for both grant rounds, 120 National Grants and 10 Regional Grants were distributed to
NGOs. The main focus was the reduction of nutrient and hazardous pollution to Danube Basin
waters. The distribution of grants is classified under a number of themes that are roughly the same
as the overall theme set used by the DRP to organize its activities and sub-projects.
UNDP/GEF DANUBE REGIONAL PROJECT
page 38
Distribution of National Small Grants
Agricultural Industrial
Land Use + Municipal
Number of
Country
Discharge
Discharge
Wetlands
Discharge
projects
Bosnia and
5
2
2
4
13
Herzegovina
Bulgaria 4
1
4
2
11
Croatia 4
3
1
2
10
Czech Republic
3
2
3
3
11
Hungary 5
4
4
4
17
Moldova
2 - 1 5 8
Romania
5 - 2 - 7
Serbia and Montenegro
4
3
-
5
12
Slovakia
2 - 6 6 14
Slovenia
2 - 1 5 8
Ukraine
2 3 3 2 9
Totals
38 18 27 37 120
Percentage
31 %
16 %
23%
30 %
100%
The 10 regional projects had the following themes:
> Reduction of nutrients and toxic pollutants by identifying barriers and building bridges of
communication among the stakeholders in the river Hernad in Hungary and the river
Sebes-Koros in Romania;
> Increasing public participation in the management and planning of the Sava River Basin;
> Promoting best agricultural practices to reduce pollution generated from farming in the
Lower Danube;
> Promoting the ecological, health and financial advantages of re-usable diapers and
environmentally friendly washing agents in Slovenia and Croatia;
> Addressing nutrient and toxic pollution in the Sub-basin of the Morava, Mura and Ogosta
rivers;
> Building cross-border cooperation for nutrient reduction in the Prut basin;
> Support and promote ecological agriculture in the production areas located in the Danube
Basin (Czech Rep., Serbia and Montenegro and Slovakia);
> Danube-Elbe-Oder Canal; grass-root campaign to prevent loss of wetland;
> Networking the river coalitions for a healthy watershed (Croatia, Romania and Hungary).
7.2.2. Development of Communication Strategy and Public Awareness
Raising Campaigns
(DRP Component 3.3)
A consistent strategic approach to communications was used throughout the project which included
the identification of communications goals, target audiences, main messages and delivery vehicles
(i.e. communications products and activities).
Wheels were quickly set in motion to develop basic products for communicating what the DRP does
such as a new visual identity and strap-line for the project, brochures, website and Powerpoint
Overview of DRP Activities
page 39
presentations. Activities also included the writing and submission of stories about the Danube and
DRP for international environmental journals.
Target audiences of the DRP received significant communications support. For example, the ICPDR
magazine `Danube Watch' received financial support, technical help in redesigning its structure and
numerous story submissions. International Danube Day and its associated international art
competition, coordinated by the ICPDR, were supported, as were ICPDR publications. ICPDR staff
also received capacity-building for strategic communications and media products.
The DEF received strategic communications support for planning and implementing local and
international campaigns and projects, its visual identity and branding, media outreach and
publication production. A select number of DRP sub-projects were also supported to develop and
implement strategic communications, and effective products and activities that would reach target
audiences in the best position to affect positive change.
7.2.3. Public Participation and Access to Information
(DRP Component 3.4)
The DRP supported a multi-year effort to build the capacities of governments, local communities
and NGOs in the Danube River Basin for improved public access to water-related information and
public participation in water management decision-making. The guidelines for this effort came from
the requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD), the Aarhus Convention and other
EU directives on access to information and public participation.
The project activity, called `Enhancing Access to Information and Public Participation in
Environmental Decision-making', was implemented in five Danube riparian countries: Bosnia and
Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania and Serbia. The experiences, lessons learned and best
practice models developed in these countries will be of value for water management stakeholders
throughout the entire Danube Basin.
The project developed a number of outputs including reports, manuals for government employees,
information databases, training, study tours, information dissemination and public participation
tools, and information brochures for citizens and NGOs.
The ICPDR also benefited from the activities through an assessment of its present capacities and
mechanisms for ensuring public access to information and participation, as well as
recommendations for their improvement.
Implementation of this project has been done in cooperation with the Regional Environmental
Center (REC), New York University of Law as well as Resource for Future (RFF).
7.3. DRP Achievements on Public Participation and Awareness
Raising
> Through the DRP Small Grants Programme (SGP), for two grant rounds, 120 National
Grants and 10 Regional Grants were distributed to NGOs. The main focus was the
reduction of nutrient and hazardous pollution to Danube Basin waters. The 11 target
countries were Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary,
Moldova, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Ukraine.
> A consistent strategic approach to communications was used throughout the project.
Basic products for communicating what the DRP does were developed and disseminated.
Activities included the writing and submission of stories about the Danube and DRP for
international environmental journals. Target audiences of the DRP received significant
UNDP/GEF DANUBE REGIONAL PROJECT
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communications support, including the ICPDR and DEF. A select number of DRP sub-
projects were also supported to develop and implement strategic communications, and
effective products and activities that would reach target audiences in the best position to
affect positive change.
> The project activity, called `Enhancing Access to Information and Public Participation in
Environmental Decision-making', was implemented in five Danube riparian countries:
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania and Serbia. The project developed a
number of outputs including reports, manuals for government employees, information
databases, training, study tours, information dissemination and public participation tools,
and information brochures for citizens and NGOs.
Overview of DRP Activities
page 41
8. INSTITUTIONAL
STRENGTHENING
8.1. Background to UNDP/GEF DRP Intervention on Institutional
Strengthening
Number of DRP activities was devoted to strengthening of institutions in the DRB, as one of the
pre-requisites for sustainable transboundary cooperation in order to ensure protection of
international waters, sustainable management of natural resources and biodiversity.
The DRP provided focused capacity building and tools at international (ICPDR and its working
structures, DEF), national (Inter-Ministerial-Coordinating Mechanisms, technical training) and local
(NGO) levels.
Technical support provided to the cooperation of the ICPDR with the BSC on implementation of the
Memorandum of Understanding on long term protection of the BS against pollution was
instrumental in revitalizing of the JTWG, which produced first ever report on the Danube impact on
the NW shelf of the BS.
Properly planned DRP phase out process through development and implementation of the "Exit
Strategy" assisted the ICPDR and Danube countries to prioritize the core activities under the DRPC
convention as well to set up a process for filling the gaps after DRP closure.
8.2. DRP Interventions on Institutional Strengthening
8.2.1. ICPDR
Danubis (DRP Component 2.4):
The Danube Information System `DANUBIS' is one of the most important tools for the ICPDR. It
provides information to the public and facilitates the sharing of documents and data among
experts. It was developed with financial support from the Austrian Government (computer
equipment and software) and Austrian Environmental Trust Fund, and was administered by UNOPS
(concept and development of the Information System). The system is presently installed at the
Permanent Secretariat of the ICPDR and is fully operational.
Following previous GEF projects that contributed to the DANUBIS launch, the DRP supported
further development activities. A DRP assessment identified several deficiencies from the user point
of view related mainly to the clarity and consistency of information available. Technical
improvements to the system focused on system structure, overall orientation and system and user
administration. Further professional, technical and financial support was needed for the build-up
and extension of DANUBIS to assure adequate administration of the information and reporting
obligations under the DRPC. The DRP provided funds for an IT specialist to operate and further
develop the system. Based on the `DANUBIS User Survey' (2002), the project supported the
hardware upgrade of the Information System at the central level and provided computer
equipment to all project beneficiary countries.
Training workshops for DANUBIS users and national experts were conducted in 11 countries,
assuring a regionally consistent approach for information management within the various activities
of the ICPDR.
UNDP/GEF DANUBE REGIONAL PROJECT
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Capacity building (DRP Component 2.6):
In addition to the capacity building implemented under each technical activity, the capacity building
activities of the project were focused mainly at the level of the ICPDR and its structures and
secondly at the national level.
Training and capacity building are needed to increase technical skills and knowledge for pollution
reduction, including implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive, as well as other skills
needed for effective management and work within the ICPDR and its structures.
The project supported country participation at high-level ICPDR meetings and to the expert group
meetings. This was important to assure that country representatives could participate and thus
bring the country and expert input to the work of the ICPDR. This support was phased out as the
countries were able to take on the financial commitments for ICPDR meeting participation.
Support was given to the ICPDR Secretariat and Expert Group Chairmen on facilitation and
communication skills. An Open-Space Workshop on ICPDR Further Development was also held,
aimed at identifying challenges for optimizing ICPDR working arrangements and structures. The
workshop led to the successful restructuring and streamlining of the ICPDR instructional set-up
including Expert Groups and their Terms of References.
8.2.2. Strengthening NGO Involvement
(DRP Component 3.1)
The overall focus of the components under Objective 3 was to increase public participation in
environmental decision-making. A vital and effective route to public participation is via NGOs
because they address community concerns.
Particular attention was given to establishing and strengthening the capacities of the Danube
Environmental Forum (DEF), an umbrella organization of NGOs in the Danube River Basin. The
DEF's mission is to protect the Danube River with its tributaries, their biodiversity and resources by
enhancing cooperation among governments, NGOs, local people and stakeholders towards the
sustainable use of natural ecosystems.
UNDP/GEF supported Danube NGO structures and specifically the DEF for the last 10 years. The
DRP provided extensive support to build and strengthen the DEF regional NGO network (i.e.
Secretariat, national focal points, national members), make it fully operational and to establish a
Regional Secretariat to coordinate its widespread, multi-country activities and projects. The DEF
also received support to further raise the capacities of the network and its members to resolve
Danube water pollution issues.
The DEF is now the umbrella organisation for the largest network of NGOs in the Danube Basin with
174 members and national focal points in all 13 Danube countries.
DEF strengthening was linked with the DRP's other public participation and communications
activities. For example, many DEF NGOs received DRP grants and were able to participate in pilot
projects for improving access to governmental information at the local level in five countries in
southeast Europe. Overall, the DRP worked with NGOs to develop and implement activities related
to protection and improvement of the Danube and its tributaries using tools such as small grants,
communications, awareness raising and institutional development. Various publications were
produced in all national languages and various targeted trainings were held in all Danube countries.
The DEF is an observer to the ICPDR and its expert groups and has now an excellent opportunity to
use its capacities and network to be involved and influence stakeholders on important Danube
issues.
Overview of DRP Activities
page 43
8.2.3. Support for the ICPDR/Black Sea Commission co-operation
process
(DRP Component 2.5)
The status of the ecosystems of the Black Sea is largely affected by nutrients and hazardous
substances discharged within the wider Black Sea Basin, and to a large extent by the riverine
inputs into the overall Black Sea, including the Danube River. The long-term goal in the wider Black
Sea Basin is to reduce nutrient loads and hazardous substance discharges to permit Black Sea
ecosystems to recover to conditions similar to those observed in the 1960s; an intermediate goal is
to prevent loads of nutrients and hazardous substances discharged into the Black Sea to exceed
mid-1997 levels.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which constitutes a framework for implementing common
strategic goals, was signed by the ICPDR and Black Sea Commission (BSC) in 2001. The DRP,
together with the BSERP, facilitated the re-establishment of the Joint Technical Working Group
(JTWG), the objectives of which are to create a common understanding and agreement on the
changes over time to the Black Sea ecosystem, to report on the results, and provide to both
commissions recommendations on strategies and practical measures. Within the framework of the
JTWG, the list of indicators of Black Sea ecosystems was developed and regular reporting on
pollution loads from the Danube commenced.
The first ever report on improving the understanding of the Danube River's impacts on the status
of the Black Sea was developed and presented to both the commissions in 2005.
8.2.4. Inter-ministerial Co-ordination Mechanisms
(DRP Component 2.1)
Effective inter-ministerial coordinating mechanisms (IMCM) for the development, implementation
and follow-up of national policies, legislation and projects for nutrient reduction and pollution
control are a necessary prerequisite for strengthening a regional approach for solving
transboundary problems.
The DRP assisted the Danube countries to effectively address pollution prevention and control
issues which require decisions and activities in more than one government ministry in order to
reinforce the development and implementation of and compliance with national policies and
legislation. Based on the results of an updated analysis of IMCM and agreed work plans in
participating countries, the project carried out specific workshops/trainings and other appropriate
targeted activities supporting the establishment or strengthening of IMCM focusing primarily in
lower Danube countries. Proposals for improving existing, and setting up new, IMCM were also
made.
For Moldova, Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro, and to a lesser extent
Croatia and Romania, the results of the analysis revealed, in certain cases, unclear competencies
between Governmental structures, inadequate or missing mechanisms for coordination, insufficient
financial and human capacities for the development and implementation of policies, strategies and
measures and an incomplete legal framework for water management and pollution control.
8.2.5. Development of Indicators
(DRP Component 4.1)
To ensure efficient monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of project implementation, and to document
project and program achievements, it is necessary to establish an operational system of indicators.
UNDP/GEF DANUBE REGIONAL PROJECT
page 44
As further background, the ICPDR accepted the use of EU Water Framework Directive (WFD)
indicators and the DRP must fulfil GEF M&E requirements.
Considering the fact that the GEF reporting requirements are slightly different than those of the EU
WFD, the project proposed two compatible systems of indicators to monitor and evaluate the
results and environmental effects of policies and programme implementation: i) indicators for GEF
M&E purposes to be used by the project and ii) indicators for WFD and EEA reporting to be used by
the ICPDR.
To monitor the results of the DRP, the project used three categories of GEF indicators: process
indicators (identified in the project logframe as outputs/outcomes), stress reduction (response
indicators of WFD) and status indicators (identical with the WFD and the ICPDR). The baseline for
both the WFD and GEF indicators was the year 1996, since the ICPDR had reliable data on
pressures, status and investment in the Danube Basin.
8.2.6. Phase-Out of the Danube Regional Project
The Project and ICPDR recognized early on the importance that, prior to the DRP close by mid-
2007, the ICPDR should be in a position to sustain the programmes and activities supported by the
DRP that it viewed central to its mission.
In response, an `Exit Strategy' was developed and agreed with the ICPDR, which identified for the
ICPDR the financial and technical gaps that will open once the DRP has ended, and recommended
actions to make up for related reductions in technical and financial assistance. The strategy focused
on core activities, and recommendations were provided on how they can be carried forward
through a gradual transfer of responsibilities from the DRP to ICPDR countries, expert groups and
the Permanent Secretariat.
8.3. DRP Achievements on Institutional Strengthening
> Technical improvements to the Danube Information System `DANUBIS' focused on system
structure, overall orientation and system and user administration. Based on the `DANUBIS
User Survey', hardware was upgraded at the central level and computer equipment was
provided to all project beneficiary countries. Training workshops for DANUBIS users were
conducted in 11 countries.
> Support was provided for country participation at high-level ICPDR meetings and to the
expert group meetings, and to the ICPDR Secretariat and Expert Group Chairmen on
facilitation and communication skills. An Open-Space Workshop on ICPDR Further
Development led to the restructuring and streamlining of the ICPDR instructional set-up.
> Particular attention was given to establishing and strengthening the capacities of the
Danube Environmental Forum (DEF), now the umbrella organization for the largest
network of NGOs in the Danube Basin with 174 members and national focal points in all
13 Danube countries. DRP support helped to make the DEF fully operational, establish a
Regional Secretariat to coordinate its multi-country activities and to raise its capacities to
resolve Danube water pollution issues.
> The DRP, together with the BSERP, facilitated the re-establishment of the Joint Technical
Working Group (JTWG) between the ICPDR and BSC, to create agreement on the changes
over time to the Black Sea ecosystem and provide to both commissions recommendations
on strategies and practical measures. A list of indicators of Black Sea ecosystems was
developed, regular reporting on pollution loads from the Danube commenced and the first
report on improving the understanding of the Danube River's impacts on the status of the
Black Sea was developed.
Overview of DRP Activities
page 45
> Based on the results of an updated analysis of inter-ministerial coordinating mechanisms
(IMCM) and agreed work plans in participating countries, the project carried out specific
workshops/trainings and other appropriate targeted activities supporting the
establishment or strengthening of IMCM focusing primarily in lower Danube countries,
including proposals for new IMCM.
> To monitor the results of the DRP, the project used three categories of GEF indicators:
process, stress reduction and environmental status.
> A DRP `Exit Strategy' was developed and agreed with the ICPDR, which identified for the
ICPDR the financial and technical gaps that will open once the DRP has ended, and
recommended actions to make up for related reductions in technical and financial
assistance.
UNDP/GEF DANUBE REGIONAL PROJECT
page 46
ANNEX: PROJECT OUTPUTS AND OUTCOMES
DRP
Activity Outputs
Outcomes
Quantitative
Indicators
Component
1.1 WFD
> Over 58 project
> Successful submission by ICPDR
> Analytical report on Pressures & impact analysis, typology;
support
activities aimed at
(and CPs) of WFD Art. V report to
ecological classification; Economic Analysis; HMWB,
activities
strengthening the
European Commission March
Nutrients, etc. used by the ICPDR for Danube Analysis Report
ICPDR and CPs WFD
2005
> EU WFD Danube Roof report completed and agreed by 13
implementation in the > Completion of updated TDA for
countries
Danube River Basin.
Danube River Basin based on
> Danube Analysis Report prepared, with the summary
WFD Analysis Report
translated into 7 languages and distributed basin-wide
> 4 non-EU countries actively participate in process.
Sava > Workshop and report
> Political approval by all countries
> RBMP templates for Sava basin, including gap analysis are
presenting WFD
and commitment to develop
agreed with 4 participating countries
RBMP outline and
RBMP
> River Basin Management Road-Map and Plan outline
road-map
delivered and approved
GIS
> Recommendations
> Agreed GIS system to be
> Danube GIS Prototype developed and ready for testing and
and design of GIS
developed meeting needs of
further use - 1 test dataset for each shape-file template /
system for Danube
ICPDR and CPs for WFD
table
and equipment
> Data for 8 countries available
Tisza > Support for UA
> Active engagement of UA in the
> Data provided by UA
involvement in Tisza
Tisza river basin planning process
> UA participate at Tisza Expert Group Meetings
River Basin
enabling completion of Tisza river
Management process
basin analysis report leading to
WFD river basin management
plan
WFD > Workshops completed > Full engagement of non-EU
> Workshops on Surface Waters, Ground Waters, Risk of
workshops
in MD, UA, BiH and
countries in the WFD process
Failure, HMWB,
RS
> 3 trainings on assessment of water bodies organized to
strengthen expert capacities of the ICPDR for EU WFD
implementation, >40 experts participated at each workshop.
Overview of DRP Activities
page 47
DRP
Activity Outputs
Outcomes
Quantitative
Indicators
Component
Biological
> 3 training courses
> Danube Countries have agreed
> 3 training courses with participation of experts from all GEF
method
involving all GEF
common method to report
eligible countries
training
eligible countries on
biological quality element under
macro-zoobenthos
WFD
sampling and analysis
compliant with WFD
1.2 / 1.3
Agriculture
> Reports delivered on: > Implementation of BAPs on 8
> Reports and inventories on policy, legislation, pesticides,
- Fertiliser and
pilot farms reduced N by 14 t/yr
fertiliser, manure handling, BAP etc.,
manure use and
and P by 2 t/yr.
> Workshop: Agricultural policy and BAP concept
management
> Data collected led to successful
participation of > 30 experts
- Pesticide use and
submission of WFD Danube Basin
> Workshop: Pilot projects development participation of > 40
inventories
Analysis to EC.
experts
- Nutrient emissions
> BAP concept developed tested
> Workshop: EU WFD and Agriculture participation of >40
- Policies for reducing
and broadly disseminated at
experts
agriculture pollution
basin-wide scale.
> Visit of a farm in Denmark 40 participants from countries
- Best Agriculture
> Farmers aware of the BAP, through broadcastings on national
Practices
TV and Radio of Serbia, interviews and articles in national
- Training workshops
newspapers and magazines specialized on agriculture
- Pilot farm evaluation
> 8 pilot projects under implementation / lessons learned
of BAPs
disseminated
- Estimation of
> Awareness raising with farmers (etc.) at >100 workshops
nutrient emissions
with > 2500 participants.
from pilot farms
> Financial benefits evaluated in 8 pilot farms
> Web-site operational: http://www.carlbrodrp.org.yu/
MONERIS
> Upgraded version of
> All countries having a common
> MONERIS model operational within ICPDR
nutrient basin-wide
tool to estimate nutrient fluxes in
> ICPDR staff trained in its use
model compatible
the Danube River Basin leading to
with water bodies
improved management decision
defined for the WFD
capacity.
UNDP/GEF DANUBE REGIONAL PROJECT
page 48
DRP
Activity Outputs
Outcomes
Quantitative
Indicators
Component
1.4 Wetlands
> Development of
> Integration of one pilot site into
> Inventory of Protected Areas, covering 237 sites - database
agreed land-use
the river basin management plan
and map - input also for EU Natura 2000
assessment
and submission of site to EC as a
> Methodology for Land-use Assessment tested at 3 pilot sites
methodology and
proposed Natura 2000 protected
(SK, HR, RO) and 3 on-sites stakeholders workshops
results from testing
area.
organized with participation of 90 experts at 3 workshops
and evaluation of
> Elevating wetland understanding
> Land-use concepts implemented in projects at 3 pilot sites
methodology in three
within river basin management
under implementation (Slovakia, Romania and Croatia), total
pilots
planning.
area 4,400 hectares
> A manual for appropriate land-use is under preparation and
will be presented at the basin-wide workshop
> 1 preparatory workshop organized 20 participants
> Basin-wide workshop for wetland managers from
government, NGOs (linked with Component 4.3)
1.5 Industry > Emission inventory
> Transformation of industrial
> Review of policies in 11 countries and the identification of
review and
regulations consistent with EU
gaps between EU and existing and future legislation for
recommendations
environmental requirements
industrial pollution control and enforcement mechanisms
> Reports on
enabling better access to EU
> Report on Implementation of BAT /IPPC in 11 DRB countries
policy/legislation on
markets.
> Report on Implementation of BAT in 4 non-accession
BAT
countries
> Road map on
> Road Map for implementing BAT in Serbia & Montenegro,
implementation of
Bosnia & Herzegovina, Moldova and Ukraine
BAT in non-EU states
> 3 trainings on BAT & IPPC for experts from BiH, UA, MD
> Undertaking of 5 reviews of industrial complexes as case
studies on BAT.
Overview of DRP Activities
page 49
DRP
Activity Outputs
Outcomes
Quantitative
Indicators
Component
1.6 / 1.7
Tariffs &
> Development of
> Enabling utility managers to
> Two basin wide workshops organized to present the T&C
charges
model (ASTEC),
make management decisions
reforms to the countries and increase awareness on T&C
training, policy
through better tools leading to
issues in 13 countries, 50 experts and high-level country
reform
reduction of pollution through
representatives participated.
recommendations for
target investments.
> The current conditions related to regional or Municipal Water
utility / municipalities
>
and Wastewater Utilities examined in 7 countries
> Mational analysis of
> Possible tariff and effluent charge reforms identified and
state of the art of
evaluated for 7 countries and 7 municipalities as case studies
water tariffs and
were evaluated
charges and
> 40 municipalities considered policy reforms aimed at
implementation of
improved water collection and waste water services, 20
reforms
municipalities applied such reforms
> Policy reforms
> 60 municipalities considered tariffs reforms to improve
recommendations
sustainability of financing, up to 20 municipalities applied
> Case studies at utility
such reforms.
level
> ASTEC model developed (Accounts Simulation for Tariffs and
Effluent Charges), tested in 2 municipalities Pitesti
(Romania) and Karlovac (Croatia)
> Training workshop for ASTEC
> Regional meetings and dissemination workshops at national
level 470 experts and country representatives participated
> Information sheets on T&C prepared also in national
languages and distributed
1.8 P-free > Assessment of P-free
> Basin-wide ICPDR policy on P
> 30 participants at Stakeholder Workshop on Detergents
detergents
detergent use in
reductions
> Policy recommended for adoption by ICPDR about P
basin and
> Enabling EU-wide discussion
reduction agreed by all countries
recommendations on
between regulators and industry
means to encourage
> Romania taking first steps to
basin-wide P bans in
instigate P-free detergent
UNDP/GEF DANUBE REGIONAL PROJECT
page 50
DRP
Activity Outputs
Outcomes
Quantitative
Indicators
Component
laundry detergents
regulations
2.1 BiH
> National expert
> Expert requested to be
> BiH actively involved in WFD process
assistance
recruited to work in
permanent staff (post created).
> Position created within the Ministry in BiH
MoFTER to assist with
BiH submitted first river analysis
state and entity
report.
implementation of
WFD
IMCM > Country specific
> Strengthened capacity within
> Analysis of IMCM was carried out in 10 countries,
reports and
countries to deal with cross-
recommendations prepared
recommendations
sector activities
> Needs of 6 countries to strengthen their IMC capacities
> Country specific
agreed
workplans endorsed
by governments for
implementation
2.2 Monitoring
> Upgrade of TNMN to
> Successful submission of WFD Art > TNMN harmonized with EU WFD requirement / annual
meet WFD
VIII report to EC March 2007
reporting available, all 13 countries participate
requirements
based on DRP activity.
> Biological database available
> Biological database
> Countries operate functional
> BiH monitoring
biological database consistent
roadmap
with WFD
> BiH strengthened to participate
fully in monitoring in Danube
River Basin
2.3 AEWS > Upgrade of
> Improved preparedness to alert
> Standard forms and web-based communication solution for
communications for
countries to accidents
information exchange in emergency cases used by all 13
AEWS and Danube
countries PIACs
Basin Alarm Model
Overview of DRP Activities
page 51
DRP
Activity Outputs
Outcomes
Quantitative
Indicators
Component
Refineries
> Check-list
> Increased capacity of countries
> 2 training programmes given for 2 experts from each
methodology
on risk assessment
Contracting Party on check-list assessment of refineries
developed and tested
> Assessment techniques improved
on refinery risks
leading to reduction of risks
Contaminat
> Check-list
> Increased capacity of countries
> ARS Inventory carried out 261 sites identified 157 sites
e sites in
methodology
on risk assessment
evaluated
flood-risk
developed and tested
> Assessment techniques improved
> Training and evaluation of check-list methodology provided
areas
for identifying and
leading to reduction of risks
on contaminated site
assessing risks from
contaminated sites in
flood-risk areas
2.4 Danubis > Upgrade, training,
> Improved information
> Training on the Danubis users provided at central level 25
hardware/software
management and improved
persons and at national level 11 countries 12 experts
for ICPDR data
access to technical information by
trained in each.
management system
countries
> 630 registered users
> 18,000 hits / month average in (Sept 05-Sept06)
> Upgrade of the Danubis at the central level 1 new server;
Change of the platform for the System; open-source system
implemented and national level 36 PC sets provided to
countries.
> Concept for Restructuring of the internal area of the ICPDR
Info system prepared.
2.5 JTWG
> Re-establishment of
> Improved co-operation between
> 4 Annual JTWG meetings organized since 2002
JTWG
Danube and Black Sea
>
> List of indicators
Commissions
agreed
> Better understanding of impact of
> First report on impact
Danube on Black Sea
of Danube on Black
> Improved implementation of MoU
UNDP/GEF DANUBE REGIONAL PROJECT
page 52
DRP
Activity Outputs
Outcomes
Quantitative
Indicators
Component
Sea released
GEF
D/BS
> Stocktaking Meeting
> Mid-course correcting measures
> D-BS Strategic Partnership Stocktaking meeting organized in
Strategic
(STM)
to streamline the implementation
2004, with participation of 80 high level country
Partnership > STM
of the Strategic Partnership;
representatives of the ICPDR, BSC, GEF, UNDP and other
Stocktaking
recommendations to
> Development of the Progress
experts
Meeting
the DRP, BSERP and
Report to the GEF Council on the
WB NRIF to assure
D/BS Strategic Partnership.
meeting Partnership
objectives
2.6 Training, > Wide range of
> Strengthened capacity of all
> Capacities of the ICPDR EG Chairs and Secretariat
meetings
capacity building
ICPDR working structure
strengthened through a Training on Facilitation Skills, 35
etc
workshops and
> Increased understanding and co-
persons participated
Danube Basin
operation between CPs
> Workshop on Further future of the ICPDR supported the
management
> Streamlining / restructuring of
development process of the Commission, 65 country
meetings supported
ICPDR PS, EGs, work plans etc.
representatives participated
completed
> Workshops on EU WFD Implementation at national level have
strengthened capacities of experts in 4 countries - policy
makers/ senior ministry officials in MD, SM and BiH, RO, in
total 80 experts participated
> Support for 11 countries to participate at the regular ICPDR
EG meeting provided, 80-100 persons supported per year
Overview of DRP Activities
page 53
DRP
Activity Outputs
Outcomes
Quantitative
Indicators
Component
3.1 DEF
> Capacity building and
> Improved structure of DEF
> Water policy teams created, to participate in EU WFD
support
practical assistance
> Participation of the DEF in the
Implementation also at national leve
on `identity' provided
WFD implementation process
> DEF members participated regularly in ICPDR expert group
to DEF
> Extended membership
meetings
> Increased capabilities to
> Training material on `Wetlands and Nutrient reduction'
undertake outreach and
prepared, training provided in 11 countries with participation
awareness raising activities
of 15 experts per country
> Increased capabilities to respond
> Wetlands book produced
to environmental issues in the
> Training manual available in 5 languages Network
Danube river basin
strengthened 175 NGOs
> National focal points in 11 countries active
> 2 DEF bulletins regularly published per year also in other
Danube languages
> DEF press releases regularly printed in National media
> New branding and designed communication tools and DEF
web-site
3.2 Small
> 130 small grants
> Capacity of NGOs to prepare
> 6 regional and 58 national projects implemented within the
Grants
successfully
proposals and to undertake
1st call, 25 project monitored
programme
implemented and
project enhanced.
> 6 regional and 56 national within the 2nd call.
completed with clear
> Significant increased awareness
deliverables
within stakeholders and broader
public on environmental issues
UNDP/GEF DANUBE REGIONAL PROJECT
page 54
DRP
Activity Outputs
Outcomes
Quantitative
Indicators
Component
3.3 Communica
> Danube watch
> Improved understanding of public > 10 issues of the Danube Watch published with DRP support
tions
support
outreach within ICPDR and NGOs
> 4 campaigns on Wetlands, detergents, BAP (SLO, CRO, SK
> Public Participation
> Improved public outreach by
> Danube Day Events in 2005, 2006 in 13 countries
Strategy
ICPDR
> 100 articles in regional and international media
> Campaigns on
> Broadened public participation
> DRP fact sheets on 5 main themes > 40 Fact Sheets
wetlands, detergents,
> Increased awareness on nutrients > Over 70 workshops organised by DRP with over 1700
BAP
and pollutions by all stakeholders
participants (plus events organised by contractors on
> Branding of ICPDR /
> Improved capacity of ICPDR PS
components)
DRP
on media
> 2 DRP/ICPDR Posters and roll-ups and 2 Brochures on Public
> Communication
participation and Danube Analysis
strategy
> Delivery of '15 years of Managing the Danube River Basin
> Media training
1991- 2006
3.4 Access
to
> 5 pilot projects with
> Strengthened capacity of
> Five Pilot projects with country specific outputs
Informatio
manuals and training
countries to implement Aarhus
> Participation of 20 governmental and 10 NGO representatives
n / Aarhus
workshops on access
convention
at two study tours (USA & NL)
Convention
to environmental
> Enabling countries to better
> Two basin-wide workshops with participation of 90 country
information
provide environmental
representatives
information to stakeholders
> Final workshop with 60 participants from all Danube
improving public participation
countries
4.1 Indicators
> Agreed and adopted
> Indicators available to ICPDR to
> Set of 35 indicators developed and agreed with ICPDR
list of indicators (P,
evaluate progress on core
> 14 indicators tested and evaluated
SR and E) by DRP
activities in accordance with
and ICPDR tested
DRPC
and evaluated
4.2 Iron
Gate
> Agreed assessment
> Improved knowledge and co-
> Assessment of the quality of Iron Gate Sediment
Sediments
(RO, RS) on quality of
operation between RO and RS to
Iron Gate Sediments
address the future challenge of
Overview of DRP Activities
page 55
DRP
Activity Outputs
Outcomes
Quantitative
Indicators
Component
the Iron Gate reservoir
>
4.3 Wetlands
> Completion of pilot
> Improved understanding of
> Three pilot projects implemented Case studies on Nutrient
nutrients
projects
wetland retention of nutrients
removal capacities of wetlands (Moldova, Ukraine, Romania)
> Preparation of
and incorporation of wetlands in
> 50 participants from Danube countries participated at the
guidance document
WFD River Basin Management
workshop (joint with Component 1.4)
on best practices for
Plan through the Programme of
> Declaration prepared by Wetland Managers on formation of
nutrient retention by
Measures
network together with plan on future collaborative actions
wetlands
> Network of National Parks
within the Danube River Basin.
> International
(Wetland) Managers created
workshop to share
experiences
4.4 Nutrient > Reports and
> Increased awareness of
> Final workshop on nutrient trading
trading
workshop on trading
alternative means and barriers
>
options
for nutrient management by
> Cost-effect nutrient
trading
management options
> Recognition of need for long-term
> Reports on nutrient
programme to evaluate options
status within Danube
sharing the nutrient burden
River Basin and
between countries in a cost-
impact on NW shelf of
effective way
the Black Sea
UNDP/GEF DANUBE REGIONAL PROJECT
