PROJECT BRIEF

1. IDENTIFIERS
PROJECT NUMBER
PIMS 2184
PROJECT NAME
Strengthening the Implementation Capacities for
Nutrient Reduction and Transboundary
Cooperation in the Danube River Basin (Tranche 2)
DURATION
3 years (December 2003 ­ November 2006)
IMPLEMENTING AGENCY
UNDP
EXECUTING AGENCY
UNOPS in cooperation with the ICPDR
REQUESTING COUNTRIES
Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia,
Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro,
Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine
ELIGIBILITY
Eligible under para. 9(b) of GEF Instrument
PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES
Germany and Austria
GEF FOCAL AREA
International Waters
GEF PROGRAMMING FRAMEWORK
GEF Operational Strategy for International Waters /
Waterbody-Based Operational Programme (#8)

2. SUMMARY
The long-term development objective of the proposed Regional Project is to contribute to
sustainable human development in the DRB 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.
In this context, the proposed GEF Regional Project should support the ICPDR, its structures and
the participating countries in order to ensure an integrated and coherent implementation of the
Strategic Action Plan 1994 (revised 1999), the Common Platform, the ICPDR Joint Action
Program (approved by the ICPDR Plenary in November 2000) and related investment programs
in line with the objectives of the DRPC.
The overall objective of the Danube Regional Project is to complement the activities of the
ICPDR required to provide a regional approach and global significance 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 DRB and the Black Sea area.
Taking into account the basic orientations of the Danube/Black Sea Basin Programmatic
Approach, the Danube Regional Project, in its Tranches 1 and 2, shall facilitate implementation
of the Danube River Protection Convention in providing a framework for coordination,
dissemination and replication of successful demonstration that will be developed through
investment projects (World Bank-GEF Strategic Partnership, EBRD, EU programmes for
accession countries etc.).
Specific objective of Phase 2 of the Project, December 2003 ­ November 2006, is to set up
institutional and legal instruments at the national and regional level to assure nutrient reduction

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institutional and legal instruments at the national and regional level to assure nutrient reduction
and sustainable management of water bodies and ecological resources, involving all stakeholders
and building up adequate monitoring and information systems. To reach these goals and to secure
the implementation and consolidation of those basin-wide capacity-building activities, the Project
has to build up on the results achieved during the 1st Phase of the Project (December 2001 ­
November 2003).
Altogether 20 project components with 79 activities will be carried out during the 2nd Phase of
the Project. The following immediate objectives are designed to respond to the overall
development objective:
(1) Creation of sustainable ecological conditions for land use and water management;
(2) Capacity building and reinforcement of transboundary cooperation for the improvement of
water quality and environmental standards in the Danube River Basin;
(3) Strengthening of public involvement in environmental decision making and reinforcement
of community actions for pollution reduction and protection of ecosystems;
(4) Reinforcement of monitoring, evaluation and information systems to control transboundary
pollution, and to reduce nutrients and harmful substances.

3. COSTS AND FINANCING (USD)


Project Tranche Project Tranche
1
2
GEF
Project
5,000,000 USD 12,000,000 USD

PDF-B
350,000 USD


Subtotal GEF
5,350,000 USD 12,000,000 USD
Co-Financing
Government / ICPDR /
6,600,000 USD 12,878,000 USD
others

Subtotal Co-financing
6,600,000 USD 12,878,000USD
Total Project

11,950,000 USD 24,878,000USD
Cost



36,828,000 USD

4. ASSOCIATED FINANCING
- Government

279,000,000 USD
- UNDP

1,069,000 USD
- Bilateral, EU and NGO

249,562,000 USD
Total Baseline Costs:

529,631,000 USD

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5. GEF Operational Focal Point Endorsements (Annex 13)

Czech Republic

15 September, 2000
Slovakia



31 August, 2000
Hungary



30 August, 2000
Slovenia



29 August, 2000
Croatia



29 August, 2000
Bosnia & Herzegovina
1 September, 2000
Serbia & Montenegro
13 September, 2000
Bulgaria



1 September, 2000
Romania


30 August, 2000
Moldova


30 August, 2000
Ukraine



7 September, 2000
ICPDR President

15 September, 2000

6. Implementing Agency Contact

Mr. Nick Remple
UNDP Regional Bureau for Europe and CIS
Grösslingova 35
811 09 Bratislava, Slovakia
Tel: +421 2 59337-458 / Fax: +421 2 59337-450
nick.remple@undp.org

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Preface
In May 2001, the GEF Council approved Tranche 1 to carry out the first phase of the UNDP/GEF
Project "Strengthening the Implementation Capacities for Nutrient Reduction and Transboundary
Cooperation in the Danube River Basin" known in short as the Danube Regional Project (DRP).
Although the initial Project Brief had been prepared in September 2000 with a total budget of 15
million USD, was endorsed by all 11 requesting countries and cleared by GEFSEC, due to
funding constraints, the DRP was split into two parts (phases) to be funded by two separate
tranches. Nevertheless, the overall development objective as well as the immediate objective
remained (and still remain) the same for both phases of the DRP.

Rationale for Receiving the Tranche 2 Funding
Because of the decision to split the DRP into 2 Phases, it is critical that the 2nd tranche of funding
be made available in time to assure continuity between the two phases. Phase 1 of the DRP
began officially in December 2001 and will be concluded by November 2003. As of February
2003, 16 of 20 components of Phase 1 are under implementation with the remaining 4 in the
process of being contracted. All Phase 1 activities should be concluded by Oct. 2003. In this
context, Phase 1 was designed as the preparatory phase to prepare concepts, methodologies,
policies, capacity building etc. that will be implemented in Phase 2. Therefore, to assure full
project implementation and to achieve the ultimate goals of the Danube Regional Project in its
entirety (both Phases), this Project Brief for Phase 2 of the DRP is being submitted for the
remaining funding (2nd tranche).

Progress in the Implementation of Phase 1 of the DRP
The first year of implementation of the UNDP/GEF first phase (Dec. 2001-Nov. 2003) has been
assessed as "highly satisfactory" in the latest APR/PIR Review (Feb. 2003) involving key
stakeholders of the DRP (see Annex 14 for the full APR/PIR.) The DRP implementation is on
target to deliver the expected results of Phase 1. As an indication, Annex 15 contains a table
developed to demonstrate progress and results expected by the end of Phase 1. This table is based
on the Objectives/Outputs/Success Criteria table that formed part of the original Framework Brief
­ GEF Strategic Partnership on the Danube/Black Sea Basin.
The outputs of these current Phase 1 activities will set the basis for full implementation in Phase
2 to achieve the desired results of the DRP. Policies (agriculture, industry, wetland management
etc.) economic instruments, river basin management planning tools (related to WFD,) pilot
activities etc. are currently being prepared that will be operationalized in Phase 2. Concepts for
improving ICPDR systems (water quality, accident prevention and warning, emissions, etc.) are
being developed and the information system (DANUBIS) is being enhanced, whereas training
needs are being assessed, prioritized and then programmes developed as the basis for specific
activities for improvement in Phase 2. Public participation mechanisms are being developed or
strengthened (Danube Environmental Forum), activities at the grassroots level for pollution
reduction are being prepared (Small Grants Programme) and public awareness activities are being
organized (DRB Communications Strategy.) Finally, appropriate monitoring and evaluation
systems are being designed and put in place such that progress can be measured by the end of
Phase 2.
Project implementation thus far has produced some lessons learned that reflect project progress
(for further information see section 4 of the APR/PIR in Annex 14). Excellent cooperation with
the ICPDR and its structures has been achieved at its different levels, Permanent Secretariat,
Expert Groups, national governments and their delegations etc. Commonly implemented

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activities are serving to improve administrative and technical capacities at the national level based
on guidelines and requirements set by the ICPDR and the DRP. In this way, the DRP is playing a
catalytic role for DRB countries to meet their commitments to the DRPC and increasingly the EU
WFD thereby facilitating enhancement of "good governance" in some DRB countries.
The DRP has placed great effort to link global environmental issues to the EU Water Framework
Directive. This is beneficial, as the EU WFD provides the legislative framework for resolving
transboundary pollution problems. By grounding project activities and results within EU WFD
implementation, the DRP is helping to assure the sustainability of project results after 2006 (end
of the project.)
A particular focus of the DRP has been given to enhancing public participation in environmental
decision-making. An important lesson is the need to adopt public participation activities to
specific levels of activity (regional, sub-basin, national, local etc.) The DRP is supporting various
activities at different levels such as the Small Grants Programme (local, national and regional),
public participation strategy for the ICPDR (beginning at the regional level) as well as the
enhancement of the DEF which can support all levels of public participation.
Finally, given the great need for capacity building activities in the DRB, the DRP is supporting
the development of a training needs assessment to help identify and then prioritize training needs.
Preliminary results have indicated the need to focus training on improving the effectiveness of
structures (e.g. the Expert Groups of the ICPDR) as well as on technical capacities (as originally
intended.)

Issues to Be Considered for Tranche 2
The implementation of Phase 1 thus far has identified important challenges that must be
considered in the implementation of Phase 2.
The DRP will continue to support the implementation of the EU WFD as it leads to the meeting
of project objectives. An ongoing challenge for Phase 2 implementation will be to assure that
non-EU Accession countries (Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Moldova, Serbia and Montenegro
and Ukraine) can and will participate in implementing the EU WFD and in particular project
related activities. The DRP will continue to work to strengthen these countries' abilities to
participate on an equal basis within the regional framework.
Another real challenge for Phase 2 will be to focus on priorities for capacity building. There is a
serious need and demand for capacity building activities in the DRB. Phase 2 will have to focus
on the most central needs within the ICPDR, the DEF and other key stakeholders that will lead to
meeting the overall project objectives.
The DRP will also have to work to ensure that Danube NGOs and NGO networks (DEF etc.) are
strengthened in their capacities to take action and mobilize support for pollution reduction. This
is essential for long-term environmental improvements and sustainability of cooperative efforts.

Short Description of the Project Brief

A. The original framework and text of the Project Brief-Tranche 2 (from May 2001)
Phase 2 of the DRP is an integral part of the whole DRP; the same analytical framework was used
for the preparation of the Project Brief for both phases. Besides this new preface and the new
annexes already mentioned, the original text of the project brief as developed and submitted in

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Sep. 2001 has been principally retained to assure authenticity as this brief was already endorsed
then by all DRB countries. Revisions were therefore only made where necessary to reflect
changing situations, lessons learned, new institutional arrangements etc. from Phase 1
implementation. Further, lessons learned (section V-1)) developed in 2001 were kept, while new
lessons learned from current implementation were also added (section V-2.)

B. In addition, one new component has been added to strengthen public participation by
enhancing access to information. As public participation in environmental decision-making is a
central objective of the DRP and is essential for assuring the long-term sustainability of this GEF
supported intervention, this component has been included to this Project Brief (component 3.4) to
strengthen mechanisms for the public to have greater access to information to be able to address
priority sources of pollution. Two million USD is requested to support implementation of this
component.

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Table of Contents
I
Background Information
1
I - 1 Context of the Danube Regional Project
1
I - 2 The Danube River Basin
3
I - 3 Political, Demographic and Economic Issues
4
I - 4 Accidental Pollution in the Danube and the Tisza Sub-River Basin
6
I - 5 Institutional and Legal Mechanisms and Investment Programs for Nutrient Reduction in the
Danube Countries
7
I - 6 Mechanisms for Regional Cooperation for the Protection of Water and Ecological Resources in
the Danube River Basin
13
I - 7 Cooperation between the ICPDR and the International Commission for the Protection of the
Black Sea (ICPBS)
14
II
Project Objectives
16
III
Project description
18
1. Creation of sustainable ecological conditions for land use and water management
18
2. Capacity building and reinforcement of transboundary cooperation for the
improvement of water quality and environmental standards in the Danube River Basin
24
3
Strengthening of public involvement in environmental decision making and
reinforcement of community actions for pollution reduction and protection of
ecosystems
29
4. Reinforcement of monitoring, evaluation and information systems to control
transboundary pollution, and to reduce nutrients and harmful substances
33
IV
Sustainability and Participation
36
V
Lessons Learned
37
V - 1 Lessons Learned in Preparing the DRP
37
V - 2 Lessons Learned During Implementation of Phase 1 of the DRP
38
VI
Project Budget and Financing
40
VI - 1 GEF Budget Contribution
40
VI - 2 Contributions from the ICPDR, participating countries and others:
43
VI - 3 National Capital Investments and Development Costs (2001 ­ 2006)
43
VI - 4 World Bank Partnership and UNDP (estimated 5 years period)
44
VI - 5 Investments from EU for environmental measures (accession countries)
44
VI - 6 Assistance from bilateral sources (estimated 2 to 4 years)
44
VI - 7 Assistance provided through private sector organizations (inter-national and Danube NGOs
for a 2 to 4 years period)
44
VI - 8 Total contributions for environmental protection and nutrient reduction in the Danube River
Basin
45
VII
Incremental Costs
47
VIII Cost-effectiveness
48
IX
Project Risks
49
X
Institutional Frameworks and Implementation
51
X - 1 Institutional Arrangements
51
X - 2 Monitoring and Evaluation
53
X - 3 Implementation Schedule
54

Annexes

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List of Abbreviations

APC/EG

Accident Prevention and Control Expert Group
APR

Annual Project/Program Report
AQC

Analytical Quality Control
BAT

Best Available Technology
BEP

Best Environmental Practices
BOD

Biological Oxygen Demand
COD

Chemical Oxygen Demand
DBAM

Danube Basin Alarm Model
DEF

Danube Environmental Forum
DEPA

Danish Environmental Protection Agency
DANUBIS
Danube Information System
DPRP

Danube Pollution Reduction Program
DRB

Danube River Basin
DRBM/EG
Danube River Basin Management Expert Group
DRP

Danube Regional Project
DRPC

Danube River Protection Convention
DWQM

Danube Water Quality Model



Euro
ECO/EG
Ecology Expert Group
EMIS/EG
Emission Expert Group
EPDRB

Environmental Program for the Danube River Basin
GEF

Global Environment Facility
GDP

Gross Domestic Product
GPA

Global Programme of Action
IAA

Implementing Agency Agreement
ICPDR

International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River
ICPBS

International Commission for the Protection of the Black Sea
IFI

International Financing Institution
IW

International Waters
JAP

Joint Action Program
MLIM/EG
Monitoring Laboratory and Information Management Expert Group
MONERIS
Modeling Nutrient Emission in River System
M&E

Monitoring and Evaluation
MSP

Medium Sized Project
NGOs

Non Government Organisations
PIR

Project Implementation Review
PRP

Pollution Reduction Program
REC

Regional Environmental Center
S/EG

Strategic Expert Group
SAP

Strategic Action Plan
SIA

Significant Impact Area
STAP

Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel
TAR

Transboundary Analysis Report
UNDP

United Nations Development Program
UNIDO-TEST
United Nations Industrial Development Office - Transfer of Environmentally Sound
Technology to Reduce Transboundary Pollution in the Danube River Basin
UNOPS
United Nations Office for Project Services
USAID

United State Agency for International Development
USD

United States Dollar
WPPCM
Water Pollution Prevention and Control Model


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I
Background Information
I - 1
Context of the Danube Regional Project
In the frame of the Environmental Program for the Danube River Basin (EPDRB) international
support was provided to facilitate the development and the implementation of the Danube River
Protection Convention (DRPC). Since 1992 the European Community has supported, in
particular through its Phare and Tacis programs and the UNDP/GEF, in particular through its
Pollution Reduction Program (June 1997 to June 1999), the efforts of the Danube countries and
of the Interim Commission for the Protection of the Danube River to develop the necessary
mechanisms for effective implementation of the Convention. These mechanisms relate in
particular to the development of a regional Strategic Action Plan (SAP) based on national
contributions, the elaboration of a Transboundary Analysis to define causes and effects of
transboundary pollution within the Danube River Basin and on the Black Sea. In the frame of the
Danube Pollution Reduction Program, based on the results of the Transboundary Analysis, an
investment portfolio has been developed with particular attention to nutrient reduction. All the
measures, projects and programs proposed to reduce emissions from both point and non-point
sources of pollution will improve water quality, considering a reduction of 50 % in Chemical
Oxygen Demand (COD) emissions and 70 % in Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) emissions
and other toxic elements and thus reduce transboundary effects within the Danube River Basin.
Once implemented, these measures will further substantially contribute to reducing nutrient
transport (Phosphorus by 27 % and Nitrogen by 14 %) to the Black Sea to improve, over time,
environmental status indicators of Black Sea ecosystems of the western shelf.
The International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River Basin (ICPDR) developed
a first Joint Action Programme (JAP) for the years 2001 - 2005, which was adopted at the ICPDR
Plenary Session in November 2000. The JAP deals i.a. with pollution from point and non-point
sources, wetland and floodplain restoration, priority substances, water quality standards,
prevention of accidental pollution, floods and river basin management.
In order to ensure efficient implementation of the Common Platform for Development of
National Policies and Actions for Pollution Reduction under the DRPC (Common Platform), the
Pollution Reduction Program and the JAP and to reinforce the appropriate development and
application of policies, strategies and legislation for transboundary pollution reduction at the
national level, the current phase of GEF assistance is complementing the activities of the ICPDR
and the Black Sea PIU.
The new GEF assistance is within the frame of the Danube/Black Sea Basin Strategic Partnership
(Annex 9) for the Danube and the Black Sea Basin. The Danube­Black Sea program is composed
of three complementary parts:
(i)
a series of country-related investment projects executed through the World Bank
Investment Fund for Nutrient Reduction with GEF financial support;
(ii) two Regional Projects for the Danube River Basin and the Black Sea respectively
which are subdivided into two Phases (December 2001- November 2003 and
December 2003- November 2006);
(iii) other GEF and donor interventions in the basin targeting reduction of nutrients and
toxic pollutants.

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The GEF regional Danube/Black Sea Basin Strategic Partnership is providing assistance to the
ICPDR and the Black Sea PIU to reinforce their activities in terms of policy/legislative reforms
and enforcement of environmental regulations (with particular attention to the reduction of
nutrients and toxic substances). The regional projects, in their respective sphere of intervention
and jointly, shall also assure a coherent and coordinated approach and global significance of
policy and legislative measures introduced at the national level of the participating countries.
Further, the GEF regional components of the Danube/Black Sea Basin Strategic Partnership shall
facilitate project implementation in providing a framework for dissemination and replication of
successful demonstration that will be developed through the implementation of investment
projects through the World Bank-GEF Investment Fund for Nutrient Reduction.
In this context, the Danube Regional Project (DRP), which has been split in two implementation
Phases, 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 DRB.
The 2nd Phase of the Project, December 2003 ­ November 2006, is to set up institutional and
legal instruments at the national and regional level to assure nutrient reduction and sustainable
management of water bodies and ecological resources, building up adequate monitoring and
information systems, involving all stakeholders. To reach these goals and to secure the
implementation and consolidation of those basin-wide capacity-building activities, the Project
has to build up on the results being achieved during the 1st Phase of the Project (December 2001
­ November 2003). For the reason of continuity and utmost utilization of available expertise, the
Danube Regional Project has to take into account and build on the existing mechanisms and
structures, including:
the Common Platform (revised SAP), focusing on policies and strategies for water
quality control and pollution reduction with particular attention to transboundary issues
and reduction of nutrient transport to the Black Sea; regional policies and strategies
have to be coordinated with the development of national policies and legislation and
implemented through national investment programs;
the Transboundary Analysis Report (TAR) which identifies causes and effects of
pollution with particular attention to transboundary issues and nutrient transport to the
Black Sea; the TAR defines priorities for control and management strategies at the
regional and national levels;
the Danube Pollution Reduction Program (DPRP), which, as part of the actual
investment program of the ICPDR. It is the operational basis for the promotion and
monitoring of pollution reduction measures in the DRB. A total of 421 projects for 5.66
billion USD, primarily addressing hot spots have been identified for municipal,
industrial and agricultural projects which, once implemented, would decrease
phosphorus and nitrogen loads to the Danube and downstream to the Black Sea by 27
and 14 % respectively;
the ICPDR, its Permanent Secretariat and its Expert Groups are responsible for the
implementation of the DRPC with particular attention to emission control (EMIS/EG),
monitoring of water quality (MLIM/EG), warning and prevention of accidental pollution
(APC/EG), river basin management and implementation of EU Water Framework
Directive (RMB/EG), ecological status (ECO/EG) and strategic/administrative issues
(S/EG). The Danube Regional Project shall make use of these structures and instruments
to pursue its objectives and organize its activities;

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the Joint Action Programme 2001-2005, prepared by the EMIS EG and approved by the
ICPDR at the Plenary Session in November 2000. The projects and strategic measures
contained in the Joint Action Programme are in most cases coherent with the projects in
the Five Year Nutrient Reduction Action Plan, where the total amount of investment for
point sources reduction is 4.4 billion out of which 3.54 billion are earmarked as
national contributions.
The Danube River Basin Management Planning process in support of EU Water
Framework Directive implementation for the DRB. The EU as well as ICPDR member
countries have agreed that the ICPDR is responsible for coordinating the development of
the DRB Management Plan (until 2009) as well as its implementation. The ICPDR
RBM EG is responsible for coordinating the technical work amongst the 13 participating
countries and according to the implementation time frame as set by the EU.
DABLAS Task Force, being coordinated by the EU, in order to identify, prioritize and
then facilitate funding for priority wastewater treatment facilities needed in the Danube
and Black Sea Basins in order for pollution reduction including nutrients.

I - 2
The Danube River Basin
The Danube River is with a length of 2 780 km the second largest river in Europe and drains an
area of 817 000 square km. This includes: all of Hungary, nearly all parts of Austria, Romania,
Slovenia, Slovakia and Serbia & Montenegro, significant parts of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Czech Republic, Moldova and small parts of Germany and Ukraine. The Danube River
discharges into the Black Sea through a delta, which is the second largest natural wetland in
Europe.
The catchment profile along the Danube is presented in the attached figure.
The Basin, with a total of about 817 000 km² is characterized by an aquatic ecosystem with
numerous important wetlands and floodplains. It is of high environmental as well as economic
and social value. It
supports drinking water
supply, agriculture,
The catchment profile along the Danube (in 1000 km2)
industry, fishing, tourism
subdivided over the 13 principal Danube countries
and recreation, power
generation, navigation, etc.
900
A large number of dams,
800
Germany
Austria
Czech_Republic
Slovakia
Hungary
Slovenia
dikes, navigation locks and
Croatia
Serbia&Montenegro Bosnia_Herzegovina
700



Bulgaria
Romania
Moldova
other hydraulic structures
Ukraine
600
have been built throughout
the region. (Annex 7 -
500
Maps: Major Hydraulic
400
Structures in the Danube
300
River Basin).
200
Utilizing water resources
100
0
for important economic




Source




Outflow
Inn

SM
activities and the release of
-
H border



-
RO border
-
BG border
-
RO border
-
A border
-
SK
D
Morava/
A
H to CR/
Drava
Tisa
Sava
SM
Iron Gates
SM
BG
waste water without

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adequate treatment has resulted in changes in the hydrological systems. Problems of water quality
and quantity have been created, including significant environmental damage, with resulting
impairment of public health and quality of life.
Central and eastern European countries in particular, during the period of centralized planning
system, failed to develop adequate environmental protection policies and subsequent measures to
fully respond to water pollution and degradation of river ecosystems. The economic situation of
the countries in transition, most of which are accession countries to the European Union, does not
allow them to fully respond to the needs for environmental protection and the implementation of
pollution control measures.
Appropriate water management concerns must be better integrated into municipal, industrial and
agricultural policies and legislation to assure sustainable human development and promotion of
economic activities. The Danube/Black Sea Basin Programmatic Approach shall assist countries
in transition to respond to the regional and global environmental concerns with particular
attention to nutrient reduction and the elimination of toxic substances in the water bodies.
I - 3
Political, Demographic and Economic Issues
The present population of the Danube River Basin is about 83 million inhabitants (16 % of the
population in Europe). Nearly 57 % of this population lives in increasingly growing urban areas.
The share of the population connected to public water supply varies from 29% in Moldova to 98
% in Germany, yielding an average of 74%. The share of population branched to public sewer
system varies from 14% in Moldova to 89% in Germany ­ an average of 52%. Based on the
national projection figures, the population of the Danube River Basin can be expected to remain
at its present level by the year 2020.
The analysis of economic disparities shows a clear trend of a west ­ east decline of the GDP from
the upstream countries such as Germany and Austria, with about 23,000 USD per capita and year
(in 2001), to the downstream countries among which Ukraine accounts for less than 1,000 USD
per capita and year.
The middle and downstream
Danube countries in
transition are facing serious
The Danube Countries:
economic and financial
GDP per Capita in USD (2001)

problems in responding to
the objectives of the Danube
,
River Protection Convention
GDP per Capita in USD
and implementing measures
,
for pollution reduction and
for environmental protection
,
as required for the accession
to the European Union. This
,
analysis also shows the need
GDP per capita (USD)
to assist the countries in
,
transition and makes evident
the responsibilities of the
D
A
H
CZ
SK
HR
BiH
YU*
BG
RO
UA
MD
international community to
SLO
* estimation
respond to the regional and
global concerns of environmental protection.

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In general terms, the 13 DRB countries can be categorized and characterized as follows:
(i)
Germany and Austria
These two countries are members of the European Union and are located at the upper part of the
DRB. Compared to all other DRB countries, Germany and Austria have significantly higher
economic development levels, represented by a per capita income of about 23 000 USD per
annum. In terms of pollution reduction (COD, BOD, N and P) they have achieved high standards
of emission reduction and water pollution control. From 1990 to 1999 both countries have
invested important amounts for the installation of third stages and for the upgrading of municipal
wastewater treatment plants.
In 1997 and 1998 (2 years) Germany invested more then 2.4 billion USD for pollution reduction
measures to respond to EU Water Directives and in particular the Nitrate Directive. Current
investment in the water sector in the German part of the Danube River Basin is at the level of
about 1.5 billion USD per year of which 1.2 billion USD is spent for communal wastewater
treatment facilities (including 3rd stage for nutrient removal). From 1993 to 1999 Austria
invested about 780 million USD per year for municipal wastewater treatment including nutrient
removal facilities.
Concerning the ongoing projects indicated in the Nutrient Reduction Plan, further investments of
234 million USD for Germany and 264 million USD for Austria are foreseen for the period from
2000 to 2005.
Austria and Germany together hold around 17% of territory and 21 % of the population of the
Danube watershed. In terms of water flow of the Danube to the Black Sea Austria alone
contributes more than 20%. Based on the DWQM, Germany and Austria contribute to nutrient
loads reaching the Black Sea by 26.2% of Nitrogen and 15.3% of Phosphorus. Apart from the
wastewater purification programme, Austria is implementing a large program for
environmentally friendly agriculture named ÖPUL. Essentially it is aiming at extensive
agricultural practices and reduction of nutrients load. Since 1995 this program is running
comprising around 90% of Austria's agricultural area and backed yearly by financial means in
the order of 650 million . In spite of these efforts in the agricultural sector neither country has
yet met the European emission standards (EU Nitrate Directive). However, one must bear in
mind that changes in agricultural practices and land management will ­ due to delay in runoff -
take five or more years before producing obvious effects in terms of nutrient reduction.

(ii)
Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia and Croatia
These countries are located in the central part of the DRB. They have to a great extent overcome
the former central state planning systems and have reached medium economic development
levels reflected in their annual GDP of between USD 4,000 and USD 9,000 per capita. The
economic transition process has caused significant reduction of industrial and agricultural
production, thus temporarily reducing production-related pollution loads. This has created an
opportunity to establish and integrate environmental objectives into industrial and agricultural
policies and legislation in line with EU guidelines. All of these countries, with the exception of
Croatia, are in the process of accession to the EU and are scheduled to officially join in 2004.
Croatia is interested in joining the EU as soon as possible and hopes to join the second tier group
(including Bulgaria and Romania) which is currently looking towards 2007 for EU entry. The
accession countries are receiving special financial and technical support from the European
Commission (ISPA, Phare and Sapard funds) to help them develop needed infrastructure and
meet environmental standards. The present Regional Project (in its two Phases) is assisting these

5

---

countries to develop adequate policies and legislation for emission control in line with EU
standards and regulations and with particular attention to nutrient reduction.

(iii)
Serbia and Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina
These two countries, also located in the central Danube River Basin, are still in a challenging
phase, working to re-organize their political, legal, administrative and socio-economic structures
in order to comply with the requirements of the commencing process of economic liberalization
and privatization as well as of international normalization. With annual per-capita GDP of USD
1,100 (BiH) and USD 1,500 (Serbia & Montenegro), both countries are presently well below
their pre-war levels.

(iv)
Romania and Bulgaria
Romania and Bulgaria are both located in the lower Danube River Basin and they are also both
Black Sea countries. They are in this sense, both polluters and victims of pollution to the Black
Sea. Both countries are still in a challenging period of political, social and economic transition.
Romania and Bulgaria are both in the process of EU Accession and have clear priorities in
meeting the requirements for potential entry in 2007.

(v)
Moldova and Ukraine
These two countries are also located in the lower Danube River Basin. Ukraine is a Black Sea
country that both contributes to Black Sea pollution as well as suffers from the degradation of
Black Sea ecosystems. These countries are both polluters and victims of pollution to the Black
Sea. Moldova and the Ukraine face important economic problems and are both in phases of
political and social transition. Whereas environmental concerns are of high importance, the
financial means for investments are very limited. Particularly critical is also the fact, that their
legal and administrative framework is still to a certain extent determined by the former central
planning structures and therefore are not yet in compliance with the requirements of the process
of economic liberalization and privatization.
It is obvious from this broad description of the DRB countries that there is a clear distinction in
terms of political, administrative and economic capability from the wealthy countries in the upper
DRB, the mid-income countries in the central DRB, down to the poorer countries in the lower
part of the DRB.

I - 4
Accidental Pollution in the Danube and the Tisza Sub-River Basin
Since the DRPC entered into force, first concerns about contamination of ground and surface
waters were raised during the NATO intervention against Yugoslavia from March to June 1999.
The bombing and destruction of petrochemical plants and refineries led to contamination of
channels and tributaries emptying into the Danube River. Sampling and analysis have shown high
levels of contamination with heavy metals, in particular mercury, oil and petroleum products,
volatile organic substances, PCBs, PAHs, etc. However, one must bear in mind that the
accumulation of toxic substances is not the effect of the recent bombing of industrial installations
only but also the result of years of inefficient treatment and careless handling of wastes from
industrial and mining activities.
In the beginning of the year 2000 two accidents occurred with disastrous environmental effects in
the upper Tisza Sub-River Basin where mining activities are carried out. Waste water containing

6

---

cyanide and heavy metals was accidentally discharged into receiving waters. Ecosystems where
affected and large fish kills of several hundred tons were reported. Drinking water supply for
urban centers at the riverbanks and fishing activities had to be suspended. Important economic
losses were reported in tourism and fisheries. The effects of the cyanide wave were reported over
a stretch of 900 to 1000 km from the Tisza River to the Danube and dangerous cyanide
concentrations were still measured even downstream of the Iron Gate dam.
In January 2001 a new pollution accident was reported from the upper Siret Sub-River Basin
where waste water containing cyanide was leaking from a chemical factory. This accident caused
tons of killed fish and transboundary pollution and dozens of people, in particular children, were
hospitalized after eating contaminated fish.
There are actually serious concerns over the possible accumulation of toxic substances in the
sediments and biota of the Iron Gate reservoirs. Preventive management programs have to be
developed and implemented in order to gradually clean up the sediments and assure the
rehabilitation of ecosystems in the central and lower part of the Danube River basin.

I - 5
Institutional and Legal Mechanisms and Investment Programs for Nutrient
Reduction in the Danube Countries
In the frame of the project preparation (PDF-Block B activities), specific subjects concerning the
institutional, legal and policy frame as well as national investment programs for nutrient
reduction have been studied and analyzed.

(i)
Inter ­ministerial coordination mechanisms
In the frame of the PDF-Block B activities, inter-ministerial mechanisms at the national level and
concepts of cooperation for pollution reduction, in particular nutrient reduction, have been
analyzed. The diversity of views and proposals for the implementation of EU Directives in the
frame of the accession process create an encouraging environment for the countries to create new
inter-ministerial mechanisms or to improve the existing structures with nutrient reduction and
control responsibilities and the major demand, in particular created by the EU WFD. Based on
the finding of the national contributions, the Danube countries can be classified in three groups.
The first group is made up of EU member countries, Germany and Austria, in which the existing
national inter-ministerial structures allow an effective performance of nutrient reduction and
control tasks. In Germany, the inter-ministerial cooperation takes place on both federal and state
levels, covering legislative procedures, implementation of EU-directives, and development of
minimum requirements for point sources for municipalities as well as for industrial branches. In
Austria, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management provides the
necessary structure to adequately implement nutrient control and reduction measures.
The second group, made up of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria includes
countries where specific mechanisms or inter-ministerial structures for nutrient reduction do not
yet exist. However, there are several relevant national inter-ministerial bodies with
responsibilities for water pollution abatement and environmental protection. Most of these
structures also deal with diffuse sources of pollution, the implementation of pollution reduction
measures or approval of new investments in the water sector.
Finally, in the remaining Danube countries, the inter-ministerial coordination of nutrient
reduction and control issues do not yet represent a high priority for the policy makers.

7

---

The Danube countries believe that cooperation between governments, local communities and
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in relation to nutrient reduction is very important.
Nutrient reduction issues are included directly or indirectly in the mandate and the
responsibilities of the local authorities, farm enterprises, industrial plants and environmental
NGOs. In the frame of river basin organizations the majority of the countries set good examples
of cooperation between the government, inter-ministerial bodies, local communities and NGOs.
The activities of the PDF-Block B investigation raised awareness and provided important
legitimacy to the concept of inter-ministerial mechanisms for nutrient reduction and helped move
it into the mainstream of policy debate for its implementation.
The DRP in Phase 1 is evaluating existing national inter-ministerial coordinating mechanisms,
proposing adequate structures and assisting governments in improving these mechanisms to
assure effective co-ordination with activities related to EU WFD and other projects development.
The forthcoming Phase 2 of the Danube Regional Project will build up on the achievements of
Phase 1 and will reinforce national initiatives and contribute towards the setting up of adequate
nutrient reduction mechanisms at the national and regional levels.

(ii)
Policies and legislation relating to nutrient control and reduction
After a critical period of transition, all DRB countries have in the meantime developed a
comprehensive hierarchic system of short, medium and long-term environmental policy
objectives, strategies and principles which usually reflect the key country-specific environmental
problems and the sector priorities on national and regional levels.
Despite the diversity of problems, interests and priorities across the DRB, the Danube countries
share certain values and principles relating to the environment, conservation of natural resources
and nutrient control and reduction. The most essential and commonly accepted principles are:
· the precautionary principle;
· best available technology (BAT)
· best environmental practice (BEP);
· control of pollution at the source;
· the "polluter pays" principle and the related "user pays" principle;
· the principle of integrated approach (e.g. River Basin Management approach)
particularly as outlined in the EU Water Framework Directive;
· the principle of shared responsibilities, respectively the principle of subsidiarity;
· the implementation of EU Directive 76/464/EEC on pollution caused by certain
dangerous substances.
None of the DRB countries currently has an explicitly formulated nutrient reduction program.
Measures and activities with relevance to nutrient reduction are usually sub-components of or are
substantially incorporated in other programs.
While Germany and Austria have legislation in compliance with "highest environmental
standards" on nutrients (e.g. EU Nitrate Directive), they have not yet fully implemented /
enforced these legislation. The adequacy of the legal framework for sound environmental
management of water resources of the other countries has to be viewed against the political,
economic, administrative and social changes that have taken place in the particular DRB
countries during the previous years of transition.
Thus, the relevant legislation is in most DRB countries currently undergoing substantial reform
and modernization. Given the complexity of the task, the reform can be expected to take several

8

---

years before the relevant legislation has reached an acceptable level of compliance with
international requirements.
Except for the two EC member states, Germany and Austria, all other DRB countries consider
the harmonization of national environment and water-related legislation with EU legislation as
the most essential prerequisite for long-term sustainable nutrient control and reduction in their
countries. In EU accession countries, this harmonization is incorporated in an ongoing programs
and considered as a short-term, respectively medium term task. However, for the final
implementation of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, an adjustment period of
approximately 10 to 15 years is considered to be necessary.
In other countries - Moldova, Ukraine and the war-impacted countries Croatia, Bosnia-
Herzegovina and Serbia and Montenegro - the status of the water sector legislation is still
unsatisfactory.
From the point of view of nutrients, the most essential issue is the substantial transposition of:
· the new Directive 2000/60/EC of 22 December 2000 i.e. the Water Framework Directive
(EU WFD) concerning water policy which aims at a good status for all surface and
groundwater within (often transboundary) river basin districts (RBD). By December 2009,
river basin management plans must be prepared for each RBD; already by December 2012,
all polluting discharges must be controlled under a combined approach of best available
techniques and emission limit values, as well as by best environmental practice for diffuse
pollution;
· the Council Directive 91/271/EEC of May 1991 concerning urban waste-water treatment;
· the Council Directive 91/676/EEC of 12 December 1991 concerning the protection of
waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources.

Regarding the particular issue of control, respectively the out-phasing of phosphate-containing
detergents, the current situation in the particular DRB countries indicates that there is a
substantial potential for phosphorus reduction in most DRB countries, therefore consultations
with industry and other stakeholders begun in Phase should be followed up on in Phase 2 with the
goal of phasing out the use of phosphates in detergents.

(iii)
Nutrient reduction programs 2000 ­ 2005 and related investments
Within the frame of further development of Five Year Nutrient Reduction Action Plan, both
structural/investment and legal/policy reforms projects that address nutrient reduction are being
introduced.

(a)
Point Source Projects and anticipated nutrient reduction
Within the elaboration of the PDF-B project all 13 DRB countries have provided draft national
lists of priority projects that are supposed to be ready for implementation in the coming 5-year
period and can be considered as a reasonable basis for the elaboration of comprehensive Nutrient
Reduction Action Plans as part of the ICPDR Joint Action Program.
According to the available data, the total investment required for the 245 priority point source
projects for all 13 DRB countries amounts to about 4,404 million.

9

---

The structure of the identified investment requirements by sector is as follows:

Municipal
Industrial
Agricultural
Wetlands
Total
No of Projects
157
44
21
23
245
Million
3,702
267
113
323
4,404
(%)-Structure
84%
6%
3%
7%
100

The structure of the identified investment requirements by countries is as follows:

GER A
CZ SK HUN SLO CRO B&H SM BUL RO MOL UA TOT
No of 11
4
12
20
24
24
11
12
40
21
25
31
10 245
Proj.
Mill.
231 264 147 118 687 384 433 176 785 125 493 493 67 4,404
(%)
5
6
3
3
16
9
10
4
18
3
11
11
1
100
The anticipated composition of the funding of the identified priority projects across the DRB
countries is as follows:
Funding component
Million
(%) ­ Structure
National funding contribution
1,716
39 (%)
International loans:
1,163
26 (%)
International grants:
663
15 (%)
Not secured funding components:
862
20 (%)
Total:
4,404
100 (%)

According to the available data provided by the national reports, total pollution reduction as a
result of the implementation of the proposed priority point source projects including waste water
from urban areas, which are not connected to WWTP, is anticipated to be in the following ranges:

Municipal
Industrial
Agricultural
Wetlands
Total
No of Projects
157
44
21
23
245
N (t/y)
33 300
3 400
6 700
15 100
58 500
P (t/y)
5 500
3 700
1 100
1 800
12 100
BOD (t/y)
221 000
39 700
9 500
5 900
276 100
COD (t/y)
398 900
78 700
15 000
32 400
525 000

(b)
Nutrient reduction from agricultural non point sources of pollution
Based on the available data, the assessment of the anticipated nutrients reduction from
agricultural non point sources of pollution shows values ranging between 10 and 25 % for
nitrogen and between 3 and 25 % for phosphorus.
To ensure significant nutrient loads reduction from diffuse sources of pollution, the Danube
countries have identified measures that primarily address:
(i)
policy and legislation-related actions: the improvement of national policies and
legislation regarding the utilization of fertilizers and livestock waste and
approximation of national legislation to relevant EU legislation and standards;

10

---

(ii)
institutional strengthening and capacity building: the elaboration and enforcement of
guidance on the application of the agro-environmental schemes and best
environmental practice;
(iii)
raising public awareness and strengthening public participation in nutrient reduction
initiatives: the development of pilot projects for the implementation of alternative
methods.

The estimates of the nitrogen and phosphorus reduction for point sources and non point
sources as presented in the national contributions are summarized below:
Country
Nutrient loads
Anticipated national emission
Expected
(DWQM 1994/98)
reductions
national load
Point Sources
Non Point
reduction
Sources*

N (t/y)
P (t/y) N (%) P (%) N (%)
P (%)
N (t/y) P (t/y)
Germany
68,000
3,700
6.0
2.0
10.0
3.0 10,891
185
Austria
77,000
3,800
5.1
10.6
10.0
3.0 11,650
518
Czech Republic
15,000
1,100
7.3
5.6
10.0
3.0
2,591
95
Slovakia
30,000
1,700
8.6
8.6
15.0
10.0
7,074
318
Hungary
31,000
3,800
21.6
40.1
15.0
10.0 11,358 1,902
Slovenia
20,000
1,300
26.2
62.6
15.0
10.0
8,233
944
Croatia
23,000
2,200
6.6
10.9
15.0
10.0
4,959
459
Bosnia-
36,000
2,200
13.1
38.8
10.0
10.0
8,300 1,073
Herzegovina
Serbia &
72,000
7,000
9.4
69.5
10.0
10.0 13,993 5,563
Montenegro
Bulgaria
23,000
4,000
11.7
15.0
10.0
10.0
4,983
999
Romania
121,000 12,700
9.8
12.5
10.0
10.0 23,960 2,861
Moldova
8,000
1,400
86.3
64.6
5.0
5.0
7,298
975
Ukraine
28,000
4,000
1.7
1.6
10.0
5.0
3,286
265
Total
552,000 48,900
10.3
23.8
10.9
8.2 118,576 16,156
* Percentage for expected reduction of nutrient emissions from non-point sources has been
estimated, taking into account emission reduction to be expected following the
implementation and compliance with new policies and legislation in line with EU
Directives.
The results in the table indicate that with the implementation of structural (projects) and non-
structural measures (policies and legislation), the total annual nutrient reduction will be about
119,000 tons for nitrogen (22%) and 16,000 tons for phosphorus (33%). It can be further assumed
that about half of the nitrogen reduction will come from the rehabilitation of point sources (waste
water treatment) and the other part from nutrient reduction from diffuse sources, in particular
from change of agricultural practices. The GEF Regional Project (Phase 2) will continue to
provide the necessary support to the ICPDR and the participating countries to realize these goals

11

---

and to contribute essentially to achieving the goal of holding the Nitrogen and Phosphorus loads
to the Black Sea at the 1997 level respectively further reducing them to meet the objectives of the
Memorandum of Understanding between the ICPDR and ICPBS.

(c)
Priority Municipal Projects
In 2001 the DABLAS Task Force was formed to implement the declaration on "Protection of
Water and Water related ecosystems in the wider Black Sea Region" and to provide a platform
for co-operation and to facilitate financial arrangements for the implementation of projects for
pollution reduction and rehabilitation of ecosystems in the wider Black Sea region.
In the Danube region, the selection of priority projects at a regional scale was carried out by the
ICPDR. The revision of lists of national projects of the Joint Action Programme and selection of
municipal priority projects has shown that among the 158 projects, 45 are fully funded with a
total of 622 mil. EUR. The investment need for the remaining 113 projects is 2,567 mil. EUR, of
which 2,121 mil. EUR are not yet secured.
The projects differ in size from >1,000,000 population equivalent (Belgrade, Bucharest,
Budapest, Sarajevo, Zagreb) to ca. 10,000 PE. Project preparedness is also highly variable,
ranging from projects that are missing <10% of the total investment demand, to projects that have
outdated or non-existent plans and no funding secured.

Summary of Municipal Priority Projects
Country
Projects
Funding (mil. EUR)
PE of
Pollution Reduction (tons/a)
WWTP'
Fully Total
Not
Secured
s
Total

Total Finance 158
Secured
158
BOD
COD Total N
d
pr. 113 pr. 113 pr.
P
proj.
Bosnia & Her-
145.
1,680,00
15,19
26,55
zeg.
6
0
2
0.6
144.6
0
0
9
3,727
593
203.
1,998,19
18,68
27,82
Bulgaria
26
0
2
0
203.2
3
1
2
1,936
396
217.
2,576,80
15,30
Croatia
15
0
0
0
217.0
0
7,198
2
4,820
983
Czech
178.
1,431,52
Republic
18
14
9
0
22.8
0
170
106
872
56
879.
4,964,76
34,79
66,19
1,44
Hungary
17
9
7
105.5
631.8
5
2
8
6,001
7
Moldova
12
0
32.4
0.9
31.3
778,000
604
438
543
11
674.
5,708,00
14,41
Romania
18
0
5
168.8
505.7
0
9,495
8
3.412
744
Serbia &
350.
3,080,00
71,57
54,22
1,74
Montenegro
7
0
1
89.7
260.4
0
4
3
7,050
9

12

---

Slovak
164.
1,688,78
Republic
15
7
3
80.2
42.5
0
4,832 7,096
1,748
132
300.
1,022,10
25,75
43,26
Slovenia
16
15
8
0
18.1
0
5
1
4,383
723
1,278,40
Ukraine
8
0
43.5
0.4
43.1
0
1,218 1,968
914
216
3,18
26,206,5
189,5
257,3
7,05
Totals
158
45
9
446
2,121
58
09
97
35,406
0


I - 6
Mechanisms for Regional Cooperation for the Protection of Water and Ecological
Resources in the Danube River Basin
(i)
The Danube River Protection Convention
The Danube River Protection Convention is a legally binding instrument, which provides a
substantial framework and a legal basis for cooperation between the contracting parties, including
enforcement. The main objective is the protection and sustainable use of ground and surface
waters and ecological resources, directed at basin-wide and sub-basin-wide cooperation with
transboundary relevance. Joint activities and actions are focused on coordination and
enhancement of policies and strategies, while the implementation of measures lies mainly with
the executive tools at the national level. The Strategic Action Plan provides guidance concerning
policies and strategies in developing and supporting the implementation measures for pollution
reduction and sustainable management of water resources enhancing the enforcement of the
Danube River Protection Convention.
Twelve of the 13 DRB countries eligible to join the Danube River Protection Convention
(DRPC), which came into force in October 1998, have already ratified it, together with the
European Commission.

13

---

(ii)
The International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR)
Recognizing individually and responding in common to the obligations of the DRPC, the Danube
countries have established the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River
to strengthen regional
cooperation. It is the
Organisation Structure under the Danube River Protection Convention
institutional frame not only
for pollution control and the
CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES
protection of water bodies
International Commission
for the Protection
but it also sets a common
of the Danube River
Permanent Secretariat (PS)
(ICPDR)
­ Supporting the ICPDR sessions
­ Supporting the Expert Groups (and PMTF)
platform for sustainable use
­ Implementation of Danube River Protection
­ Co-ordinating the work programme
Convention (DRPC)
­ Supporting project development and implementation
of ecological resources and
­ Decision making, management and coordi -
­ Maintenance of the Information System
nation of regional cooperation
­ Approval of the budget and annual work
coherent and integrated river
programme
UNDP/GEF
­ Follow up of activities and evaluation of re -
ad -hoc
sultsfrom Expert Groups
Strategic Expert Group
Danube Regional Project
basin management. The
( S / EG )
­ Joint Action Programme
­ Creation of sustainable ecological conditions for land use and w ater
­ Strategic issues
management
­ Legal issues
Commission has created
­ Capacity building and reinforcement of trans-boundary cooperation
­ Administrative and financial
issues
­ Strengthening public involvement in environmental decision making
­ Reinforcement of monitoring, evaluation and Information System
several Expert Groups to
strengthen the proactive
River Basin Mgmt
Ecology
Emissions
Monitoring, Laboratory
Accident Prevention &
Flood Protection
( ECO / EG )
( EMIS / EG )
Control ( APC / EG )
( FLOOD / EG )
participation of all
( RBM / EG )
& Information Mgmt
( MLIM / EG )
­ Integrated river basin
­ Habitats and species
­ Emissions from point
­ Trans-National Monitoring
­ Accidenta l pollution
­ Preparation and
management
protection areas
sources
Network (TNMN)
incidents
Implementation of the
Contracting Parties and
­ Implementation of EUWa -
­ Management of wetlands
­ Emissions from diffuse
­ Laboratory Quality Assu -
­ AEWS operations
Action plan for sustainable
t e rFramework Directive
and floodplains
sources
rance
­ Accident prevention
Flood protection
­ Guidelines on BAT
associated countries in the
I H P W a t e r B a l a n c e W G
design and implementation
WG on Sava
GIS ESG
Econ ESG
Danube/ Black
EMIS MLIM
WG
RBM Plan
Sea JTWG
JTWG
­ Preparation
Inventories
of the Water Balance
of joint measures for
pollution reduction,
including nutrients, and water management.

I - 7
Cooperation between the ICPDR and the International Commission for the
Protection of the Black Sea (ICPBS)
(i)
Findings of the Joint Ad-hoc Technical Working Group of the ICPDR and the
ICPBS
In 1998, the ICPDR and the ICPBS established a joint Working Group, which analyzed the
causes and the effects of eutrophication in the Black Sea. In its findings, the Working Group
indicated that the loads entering the Black Sea from the Danube had fallen in recent years due to
the collapse of the economy of many transition countries formerly attached to the Soviet Block,
the measures undertaken to reduce nutrient discharges in the upper Danube countries, in
particular Germany and Austria, and a decline in the use of phosphate in detergent.
The Working Group concluded that in spite of the evidence of recovery in the Black Sea
ecosystems, there were still concerns that the nutrient discharges to the Black Sea ­ in line with
the expected economic growth ­ were likely to rise again unless action was taken to implement
nutrient discharge control measures as part of economic development strategies.
The Working Group went on to define the possible objectives and strategies, which are presently
included in the Memorandum of Understanding between the ICPDR and the ICPBS, as follows:
the long-term goal is defined as a recovery of the Black Sea ecosystems to conditions
similar to those in 1960;

14

---

as a mid-term goal, measures should be taken to prevent discharges of nutrients and
hazardous substances from exceeding the levels of 1997;
inputs of nutrients and hazardous substances should be assessed, monitoring and
sampling procedures should be determined, and the results should be reported.

Based on these results in order to facilitate and support the implementation of the Memorandum
of Understanding within the Phase 1 of DRP the Joint Danube/Black Sea Technical Working
Group has been revitalized. Both Commissions approved a new TOR and Work Program for the
Group, focused on the development of ecological status indicators for the Black Sea, on the
development of a regional monitoring program for the Black Sea and on updating of the
assessment on point and non-point sources of pollution and the ecological status of the Black Sea,
including eutrophication (cause-effect analysis).

(ii)
Analysis of Point Sources and Non-Point Sources of Pollution with Particular
Attention to Nutrient Transport to the Black Sea
In the frame of the Pollution Reduction Program, over 500 hot spots were identified for the
municipal, industrial and agricultural sectors. The geographical distribution of hot spots in the
Danube River Basin indicates a clear concentration of municipal and agricultural hot spots in the
upper Drava and Sava Sub-river Basins, in the Lower Tisza and around Belgrade and in the
central part of Bosnia-Herzegovina. In the Carpathian Mountains of the upper Tisza and Prut
Sub-river Basins, important mining and industrial hot spots have been identified, from which
recent accidents - the cyanide spill of Baia Mare and the sludge containing heavy metals from
Baia Borsa - have been reported. (Annex 7 ­ Maps: Distribution of Hot Spots in the Danube Sub-
River Basins).
Applying the Danube Water Quality Model (DWQM), the total nutrient transport from point and
non-point sources, to the
Black Sea was analyzed,
Annual Nitrogen Load in the Danube (in kt/y), by countries
indicating a total of 552
of origin, with a high estimate for the in stream
kilotons of nitrogen and
denitrification (= removal rate)
48.9 kilotons of
nitrogen ( kt/ a )
6 00
phosphorus reaching
28 (5.1%)
8 (1.5%)
G E RMANY
A UST RIA
CZ ECH_RE
SLOV A KI A
annually the Black Sea.
5 00
HU NGARY
S LOV ENIA
CROA TIA
SE RB I A_ M
121 (22%)
Studies undertaken in the
B O SN IA_H
B ULGARI A
RO MA NI A
MOLDOV A
4 00
UK RA I NE
frame of the Danube
23 (4.1%)
36 (6.5%)
Environmental Program
3 00
72 (13.1%)
suggest that about half of
23 (4.1%)
the nutrient discharged
20 (3.5%)
31 (5.6%)
2 00
internally in the basin
30 (5.4%)
15 (2.8%)
come from agriculture
77 (13.9%)
1 00
(diffuse sources of
68 (12.3%)
pollution), slightly more
0 e
n
r
a
s
r
r
e
r
M
v
a
a
r
e
r
c
n I
e
S
a
i
s
v
e
e
e
o
w
r d
r
d
/
r
a
r
d
a
t
r
d
r d
o
u
R
D
T
S
G
u tfl
s
b
o
b
o
C
b
o
b
o
b
o
n
o
o
o
G
O
than one quarter from
-
A
H
O
D
-
t
K
H
-
R
I
r
- B
-
R
-
S
M
M
G
total
552 (100%)
S
S
B
a /Av
r
a
domestic sources, an
o
M
additional larger share
comes from industry and the remainder from "background" sources.

15

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II
Project Objectives
The long-term development objective of the Danube Regional Project is to contribute to
sustainable human development in the DRB 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.
In this context, the GEF Regional Project should support the ICPDR, its structures and the
participating countries in order to ensure an integrated and coherent implementation of the
Strategic Action Plan 1994 (SAP 1994), the Common Platform and the forthcoming JAP and the
related investment programs in line with the objectives of the DRPC.
The overall objective of the Danube Regional Project is to complement the activities of the
ICPDR required to provide a regional approach and global significance 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 DRB and the Black Sea area.
The specific objective of Phase 2 of the Project, December 2003 ­November 2006, is to set up
institutional and legal instruments at the national and regional level to assure nutrient
reduction and sustainable management of water bodies and ecological resources, involving all
stakeholders and building up adequate monitoring and information systems. To reach these
goals and to secure the implementation and consolidation of those basin-wide capacity-
building activities, the Project has to build up on the results achieved during the 1st Phase of
the Project (December 2001 ­ November 2003). During Phase 2, altogether 20 project
components with 79 activities will be carried out.
Taking into account the basic orientations of the Danube/Black Sea Basin Programmatic
Approach, the Danube Regional Project shall reinforce the implementation of the Danube River
Protection Convention in providing a framework for coordination, dissemination and replication
of successful demonstration that will be developed through investment projects (World Bank-
GEF Strategic Partnership, EBRD, EU programmes for accession countries etc.).
The following immediate objectives are designed to respond to the overall development
objective:
1)
OBJECTIVE : Creation of sustainable ecological conditions for land use and water
management
Output : Nutrient reduction policies and legal instruments and measures for exacting compliance
are developed and implemented in all Danube River Basin countries with particular attention to
the EU Water Framework Directive, integrated river basin management, best agricultural and
industrial practices, appropriate land use and wetland management and economic instruments.
Approach : Supporting the ICPDR and the DRB countries in introducing and applying
appropriate policies, institutional and legal instruments in line with relevant EU directives to
improve water management and water quality control with particular attention to toxic substances
and nutrient reduction (e.g. agricultural, industrial, and municipal policy and legislative reforms,
wetlands management) and in developing mechanisms for exacting compliance with policies and
legislation.

16

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Assuring policy coherence to the guidelines of the Global Program of Action on Control of Land
Based Sources of Pollution, with particular emphasis on the strategic goals regarding mitigation
of transboundary effects and rehabilitation of the Black Sea.
2)
OBJECTIVE : Capacity building and reinforcement of transboundary cooperation
for the improvement of water quality and environmental standards in the DRB
Output : Institutional and organizational mechanisms for transboundary cooperation in pollution
control and nutrient reduction are developed and mechanism for improved water quality
monitoring, emission control, emergency warning and accidental prevention and information
management are fully operational at the regional and national level.
Approach : Supporting the ICPDR and its Expert Groups to improve their institutional,
administrative and technical capacities to assure basin wide harmonization of water quality
regulatory standards including specific provisions for nutrient reduction; to further develop
specific regional information system and mechanisms for transboundary pollution monitoring and
evaluation considering EU regulations (WFD) and GEF IW M&E indicators (process, stress
reduction, environmental status). In this context, the Joint Danube/Black Sea Working Group will
be revitalized to assure follow-up of the implementation the Memorandum of Understanding
elaborated by the two Commissions. At the national level, Inter-ministerial Committees,
involving all technical, administrative and financial departments shall assure adequate
coordination and implementation of policies, legislation and projects for nutrient reduction and
pollution control. Organizing workshops and training courses on institutional, administrative,
technological and economic issues for individuals and participants from ministries, public
authorities and private institutions with responsibilities related to the use, control and impacts of
nutrients in the DRB, respectively their effects on the Black Sea.
A mid-term stocktaking meeting shall be organized to ensure coordination of the Danube
Regional Project with the Black Sea Regional Project and the World Bank Investment Fund.
3)
OBJECTIVE : Strengthening of public involvement in environmental decision
making and reinforcement of community actions for pollution reduction and
protection of ecosystems
Output : Community based projects for nutrient reduction (Small Grants Program) are
implemented in all DRB countries and public concern and response to ecological issues has
increased due to the organization of awareness raising campaigns and the regular publishing of
basin-wide and national information material; the DEF Secretariat is efficiently operating using
its own resources and supports national NGOs in the Danube River Basin.
Approach : Continuing support to NGOs in professional, institutional, administrative and
funding issues to boost their capacities and to develop at the end of the Project sustainable
mechanisms for active participation in transboundary pollution control with particular attention to
nutrients and certain toxic substances. In this context, NGO activities will be reinforced through
the implementation of a Small Grants Program ("applied" awareness raising) providing financial
support for community based nutrient reduction projects identified during Phase 1. Concepts for
awareness raising campaigns and information of the public prepared also in Phase 1 of the Project
shall now be implemented and cooperation with mass media shall be reinforced.
4)
OBJECTIVE : Reinforcement of monitoring, evaluation and information systems to
control transboundary pollution, and to reduce nutrients and harmful substances
Output : A Danube Basin wide system for monitoring and evaluation of environmental impacts
is operational, using indicators for process, stress reduction and environmental status in line with

17

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EU and international reporting requirements, allowing at the same time follow-up and evaluation
of project implementation results; special observations on nutrient removal from wetlands and
accumulation of heavy metals and other pollutants in sediments are available and economic
instruments (pollution trading) are analyzed.
Approach : Supporting the development and upgrading of monitoring and information systems,
which are of significant importance for transboundary cooperation in water quality and water
management and of common interest for the Danube and the Black Sea countries. Particular
attention will be given to the development and use of indicators (process, stress reduction and
environmental status indicators) and monitoring of project implementation activities. For this
purpose special methodologies will be developed for assessment of sediments (heavy metals,
toxic substances) and nutrient removal capacities of wetlands. Also economic mechanisms
analyzed in Phase 1 of the Project will be disseminated.
III
Project description
The compilation of immediate objectives indicates the broad spectrum of 20 project components
and 79 activities to be dealt with in the framework of the proposed Phase 2 of the Danube
Regional Project in order to fulfill its role as an integral part of the proposed Danube/Black Sea
Basin Strategic Partnership.
In line with the immediate objectives, the particular 20 project components of the proposed Phase
2 of the Danube Regional Project are grouped as follows:
1. Creation of sustainable ecological conditions for land use and water management;
2. Capacity building and reinforcement of transboundary cooperation for the
improvement of water quality and environmental standards in the Danube River
Basin;
3. Strengthening of public involvement in environmental decision making awareness
and reinforcement of community actions for pollution reduction and protection of
ecosystems;
4. Reinforcement of monitoring, evaluation and information systems to control
transboundary pollution, and to reduce nutrients and harmful substances.

1.
Creation of sustainable ecological conditions for land use and water management
In most central and downstream DRB countries, the development of water-related policies and
legal instruments are still in the phase of preparation and it is obvious that there are significant
deficiencies in the existing policy framework. Most of these countries are in the EU accession
process and have to adjust their legal frame to meet the EU directives and regulations and assure
compliance. For issues that are of common interest for the DRB countries and of special
importance for water quality and water resource management, particularly related to nutrients,
eight project components have been identified to be carried out in the frame of the present
Regional Project.
1.1 Development and implementation of policy guidelines for river basin and water
resources management
Considering the DRPC´s mandate to assure sustainable water management in the DRB and taking
into account the central role of the river basin management in implementing the new EU Water
Framework Directive, there is a substantial need to facilitate the development of river basin
management plans in the Danube River Basin and in its sub-basin areas. These river basin
management plans will have to deal with nutrient reduction from point- and non-point sources.

18

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This project output will assist the DRB countries in the development of common tools and in
implementation of common approaches, methodologies and guidelines for sub-basin management
plans. The project will assist in the implementation of EU Water Framework Directive in DRB in
order to implement a basin wide concept of River Basin management.
To assure efficient implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive and a coherent
approach to River Basin Management, the ICPDR has set up a specialized Expert Group to
develop guidelines for the elaboration of the River Basin Management Plans, their
implementation and the development of institutional and legal mechanisms.
During the Phase 1 of the Danube Project concepts and analytical material are being prepared,
which later during Phase 2 of the Project will be implemented in form of national contributions,
pilot projects and workshops on river basin management and implementation of the EU WFD.
The activities of the EG shall be supported by international expertise in order to develop
standardized methodologies and guidelines for sub-river basin management plans and a
methodology for the aggregation of the sub-river basin management plans to a basin wide
management concept. This should take into consideration EU-WFD and GEF IW strategies to
develop guidelines for particular sub-river basins to reinforce transboundary cooperation.
The main activities to be supported and carried out in Phase 2 in cooperation with the RBM
Expert Group can be summarized as follows:
· Implementing common approaches and methodologies for pressure and impact analysis
(at the national level) (follow-up from Phase 1);
· Applying the EU Guidelines for economic analysis and arrive at an comparative analysis
for the Danube River Basin (follow-up from Phase 1);
· Developing RBM tools (mapping, GIS, remote sensing, etc.) and related data
management (follow-up from Phase 1)
· Development of typology of surface waters and the relevant reference conditions and
implementation of ecological classification systems (follow-up from Phase 1);
· Developing RBM Plan in a pilot project (Sava River Basin) and applying in test areas
common approaches, methodologies, standards and guidelines, providing feedback to the
RMB EG and to the European Commission Working Groups for the implementation of
the WFD (follow-up of Phase 1);
· Assisting Danube River Basin countries in developing strategies to come in compliance
with the EU WFD, and in preparing the program of measures;
· Assisting ICPDR in further development of the Danube River Basin Management Plan in
line with the requirements of the EU WFD;
· Organizing workshops and training courses in order to produce the River Basin
Management Plan and to strengthen basin-wide cooperation (follow-up from Phase 1).
1.2 Reduction of nutrients and other harmful substances from agricultural point and non-
point sources through agricultural policy changes
According to the Transboundary Analysis (1999), it is assumed that about half of nutrients
discharged in the Danube Basin to the fine web of the river network come from agricultural non-
point sources of pollution. For the necessary nutrient pollution reduction from agricultural
sources combination of different policy measures is needed.
The Project Output 1.2 focuses on assisting the Danube River Basin (DRB) countries in
designing new agricultural point and non-point source pollution control policies and legislation

19

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towards sustainable land use and agricultural practices ("sustainable agriculture") as well as
compliance and enforcement plans in line with the existing and emerging (driven by EU
accession process) national legislation.
In Phase 1 of the Danube Regional Project (DRP), a first analysis is based on a revised "hot spot"
inventory of point and non-point sources of pollution from agriculture, taking into account the
findings and recommendations of the field-based demonstration programs conducted in Central
and Eastern European countries with the support of the EU and GEF.
The project will update the information on the use of agrochemicals and identify specific policy
and legal measures to assist the participating countries in meeting their obligations to reduce
agricultural point and non-point source pollution.
For EU accession countries, specific programs will be developed that will assist them in meeting
their obligations under the EU Water Framework Directive, as well as the requirements of the
Nitrate Directive (91/676/EEC).
In Phase 2 of the Project policy and legal recommendations will be worked out for DRB
governments to reinforce the introduction of "best agricultural practice" and to optimize the use
of agrochemicals.
The main focus of this assistance is to identify for each DRB country the main administrative,
institutional and funding deficiencies and to develop priority reform measures for policies which
are expected to best support the integration of environmental concerns into farm management
("best agricultural practices"), including improvements in the handling of manure and sludge
from livestock operations, minimization of use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, promotion
of improved tillage methods, management of restored wetlands and creation of buffer zones as
well as farmer education and outreach activities.
For this purpose, the following actions should be considered in Phase 2:
· Reviewing the relevant legislation, existing policy programs and actual state of
enforcement in the DRB and formulating recommendations for the application of best
agricultural practices (follow-up from Phase 1);
· Reviewing the inventory on important agrochemicals (nutrients etc.) and formulating
recommendations for their appropriate use to assure reduction of environmental impact
(follow-up from Phase 1);
· Introducing or, where existing, further developing concepts for the application of best
agricultural practices in all DRB countries, by taking into account country-specific
traditional, social and economic issues, and the ECE recommendations (follow-up from
Phase 1);
· Discussing the new concepts for best agricultural practices with and disseminate results to
governments, farming communities and NGOs in the basin.
1.3 Development of pilot projects on reduction of nutrients and other harmful substances
from agricultural point and non-point sources
This pilot project component has to be considered as complementary to the above-described
policy component, it is particularly focusing on adequate handling of manure and on the practical
introduction of organic farming methods. Agricultural point sources (e.g. large pig farms),
including inappropriate handling of manure, are estimated to supply 2.5% and 6.8 %,
respectively, of the nitrogen and phosphorus reaching the Danube River Basin.

20

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Through the Project Output 1.3 the DRP will assist the DRB countries (especially in the lower
Danube basin) with the development of low-input agriculture and with pilot programs for
agricultural pollution reduction, in line with existing and emerging (driven by EU accession
process) national environmental legislation.
It will help to introduce new relationships among national governments, local governments,
agricultural community and general public (different land-users) in order to improve management
practices in agriculture and to reduce nutrient loads.
Specific needs to improve agricultural practices and relevant sites for demonstration activities on
manure handling should be identified in practical concepts for each DRB country. Focus
countries for pilot projects (training and institutional development of best agricultural practice)
should be Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia & Montenegro and Bosnia &
Herzegovina.
Based on the analysis of agricultural "hot spots" and taking into account national concepts
developed in Phase 1, for practically introducing respectively expanding best agricultural
practices in each DRB country, Phase 2 will focus on the implementation of the prioritized pilot
projects in particular in Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia & Montenegro and Bosnia
& Herzegovina but will also strengthen already existing initiatives in other DRB countries. It will
provide demonstration and training to local farmers on best manure handling and best agricultural
practices, as well as stimulate the institutional development of low input farming. In a concluding
regional workshop, the experiences gained at local and national level should be assessed and
conclusions shared.
The following steps should lead to an efficient implementation of this project component in
Phase 2:
· Preparing and implementing for the central and lower DRB countries typical pilot projects
(especially in UA, MD, RO, BG, S-M and B-H) to train and support farmers in the
application of best agricultural practice (followed up from Phase 2);
· Organizing a series of training and demonstration workshops to disseminate the results of
the pilot projects.

1.4 Policy development for wetlands rehabilitation under the aspect of appropriate land
use
In the case of conflicting possibilities for land use, priorities were in the past usually set on
extension and intensification of human settlement and economic activities, with the consequence
that ecologically sensitive areas/wetlands were steadily impacted in their function or completely
disappeared.
The present project component shall address effects of transboundary pollution with particular
attention to nutrients and toxic substances in relation to typical situations of inappropriate land
use resulting from municipal settlement, agricultural activities, deforestation, hydraulic structures
and their impact on ecologically sensitive areas and wetlands. While targeting action at a high
policy level, the output also is directed towards demonstrating pragmatic implementation of
appropriate land use management on the ground in pilot activities. In Phase 1, based on case
studies in the DRB, standardized concepts are being developed for the rehabilitation of sensitive
areas/wetlands, and for an integrated land use. In Phase 2, these concepts and methodological
approaches shall be discussed and required policy, legal and institutional reforms shall be applied

21

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in the case study areas as models for integrated land use in the DRB. Further, the reform models
shall also be proposed to Governments and land development organizations for adaptation of
policies and practical implementation.
The main tasks of the proposed activity in Phase 2 can be summarized as follows:
· Developing alternative concepts and strategies for achieving integrated land use and
management in chosen wetland areas, including required actions and measures (regulatory
and legal issues, economic fines and incentives, compensation payments, etc) (follow-up
from Phase 1);
· Securing governmental commitments to implement the newly proposed concepts for
integrated land use in the selected case study areas;
· Disseminating project results in the Danube river basin.
1.5 Industrial reform and development of policies and legislation for application of BAT
(best available techniques including cleaner technologies) towards reduction of
nutrients (N and P) and dangerous substances
Industrial reform is one of the most urgent and critical issues in most central and lower DRB
countries. Considering that industrial production in transition countries is actually very low, it is
not surprising that industry generates only respectively 5 and 8 % of nitrogen and phosphorus
that enter the Danube River Basin.
Taking into account the expected revitalization of industries, it is necessary to focus on industrial
policies and on 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.
The project should also address the problem of industrial nutrient "hot spots" in relation to
Significant Impact Areas (SIA) as identified in the Transboundary Analysis, to determine
transboundary nutrients and toxics pollution from particular industries and identify possible
solutions (BAT - best available techniques including cleaner technologies, treatment process,
etc.) to reduce the emissions. In this context, the project output will assist the DRB countries in
the development of new industrial nutrient/toxics pollution control policies and legislation in line
with existing and emerging (driven by the EU accession process) national legislation. While
Phase 1 of the Project is focusing on the identification of gaps and opportunities for reforms and
measures, Phase 2 will now develop pilot applications of BAT concepts in selected countries.
The subject of this component is closely related to the work of the EMIS/EG, therefore the
project component should closely cooperate with the UNIDO/GEF-TEST MSP to ensure that
interventions at the policy/legislative and at the technical (demonstration) levels are
complementary.
The following steps should lead in Phase 2 to an efficient implementation of this project
component:
· Identifying industrial hot spots having a significant impact on water resources
(abstraction, thermal pollution) and water quality; define SIA of industrial pollution
(analyze cause-effect relationship) (followed up from Phase 1);
· Comparing and identifying gaps between relevant EU and national legislation and follow
up Government measures for compliance (followed up from Phase 1);
· Developing necessary complementing policy and legal measures for the introduction of
BAT (taking into account regulatory and legal issues, awareness raising, financial fines
and incentives, etc) (followed up from Phase 1);

22

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· Developing appropriate implementation concepts for a step-by-step introduction of BAT
in industrial sectors;
· Organizing workshops with participants from relevant ministries, industrial managers,
banking institutions, introducing information on best available technologies, financial
support, etc. (followed up from Phase 1).
1.6 Policy reform and legislation measures for the development of cost-covering concepts
for water and waste water tariffs, focusing on nutrient reduction and control of
dangerous substances
The funding of water sector-related investments and the cost coverage for the operation of
WWTP in the DRB countries largely depends on economically and socially acceptable water and
waste water tariffs. Policy and legislative measures shall be developed for interested DRB
countries to assure the introduction of economically and socially acceptable tariffs. This project
component shall help to improve the investment possibilities for reduction of nutrients and toxic
substances.
Water and wastewater service tariffs have the potential to improve both water resource
management generally and protection of water bodies from nutrification and hazardous
substances. They may be able to make a substantial contribution towards increasing internal
funds and releasing public budgets and thereby facilitate the provision of baseline contributions
for new investment projects in transboundary nutrient reduction and pollution control. The
realization of this potential depends on both a clear understanding of economic instruments in
general and a recognition of specific institutional, technical, and financial conditions that apply in
a given locality, basin, or country.
Phase 1 of the Project is being focused on assessment of presently existing tariffs for water and
waste-water services for reducing polluting effluents and on development of concepts for these
economic tools. Phase 2 will prepare and suggest guidelines for their introduction and set the
basis for implementation with national stakeholders. Phase 2 will develop and discuss with
stakeholders respective economic mechanisms and tariff models taking into social and economic
conditions of Danube countries or groups of countries.
Based on the results of the assessment of Water and Waste Water Tariffs, the following actions
shall be considered in Phase 2:
· Developing proposals for policy reforms and legislative measures required for the
establishment of cost - covering tariff models in line with the WFD and proposing
recommendations for phased implementation of tariff reforms;
· Organizing national workshops with participants from relevant ministries, municipalities
and the private sector (NGOs) on the introduction of economically and socially acceptable
water and waste water tariffs.
1.7 Implementation of effective systems of water pollution charges, fines and incentives,
focusing on nutrients and dangerous substances
Most DRB countries are not currently applying an effective system of fines for water pollution
and respective incentives in comparison to industrialized Western European countries. The basic
idea is, therefore, to assist the interested DRB countries to develop an effective system of fines
and incentives to promote rational utilization of water resources and to prevent or reduce effects
of environmental pollution, specifically nutrients and certain toxics. Within the broad framework

23

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of fines and incentives particular attention should be given on discharges of nutrients and toxic
pollutants with significant transboundary effects.
The development and implementation of new effective system of waste-water charges, fines and
incentives in the EU accession countries shall take into account the implementation plans for all
water quality protection Directives and the policies and strategies that have been developed to
reach the full compliance with EU legislation.
Phase 1 of the Project is focusing on assessment of presently existing tariffs for water and waste-
water services and charges, fees, and incentives for reducing polluting effluents and on
development of concepts for these economic tools. Phase 2 will prepare and suggest guidelines
for their introduction and set the basis for implementation with national stakeholders.
Phase 2 will now prepare and discuss guidelines for the most appropriate charges, fines and
incentives.
The main tasks of the proposed component in Phase 2 can be summarized as follows:
· Developing appropriate concepts for the introduction of balanced and effective systems of
water pollution charges, fines and incentives in the particular DRB countries;
· Organizing workshops on the application of appropriate water pollution charges, fines and
incentives, with participants from relevant ministries, municipalities and the private
sector.
1.8 Recommendations for the reduction of phosphorus in detergents
The EU policies and legislation do not provide for phosphate detergents phase-out plans. The
present situation in the EU countries is based on voluntary arrangements set by the industry.
Whereas Phase 1 of the Project is assessing the country-specific situation including the reduction
barriers and develop proposals for accomplishing a voluntary agreement between ICPDR and the
Detergent Industry.
Phase 2 will now periodically check the implementation of recommendations.
The basic idea of this project component in Phase 2 is to:
· Organizing two workshops (followed up from Phase 1);
· Monitoring and evaluating results at the national level.
The country-specific recommendations and implementation schedules should mostly be based on
the experiences from Western European countries and should take into account the institutional
and especially the economic capability of the particular DRB countries.


2.
Capacity building and reinforcement of transboundary cooperation for the
improvement of water quality and environmental standards in the Danube River
Basin
One of the essential and positive results of the previous GEF Pollution Reduction Programme
was the successful support provided for institutional strengthening and capacity building of
government, local administration and the private sector (NGOs) in the participating DRB
countries.
In order to ensure efficient implementation of the ICPDR policies and related Investment
Program defined under the DRPC, it is recommended that national capacities of the central and

24

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the sub-ordinate national level should be reinforced. In this context, exchange of information,
reinforcement of environment research and standardization of methods and parameters are
essential to strengthen regional cooperation and joint decision making in implementing the SAP.
The respective project components defined in the frame of the present Regional Project (Phases 1
and 2) are primarily designed to support the ICPDR in establishing an appropriate Management
and Information System, and in establishing appropriate indicators for evaluation and monitoring
of program and project implementation (process, status and stress reduction). Secondly, the
Expert Groups established under the ICPDR should be supported in carrying out the particular
tasks and activities clearly dealing with nutrient reduction and transboundary issues, which might
not be adequately covered without GEF assistance.
At the national level "Inter-ministerial Committees", which have been set up during the 1st Phase
of the Project involving all technical, financial and administrative departments, will assure
adequate coordination and implementation of policies, legislation and projects for nutrient
reduction and pollution control.
2.1 Setting up of "Inter-ministerial Committees" for development, implementation and
follow-up of national policies legislation and projects for nutrient reduction and
pollution control
This project component is being finalized in the 1st phase of the project
2.2 Development of operational tools for monitoring, laboratory and information
management and for emission analysis from point and non-point sources of pollution
with particular attention to nutrients and toxic substances
This project output will assist DRB countries to develop, upgrade and reinforce capacities of
tools for emission control and monitoring of water quality, laboratory and information
management.
The models and applications supported mostly with data from the TNMN and Emission
Inventory are essential tools for a profound assessment of environmental stress and impact, in
particular transboundary nutrient and toxic pollutant flows as well as an assessment of the
expected effects of nutrient and other pollution reduction measures. The present nutrient
reduction plans can be adjusted and the implementation of policy measures can be focused on
specific areas or sectors.
To assure the coherence and viability of data collection in all Danube countries, it would be
necessary to provide training and additional laboratory and monitoring tools, including
development of SOPs and preparation of reference materials. Particular attention should be given
to those countries that still need to be brought to the same operational level (Ukraine, Moldova)
and are not yet integrated in the MLIM and EMIS systems (Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia &
Montenegro).
Phase 1 of the Project is preparing for the upgrading of existing operational tools, while Phase 2
will secure their effective application and the DRB-wide data availability.
In this project component, particular attention should be given to the results of the Joint Danube
Survey (JDS), which was carried in 2001-2002 and provided comparable biological and chemical
characteristic data along the Danube in the main river bed as well as in the major tributaries. In
addition to the comparable data sets the JDS was the most comprehensive survey covering wide
range of chemical pollutants, aquatic flora and fauna and biological indicators. It also provided

25

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the appropriate data and information necessary for the ecological and chemical surface water
status characterization in line with the EU Water Framework Directive.
Further assistance is proposed in Phase 2 to strengthen other activities in the MLIM/EG and the
EMIS/EG, with particular attention to the following nutrient/pollution reduction and
transboundary issues:
· Harmonizing water quality standards (finalize classification schemes) and quality
assurance for nutrients and toxic substances (follow-up from Phase 1);
· Further development of databases for EMIS / MLIM in order to assess environmental
stress and impacts (follow-up from Phase 1);
· Optimizing TNMN and identifying sources and amounts of transboundary pollution for
substances on the list of EU and DRPC priority substances; (follow-up from Phase 1)
· Organizing workshops to support strengthening of operational tools for monitoring,
laboratory and information management and for emission analysis from point and non-
point sources of pollution (follow-up from Phase 1)
In this context, consultation and working meetings of the Expert Groups for specific issues
should be arranged in cooperation with international consultants specialized in the respective
field of work..

2.3 Improvement of procedures and tools for accidental emergency response with
particular attention to transboundary emergency situations
The accidental pollution of the Tisza and the Siret rivers from mining and industrial (chemical
plant) activities in 2000 and the effects of NATO intervention in Yugoslavia in late nineties, the
bombing of petrochemical and other industrial complexes in the Danube River Basin, led to a
contamination of ground water and rivers with toxic substances (PCBs, PAHs, cyanide, etc.), the
accumulation of heavy metals in sediments and to a destruction of ecosystems (fish kill). Hence,
urgent support is needed to improve preventive and emergency response measures.
The subject of this project component is to support development activities for accident
emergency warning and prevention of accidental pollution. The experience from the accidental
pollution events indicates that the basically established APC/EG needs substantial improvement
before it can become a satisfactory tool for adequate management of transboundary
contamination from catastrophic events. During Phase 1 of the Project, the operational bases of
the alarm system are being upgraded and preventive policy measures recommended. During
Phase 2, the practical application of the alarm system will be further extended in the DRB.
In this context, technical assistance and reinforcement of operational conditions are required in
Phase 2 for:
· Reinforcing operational conditions in the national alert centers (PIACs) and geographical
extension of the AEWS in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serbia & Montenegro1) (follow-up
from Phase 1);
· Support to completing and prioritisation of the Inventory of old contaminated sites in
potentially flooded areas in the Danube River Basin (follow-up from Phase 1);

1 The Serbia and Montenegro is situated in an extremely important geographical position in the center of the Danube River Basin
where the most important tributaries, Tisza, Sava and Drava are joining the Danube. During the accidental pollution the AEWS
has also informed Serbia and Montenegro (former FR of Yugoslavia) and cooperated with its technical staff to monitor the
effects of accidental pollution. The UNEP Balkan Task Force and the EU-Baia Mare Task Force have closely cooperated with
Yugoslavian authorities in the assessment of accidental pollution and the design of emergency measures.

26

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· Support to upgrade of the ARS Inventory providing the detailed analysis, distribution on
sub-basin and industry branches and implementation of the check-lists (follow-up from
Phase 1);
· Maintaining and calibrating of the Danube Basin Alarm Model (DBAM), to predict the
propagation of the accidental pollution and evaluate temporal, spatial and magnitude
characteristics in the Danube river system and to the Black Sea (follow-up from Phase 1);
· Organization of workshops to reinforce cooperation in accident and emergency/warning
and development of preventive measures (follow-up from Phase 1).
2.4 Support for reinforcement of ICPDR Information and Monitoring System
(DANUBIS)
The Danube Information System (DANUBIS) has been developed with the financial support
from the Austrian Government (computer equipment and software) and from the Austrian
Environmental Trust Fund, administered by UNOPS (concept and development of the
Information System). The system is presently installed at the Permanent Secretariat of the ICPDR
(Vienna International Center) and fully operational.
Further professional/technical and financial support is needed for the build-up and extension of
DANUBIS to assure adequate administration of the information and reporting obligations under
the DRPC. A new interactive web-site is to be adapted ensuring a smooth flow of textual and
geographic information between the national level and the central unit at the ICPDR Secretariat.
It will facilitate permanent monitoring and exchange of information on pollution control and
nutrient reduction measures and to disseminate information to the public on policy and legal
matters related to nutrient reduction: GEF nutrient reduction policies, relevant EU guidelines and
directives, other information from international initiatives/conventions concerning land based
sources of pollution, agricultural practices, fertilizer application, phosphate free detergents, etc.
While during Phase 1 of the Project, the DANUBIS website extension became fully operational;
in Phase 2 the interactive website will be further developed with particular attention to permanent
updating and basin wide maintenance of the system.
This would require in Phase 2:
· Further development of ICPDR Information System and ensure that it is used by its expert
groups and other operational bodies (follow-up from Phase 1);
· Reinforcement of the DANUBIS through the implementation of an interactive web-site to
integrate further textual, numerical and digital mapping information and to fulfill all
requirements of the work of the nutrient reduction program, respectively the work of the
ICPDR and the GEF Project (communication, monitoring, public information, etc.) (follow-
up from Phase 1);
· Launching training at the national level and organize a series of workshops in order to train
and assist future users in the best use of the tools made available by the system (follow-up
from Phase 1).
It should be noted that the ICPDR assure regular maintenance and up-dating of the information
with particular attention the Data Base developed within the frame of the previous GEF project
(Danube Pollution Reduction Program).

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2.5 Implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the ICPDR and the
ICPBS relating to discharges of nutrients and hazardous substances to the Black Sea
This component implies assisting the ICPBS and the ICPDR in further implementing the
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), identifying appropriate modalities for the
implementation and developing of a monitoring system for commonly agreed process, stress
reduction and environmental status indicators for the Black Sea. Further, coordination of
activities of the DRP, the BSERP and the World Bank IF will be enhanced by a mid-term
Danube-Black Sea Stock-taking meeting early in Phase 2.
During Phase 1 of the Project, a joint working program was worked out and approved, during
Phase 2 the work program and in particular the monitoring and evaluation systems will be
implemented and follow up actions defined.
The main tasks for the implementation of the MoU in Phase 2 can be summarized as follows:
· Develop joint work program for MOU implementation (followed up from Phase 1)
· Define and agree on status indicators to monitor nutrient transport from the Danube and the
change of ecosystems in the Black Sea (followed up from Phase 1)
· Define and establish reporting procedures (followed up from Phase 1)
· Re-establish and organize regular meetings of the Joint Danube-Black Sea WG to evaluate
progress of nutrient reduction and recovery of the Black Sea ecosystems(followed up from
Phase 1).
· Facilitate coordination of the Danube Regional Project with the Black Sea Regional Project
and the World Bank Investment Fund.
2.6 Training and consultation workshops for resource management and pollution control
with particular attention to nutrient reduction and transboundary issues
In order to assure sustainability of appropriate resource management and pollution control and to
assure the same level of understanding throughout the Danube River Basin, it is necessary to
provide training. Training is needed both to increase technical skills for pollution reduction and
in particular for the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive as well as to further
develop the effectiveness of key institutions (ICPDR etc.) This could include the fields of
environmental analysis and planning, management and impact assessment for nutrient reduction
and control of toxic substances through workshops, consultation meetings and study tours for
participants from government, local administration, NGOs and other stakeholder from the private
sector (professional associations, opinion leaders, etc.). Besides this, additional materials and
equipment should be supplied and technical assistance should be provided where necessary.
During Phase 1 of the Project, a needs assessment is being conducted, the various training
programs are being prioritized and then worked out and trainers are being trained, whereas during
Phase 2 training programmes will be implemented and evaluated.
Besides the workshops on policy development and legislation to be organized in the frame of
each of the above-described project components, training courses may be provided in the
following areas:
· Improving the Effectiveness and Efficiency of Transboundary Institutions (e.g. ICPDR,
DEF etc.)
· Enhancing capacities to carry out appropriate public participation processes, multi-
stakeholder forums, etc.

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· Policy development and legal frame for transboundary cooperation in nutrient reduction
and control of toxic substances (follow-up from Phase 1);
· Technical and legal issues of river basin planning and transboundary water resources
management related to the new EU Water Framework Directive with a view to ensuring
effective nutrient reduction (follow-up from Phase 1);
· Technical and legal issues (land reclamation) of wetland restoration and management to
assure nutrient removal (follow-up from Phase 1);
· Innovative technologies for municipal and industrial waste water treatment; using best
available technology (follow-up from Phase 1);
· Technical and legal issues of management and control of use of fertilizers and manure
(follow-up from Phase 1);
· Preparation of documents for nutrient reduction projects with international co-funding and
application of GEF criteria concerning incremental cost calculation, considering the
experiences from the World Bank IF supported projects (follow-up from Phase 1);
· Monitoring and evaluation of results of training, capacity building and replicability
(follow-up from Phase 1).
The last training course should also focus on methodology and standards for economic and
financial analysis of bankable projects with international co-funding; and in particular on
identification and documentation of nutrient reduction projects according to GEF requirements
and guidelines regarding baseline / incremental cost, transboundary effects, etc.
The proposed training courses should be organized with the assistance of experienced
international consultants in a series of three-to-five-days workshops and where appropriate,
should also be run in the national languages at least once in each Project Phase (i.e. twice during
the total project period of 5 years). Regional Workshops designed to reinforce transboundary
cooperation should be attended by at least two or three participants from each DRB country. One
essential task will be to prepare, prior to the workshops, adequate documents and case study
materials for dissemination among the participants.


3
Strengthening of public involvement in environmental decision making and
reinforcement of community actions for pollution reduction and protection of
ecosystems
The overall focus of the components under Objective 3 is to increase public participation in
environmental decision-making. Phase 2 of the Danube Regional Project will focus on
implementing the awareness raising, community involvement and NGO institutional
development support that has been planned and is being developed in Phase 1. In addition to
those components that were originally planned for, an additional component is planned in order
to improve public participation by better access to information for addressing priority sources of
pollution. This new component (3.4) is based on the results and methodological approach
developed during the UNDP/GEF Medium Sized Project "Building of Environmental Citizenship
to Support Transboundary Pollution Reduction in the Danube."
All activities outlined in the previous chapter on institutional strengthening and capacity building
contribute to awareness raising in a broader sense. The publication through the mass media and
through ICPDR publications (Danube Watch etc.) of the results of ICPDR´s and its Expert
Groups´ activities, in particular the results of workshops and consultation meetings, constitute an

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excellent opportunity to raise public awareness. These actions of awareness raising should
primarily address representatives from central and local governments and from administration
and - to a lesser extent - from the private sector.
The present GEF Danube Regional Project has a wide spectrum and geographical outreach for
public participation activities which is central to the long term sustainability and effectiveness of
Danube River Basin cooperation. The objective of the Danube Regional Project, with its
components in support of Objective 3, is to enhance awareness raising in the civil society and the
reinforcement of the participation of NGOs and other interested parties in water management and
pollution reduction (nutrients and toxic substances) with particular attention to transboundary
cooperation and river basin management. This can best be achieved through practical measures
and the support of community-based activities for rational resources management, transboundary
cooperation and pollution control with particular attention to nutrient reduction. Financial support
should be provided to assist the implementation of community-based demonstration projects in
various Danube River Basin countries (Small Grants Program).
Cooperation of the civil society and in particular of local NGOs is essential to achieving the
objectives and goals of the ICPDR and the new Danube Regional Project. Particular attention
will therefore be given to the reinforcement of the Danube Environmental Forum (DEF), which is
the umbrella organization of the NGOs in the Danube River Basin as well as to increase DEF's
capacities to take action for pollution reduction and control. Within the frame of the present
project component, the support for awareness raising and public participation should be extended
(i.e. make each project more relevant), and linked with the reinforcement of NGO activities and
should focus on concrete demonstration measures of pollution control, nutrient reduction and
transboundary cooperation.
In this context, the following project components have been identified as particularly important
for achieving the objective:
3.1 Support for institutional development of NGOs and community involvement
This should come in the form of technical/professional assistance and financial support for the
Danube Environmental Forum (DEF) and for national NGOs working on transboundary pollution
issues and nutrient reduction. Phase 1 of the Project is providing the support to make the DEF
network (Secretariat, national focal points, national members etc.) fully operational and to
prepare programs for training and awareness raising (publications), as well as specific activities
(public participation) which will be implemented during Phase 2 of the Project:
· Continuing support and development of the DEF network i.e. the DEF Secretariat for
operation, communication and information management (which should be operating at
the end of the Project period on a self-supported basis);
· Organizing consultation meetings and training workshops on nutrients and toxics
issues;
· Publishing special NGO publications in national languages on nutrients and toxic
substances;
· Organizing of training courses for the development of NGO activities and cooperation
in national projects (nutrient reduction) and the processes of public participation in the
frame of the WFD.



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3.2 Applied awareness raising through community based "Small Grant Programme"
It is important and necessary to provide administrative, professional and financial support for the
implementation of the GEF-Small Grants Programme (SGP).
During Phase 1 of the Project the Small Grants Programme is being prepared and individual
project proposals and applications from NGOs have been received. These projects will be
implemented during Phase 2 with the financial support from the GEF Small Grants Programme
taking into account the following steps:
· Implementing a region-wide granting program focusing on demonstration activities and
awareness campaigns for sustainable land management and pollution reduction
(nutrients and toxic substances) in the agricultural, industrial and municipal sectors
(follow up from Phase 1);
· Implementing a national granting program at the local and national level in terms of
small scale community based investment projects for pollution control, rehabilitation
of wetlands, best agricultural practices, reduction of use of fertilizers, manure
management, improvement of village sewer systems, etc. (follow up from Phase 1)
Based on previous experience, the responsibility for the design of the SGP and good
performance, this project component will be implemented, with technical and policy guidance
from the ICPDR, by the Regional Environmental Center (REC) in Hungary. Through its national
offices, the REC will organize and follow-up the implementation of selected projects for nutrient
reduction and awareness raising and provide at the end of the project an evaluation report
concerning performance, replicability and environmental impact of measures.
3.3 Organization of public awareness-raising campaigns on nutrient reduction and
control of toxic substances
The practical awareness and daily sensitivity of the general public on pollution problems and
their transboundary impacts is still very low in most DRB countries. The many new local NGO
small grants projects organized within this GEF Project frame (component 3.3.(i) )can have a
double impact and become more relevant for the public's opinion-making at national and regional
scale if they will be complemented by public nation-wide campaigns. Therefore, the GEF Project
aims at raising awareness on accidental pollution prevention and nutrient reduction in daily life
through media activities and campaigning. During Phase 1 of the Project public awareness raising
activities including campaigns are being identified and designed (within the DRB
Communications Strategy that should provide cohesive guidance to future DRB public awareness
and communication activities including communication structures and mechanisms ) and
periodicals and other information materials will be published. In Phase 2 these activities will be
reinforced, public awareness campaigns will be organized, capacities for communication will be
enhanced (including training of trainers) and periodicals (e.g. Danube Watch) and information
materials will be published.
The Project will therefore focus on:
· Conceptualization and implementation of communication activities including public
awareness raising campaigns on nutrient issues (as identified in the DRB
Communications Strategy);
· Development and production of materials for public press and mass media on nutrients
and toxics;

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· Capacity building to support the communication structures and mechanisms within the
ICPDR, national governments, NGOs and other key stakeholders;
· Support to the publication of scientific documents and regular papers or special issues
on water management and pollution reduction with particular attention to nutrient
issues and Black Sea recovery.
3.4 Enhancing Support of Public Participation in Addressing Priority Sources of
Pollution ("hot spots") through Improved Access to Information in the Frame of the
EU Water Framework Directive
An additional component in the frame of the Danube Regional Project will strengthen and
enhance the GEF priority of community involvement and reinforce the capacities of the ICPDR
to implement the elements on public participation in the EU WFD. The component, to be
implemented in 2003-2006, would build national capacity in interested CEE Danube countries on
implementation of public access to information on Danube pollution and thereby support public
participation in decision making on hot spot cleanup and prevention. It would focus on
government officials and also include citizens, communities and NGOs, specifically including
capacity building to enable changed attitudes and behavior as well concrete efforts to implement
and facilitate access to information. Given their involvement in the pilot project that is the basis
for this new component, Resources for the Future (RFF), New York University (NYU) and the
Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe (REC) are foreseen as
cooperating partners.
The project component would develop specific solutions at the national and local levels and
promote mutual learning at the river basin level and provide exposure to relevant experience in
other countries in the region and elsewhere through targeted training and technical assistance.
Specific activities and outputs consistent with effective implementation of the Aarhus
Convention, the EU Water Framework Directive, other relevant EU legislation and national
legislation will be developed in partnership with participating countries in the early months of the
project, following a careful diagnostic process.
Joint activities will include:
· In-region plenary meetings including participants from all countries to set a harmonized
approach, plan joint activities, and share experience;
· Joint capacity building workshops on issues of public access to information concerning
water management and pollution control;
· Development of best practices methods and supporting written materials of potentially
region-wide application;
· Examination, through research, written analyses and joint study tours, of options and
models from EU, CEE countries and the United States, including both mature and
developing systems for effective public involvement in water pollution reduction, hot
spots control and identification of specific approaches for public access to information on
pressure and impact analysis that can be adapted to the particular circumstances of
participating countries.
Country-specific capacity building activities tailored to the needs of individual participating
countries will include some or all of the following:
· Capacity building workshops for government officials and NGOs at national, regional and
local levels, conducted in national languages;

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· Development of specific legal, regulatory, policy, institutional and/or practical measures
to increase public access to information and related public participation in hot spot control
; development of guidance manuals for public officials; citizen manuals; drafting or
commenting on new legislation, regulations, institutional arrangements and/or policies;
· Technical assistance in response to country requests to help develop options for or to
assist in crafting these measures;
· Field testing of proposed measures and approaches at specific hot spots through small
pilot projects combined with local capacity building/training sessions and workshops.
Major outputs that will support increased public participation for hot spots control will include:
· Strengthened capacity of governmental officials to implement public involvement and of
national NGOs to become more effectively involved in implementation of the EU WFD;
· Strengthened cooperation between government officials, NGOs and other stakeholders;
· Country-specific measures and practical arrangements supporting NGOs ,citizens and
communities involvement in water resources management and pollution control,
including the development of:
o Regulatory and/or policy proposals other relevant instruments such as guidance
documents, user manuals, and other aids that assure that government officials under-
stand and can carry out their obligations under public access to information require-
ments;
o Citizen guides on public access to information;
o Improved mechanisms for passive and/or active dissemination of government-held in-
formation to members of the public, such as websites, information offices, and public
docket rooms;
· Country-specific strategies for effectively implementing and sustaining public
involvement over the long-term;
· Increased sustainability of the pollution reduction initiatives and results of the DRP
generally.


4.
Reinforcement of monitoring, evaluation and information systems to control
transboundary pollution, and to reduce nutrients and harmful substances
The development and the upgrading the monitoring and information systems is of significant
importance for transboundary cooperation in water quality and water management, and of
common interest for the Danube and the Black Sea countries. Particular attention will be given to
the development of indicators (process, stress reduction and environmental status indicators) to
monitor progress of project implementation. For this purpose, special methodologies will be
developed to assess sediments (heavy metals, toxic substances) and nutrient removal capacities of
wetlands. Also economic mechanisms will be analyzed to encourage investments in nutrient
reduction measures.
Within the frame of Phase 2 of the Project, the following activities will be carried out responding
to specific issues regarding monitoring and evaluation and providing special knowledge on
pollution in sediments, wetlands nutrient removal capacities and economic instruments for
nutrient reduction:


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4.1 Development of indicators for project monitoring and impact evaluation
To assure efficient monitoring and evaluation of project implementation, and to document project
and program achievements, it is necessary - in line with EU and the existing international
requirements - to establish an operational system of indicators (process, stress reduction and
environmental status) under the ICPDR. The new EU Water Framework Directive criteria for the
assessment of the ecological status of the rivers and for monitoring the achievement of good
ecological status will have to be incorporated. Within Phase 1 of the Project, a Monitoring and
Evaluation system is being designed and relevant process and impact indicators are being
developed; theses mechanisms for control and evaluation will be established and made
operational during Phase 2 of the Project.
The following tasks should therefore be carried out in Phase 2 under this component:
· Establishing a system for M&E in using specific indicators for process (legal and
institutional frame), stress reduction (emissions, water abstractions and
hydromorpological changes) and environmental status (water quality, ecological status
and recovery of ecosystems) to demonstrate results of program (JAP) and project
implementation and to evaluate environmental effects of implementation of policies and
regulations (nutrient reduction) (follow-up from Phase 1);
· Development of indicators for project evaluation with particular attention to process
indicators (DRPC+WFD) and GEF project evaluation (follow-up from Phase 1);
· Assessing and reviewing the monitoring networks for surface waters and developing an
approach to adapt the monitoring programmes to requirements of the WFD (follow-up
from Phase 1);
· Implementing ecological status assessment in line with requirements of EU WFD using
specific bio-indicators to demonstrate effects of pollution /nutrient reduction in water-
bodies and ecosystems (follow-up from Phase 1);
· Preparing a manual on the use and application of monitoring and impact indicators.
4.2 Analysis of sediments in the Iron Gate reservoir and impact assessment of heavy
metals and other dangerous substances on the Danube and the Black Sea ecosystems
In the frame of the UNEP-Habitat-Balkan Task Force/ICPDR Expert Mission to Yugoslavia in
August 1999, a first sampling of sediments in the Iron Gate was carried out to analyze heavy
metals and other toxic substances as a consequence of NATO air strikes on industrial and other
targets in the Danube River Basin. The present project component should extend the first
analysis and provide a complete coverage of the quality analysis of the sediments of the Iron Gate
including toxic substances (heavy metals) and phosphorus. Based on the results of the analysis,
adequate measures should be developed to undertake precautionary measures to prevent future
deterioration of water quality in the Danube and negatives effects on the Black Sea ecosystems.
This component is limited to the GEF Phase 2 Project.
This study should be carried out as a special activity of the MLIM/EG and should cover the
following tasks:
· Collecting and reviewing the existing data and information on present situation
(especially heavy metals, nutrients, silicates and other dangerous substances);
· Assessing the main types and quantities of dangerous substances;
· Assessing the potential environmental impacts on the Danube and the Black Sea;
· Forecasting development for a period of 20 years;

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· Discussing possible precautionary and rehabilitation measures for the Danube and the
Black Sea;
· Preparing recommendations for dealing with this problem in the forthcoming decade
(measures to be included in the Joint Action Program of the ICPDR);
· Proposing further monitoring programs.
4.3 Monitoring and assessment of nutrient removal capacities of riverine wetlands
In the frame of the Pollution Reduction Program, the rehabilitation and management of about
600.000 hectares of wetlands and floodplains in the DRB have been proposed. In the World
Bank-GEF Strategic Partnership, the restoration or creation of wetlands is one of the types of
projects eligible for funding. It is generally recognized that the removal capacity varies
considerably according to water flow, concentration, loads and natural conditions of the wetlands.
In the frame of the GEF Phase 1 and 2 of the Project, a quantified approach could be made for the
DRB wetlands to better assess their removal capacities and the possibilities in wetland
management to optimize such processes, while still giving priority to the ecological needs of
these ecosystems. These results will considerably improve and disseminate world-wide the
knowledge about nutrient removal through wetlands rehabilitation and would define the technical
and economic parameters for efficient wetlands management while still considering other
benefits (biodiversity, water purification etc.) and giving priority to the ecological needs of these
ecosystems.
This proposed project component, which would support a larger GEF need in the frame of
Targeted Research is being covered in Phase 1 preparatory tasks and will now in Phase 2 provide
the actual removal observation programme and management guidance:
· Implementing the observation program to assess the annual removal capacity (tons of N
and P and of other harmful substances per ha) for each category of wetland for a period
of 20 years (3 years covered by the present project);
· Assessing the possibilities for a follow-up financing of the observation programme after
2006;
· Evaluating the aggregated removal capacities/potentials of nutrient & other harmful
substances for the wetlands proposed for restoration (DPRP), taking into account the
results of other investment and observation programs (including Danube Partnership,
"Lower Danube Green Corridor");
· Developing optimized wetland management programs to assure ecologically acceptable
nutrient removal in the Danube River Basin;
· Preparing the Danube Wetlands Restoration and Management Agreement with action
plan for endorsement by DRB governments

4.4 Danube Basin study on pollution trading and corresponding economic instruments for
nutrient reduction

This project component is being completed in the Phase 1



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IV
Sustainability and Participation
The Danube Regional Project (Phases 1 and 2) has to be seen as a logical continuation of the
GEF assistance to the Danube Environmental Program. The Danube Pollution Reduction
Program has established the necessary conditions for the ICPDR and for the DRB countries to
assure efficient implementation of policies and measures for pollution reduction and resource
management. The proposed Phase 2 of the Danube Regional Project can build on a very
favorable framework for sustainability and participation already reinforced in Phase 1, and on the
findings and recommendations of:
· the SAP 1994 as the agreed-upon policy document of the EPDRB focusing on policies
and strategies for pollution control and resource management,
· the Common Platform for the Development of National Policies and Actions for
Pollution Reduction under the DRPC, representing a summary of policies and actions
developed in the frame of the Pollution Reduction Program,
· the Danube Pollution Reduction Program (DPRP) and the Inventory of Investment
Projects (Database) providing the operational basis for promoting investments for
pollution reduction measures
· results of the Danube-Black Sea Task Force (DABLAS) Working Group on Project
Prioritization "Prioritisation of Municipal Investment Projects in the Danube River
Basin", revising the lists of national projects of the ICPDR Joint Action Programme and
selection of municipal priority projects.
Institutional capacities and arrangements: With its entry into force on 22 October 1998, the
Danube River Protection Convention (DRPC), to which the ECE-Convention for the Protection
and Use of Transboundary Waters (Helsinki Convention 1992) is the framework, became the
overall legal instrument for cooperation and transboundary water management in the Danube
River Basin. Since mid-1999 all bodies of the ICPDR, the Expert Groups and the ICPDR
Permanent Secretariat have been fully operational. The primary objective of the Danube Regional
Project is to support the ICPDR in order to achieve a well-balanced integrated implementation of
the Common Platform, the PRP and the JAP. It is assured that there is a full developed and
functioning institutional framework for project performance. Within the Phase 1 of the DRP the
institutional framework of the ICPDR and all participating Danube countries have been further
reinforced and appropriate arrangements in particular with ICPDR Expert Groups were
developed. As the ICPDR is permanently sustained via financial contributions of the member
states, the GEF intervention would further support and strengthen the ICPDR and its Expert
Groups to improve technical and management capacities for the implementation of nutrient
reduction measures identified in the Pollution Reduction Program.
The participation of the contracting parties including the European Community, and the
cooperating country Bosnia-Herzegovina is assured in the DRB through the work of ICPDR-
Standing Working Group and the through the Conference of Parties, which is the highest body
for the implementation of the Danube River Protection Convention.
Government commitment: All countries in the DRB have actively participated in the frame of
the elaboration of the Pollution Reduction Program and have provided all necessary information
for the preparation of the present Project Brief (PDF-Block B activities) and thus demonstrated
their interest in and commitment to pollution control, nutrient reduction and sustainable water
management. Further, it should be noticed that central and downstream Danube countries are

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actually preparing for accession to the European Union and are therefore committed to applying
the European water directives and guidelines for pollution reduction with particular attention to
the EU Nitrate Directive, the Urban Waste Water Directive and the implementation of the new
EU Water Framework Directive. Especially the EU WFD in the Phase1 of the DRP has already
provided very good platform for mobilizing all national governments towards participation and
coordination of their efforts within ICPDR.
Legal Frame: The Danube River Protection Convention is a legally binding instrument, which
provides a solid framework and a legal basis for cooperation, including enforcement. The
International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) has been established
according to the Danube River Protection Convention provision (Art.18) and has its seat in
Vienna, Austria. The ICPDR and its bodies are responsible for the implementation of the Danube
River Protection Convention.
Stakeholder participation: The development of NGOs and the re-establishment of the Danube
Environmental Forum as an umbrella organization for all Danube NGOs was an essential
contribution of the previous GEF assistance to assure public participation in the planning and
plan implementation processes. Further, the previous GEF Small Grants Program has facilitated
the implementation of community-based projects in the middle and lower Danube countries.
Since the Danube Regional Project is in the 1st phase providing support for strengthening and
reinforcement of the DEF capacities, it is assured that the existing structures of local NGOs and
the DEF will play an important role in the implementation of the GEF Danube Regional Project
and in the development and application of new policies and regulation to improve water quality
and to assure rational use of resources.
V
Lessons Learned
V - 1
Lessons Learned in Preparing the DRP
Key lessons learned in previous DRB project activities were determined in the process of
preparing the overall Danube Regional Project in 2000-2001 and are included in this section.
Some important lessons have been learned from a range of GEF and other environmental
planning projects in the Danube region, and especially from the GEF-supported Danube Pollution
Reduction Program (DPRP), which was completed in June 1999. In the frame of this project, the
Danube countries cooperating under the DRPC have achieved important results in terms of
capacity building and institutional strengthening. The planning process in elaborating the
Transboundary Analysis and in revising the SAP, which involved stakeholders from the local
governments, scientific institutions and NGOs had created a high momentum in adopting GEF
operational principles for the protection of international waters and ecosystems. Further, the
interaction with other organization, in particular the EU Phare and Tacis, the World Bank, the
EBRD, etc., and joint actions with the Black Sea Programme have set new standards for regional
cooperation. These positive achievements will be consolidated in implementing the Danube /
Black Sea Basin Strategic Partnership.
The first phase of the DPRP indicated how time consuming and difficult it is to set up
institutional structures, information networks and to introduce new approaches of planning in
countries that are in a continuous process of political and economic transition. Based on this
experience, it is recommended that ­ wherever possible - the newly created institutional settings,
networks and methodological tools should be reinforced through the Danube Regional Project.

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Special emphasis should be put on the maximum utilization of the participatory approach that is
now fully understood and accepted by the participating countries.
In many transition countries, the policy and legal frame is presently being reviewed and adjusted,
focusing in particular on unclear land ownership and uncontrolled resource management
(forestry, mining, etc.), which lead to environmental degradation and damage. In many countries,
compliance with environmental laws and regulations is not controlled and is consequently very
low. This is partially due to structural and organizational weaknesses and more to budgetary
limitations.
Inter-ministerial coordination is another common and serious problem for project implementation
when coordinating structures are missing at national levels. The involvement and cooperation of
all relevant governmental bodies, in particular the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Agriculture,
of Land Reform, of Foreign Affairs, etc. is essential in the early project preparation phase.
Another lesson learned is that project activities conducted by international expert teams without
close integration and cooperation with experts from the relevant Danube countries are often not
recognized. In the frame of the Environmental Program for the Danube River Basin (EU Phare)
many project components have failed to be sufficiently coordinated with the ICPDR and its
Expert Groups and thus did not respond to the expressed needs of the beneficiaries. It is therefore
recommended that all project components should be carried out under the guidance of the ICPDR
and in close cooperation with its expert bodies and that highly qualified national
experts/consultants ­ available in all DRB countries ­ should be contracted.
A particular feature impacting basin-wide project activities is that of the disparities between the
DRB countries, which have clearly different institutional, administrative and economic
capabilities and are confronted with qualitatively different requirements. Particular attention
should be paid on the one hand to the EU accession countries that have reached a high level of
competence and organization and, on the other hand, to the central Danube Basin countries as
Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serbia & Montenegro, which have been affected by the war and
political instability.
In this context, IW: Learn, a distance education programme whose purpose is to improve the
global management of transboundary water systems, will contribute to improve regional
cooperation and capacity building. Following the experience gained in the DPRP, IW: LEARN
should be connected to the Danube Information System (DANUBIS) and used as an interactive
conference capacity across and within GEF international waters projects for sharing information
and learning related to nutrient reduction and river basin and coastal zones management. Training
courses started during the DPRP will be revitalized and continued to enhance technical
knowledge for water managers in nutrient reduction and sustainable management of water
resources and ecosystems in the Danube River Basin.

V - 2
Lessons Learned During Implementation of Phase 1 of the DRP
Some further lessons have been learned based on experience gained in the implementation of
Phase 1 of the DRP to date (also contained within the APR/PIR in Annex 14.)
The establishment of intensive cooperation with the ICPDR and its structures (co-executing
agency and primary beneficiary) and improving administrative and technical capacities to
cooperate enhances the effectiveness of project implementation. The ICPDR was formed to

38

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implement the Danube River Protection Convention (DRPC) and is, since 2000, the platform for
coordinating the implementation of the EU WFD in the DRB.
By proactively working together with the ICPDR at various levels, i.e. the Secretariat, the
respective ICPDR Expert Groups and respective National Governments, the GEF project has
established excellent cooperation. The project participates, together with relevant contractors
where appropriate, in all Expert Groups Meetings organized by the ICPDR (currently 5 Expert
Groups and 2 Expert Sub-groups meeting 2 to 3 times per year.) In this way the DRP has a full
overview and understanding and can thereby provide the best assistance and input into the
further development of the work. Further, these commonly implemented activities serve to
improve administrative and technical capacities at the National level based on guidelines and
requirements set by the ICPDR and the DRP. In this way, the GEF project plays a catalytic role
in stimulating DRB countries to meet their commitments to the DRPC and increasingly the WFD.
This encourages national governments to develop appropriate structures for regional cooperation
that is thereby facilitating the strengthening of good governance in the Danube River Basin.
A key lesson learned is the benefit of a close link between global environmental objectives and
an appropriate legislative framework, in this case the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD.)
The EU WFD represents, perhaps, the most comprehensive water legislation in the world. It
provides an excellent basis for the implementation of the DRP given commonly shared principles
such as a basin-wide holistic approach, ecosystem management etc. By linking project activities
closely with the WFD implementation, the DRP is both increasing the ability to meet global
environmental objectives in the frame of the project, but is also establishing the basis for the
sustainability of project results as well as the mechanisms for ongoing improvements after the life
of the project.
The DRP has put a large emphasis on supporting increased public participation in DRB
cooperation. An important lesson learned is that it is critical to focus on developing appropriate
public participation mechanisms and strategies given specific level of activity (regional, national,
sub-basin, local.) The DRP is developing grassroots level (bottoms-up) activities via the Small
Grants Programme, as well as is supporting the development of the Danube Environmental
Forum (DEF) which, as a regional network is capable of working at all levels, sub-basin, national
or local levels through its constituent members. The provisions of the WFD provide an
opportunity, based on legislative requirements, to enhance public participation within the frame
of the ICPDR and its parties for the first time. This will occur concretely by incorporating
adequate public participation activities and mechanisms into the process for developing the
Danube River Basin Management Plan. Emphasis here will be first at the regional (ICPDR or
top) level. However, guidance will also be developed, to assist national governments to
incorporate public participation in river basin management at the sub-basin, national and local
levels. In addition to the above-mentioned activities, there are considerations to develop a
specific project component to improve access to information for key stakeholders and to enhance
their abilities to address priority sources of pollution (hot spots) in the DRB.
By first undertaking a training needs assessment, the DRP learned that training activities should
build both institutional capacities (ICPDR, DEF etc.) as well as strengthen technical capacities
(nutrient reduction, wetland rehabilitation, reduction of toxic substances etc.) to assure increase
of knowledge and capacity to act for water management and pollution control. The training needs
assessment also serves as the basis to prioritize training needs given limited resources (human
and financial.)

39

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VI
Project Budget and Financing
VI - 1 GEF Budget Contribution
The total financial requirements for the performance of the proposed Phase 2 of the Danube
Regional Project are USD 12.0 million. According to the provisional estimates the allocation of
the budget by cost categories is anticipated as follows:
BUDGET OF THE DRP BY COST CATEGORIES
USD
Percentage
Permanent professional project staff
930,000
7.75
Project Support Staff
506,250
4.22
Subcontractors / International consultants
1,746,000
14.55
National consultants from the DRB countries
1,480,000
12.33
Workshops, training courses, meetings
2,414,660
20.12
"GEF- Small Grants Program"
1,800,000
15.00
Awareness raising and public information material
555,000
4.63
Investment for nutrient monitoring/information
880,010
7.33
Organizational support for DEF and NGOs
300,000
2.50
Project operational costs
499,192
4.16
UNOPS/ICPDR Support cost
888,888
7.41
Total
12,000,000
100 %

The allocation of the budget by the main project components according to the budget proposal
(Annex 4) is as follows:

BUDGET BY MAIN PROJECT COMPONENTS
USD
Percentage
(1) Creation of sustainable ecological conditions
3,184,750
26.54
(2) Capacity building and reinforcement of transboundary 1,814,130
15.12
(3) cooperation
Strengthening of public involvement and community actions
5,390,832
44.92
(4) Reinforcement of monitoring, evaluation and info systems
721,400
6.01

UNOPS/ICPDR Support cost
888,888
7.41

Total
12,000,000
100%

From the GEF budget contributions 26.54 % is earmarked for the development of policies and
legal instruments for nutrient reduction and will be invested directly in supporting the work at the
national level. 15.12 % of the budget is aimed at strengthening regional cooperation for
implementing the ICPDR policies and related investment programs (JAP) and at reinforcing
monitoring and information capacities. In both first project components a total of 11.78 % is
allocated for training courses and preparation of workshops.
The budgetary allotment for awareness raising and NGO activities is 44.92 % out of which one
third is earmarked the Small Grants Program, and one third for public participation and activities
to support access to information. 6.01 % of the GEF budget is earmarked for strengthening

40

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monitoring, evaluation and information systems and 7.41 % are support cost for the
implementing agency (UNOPS).


Detailed Budget by Project Components
Project Budget
Baseline

and Assigned Baseline Costs (USD)
GEF
Partic.
Costs
Dan.
Countries
1 Creation of sustainable ecological conditions for land use and water management
General project costs
965,580

600,000
1.1 Development and implementation of policy guidelines for
461,000 1,802,920 33,630,000
river basin management
1.2 Reduction of nutrients and harmful substances from
297,250
25,110,000
agricultural point and non-point sources through
agricultural policy changes
1.3 Development of pilot projects on reduction of nutrients and
756,000
25,180,000
other harmful substances from agricultural point and non-
point sources
1.4 Policy development for wetland rehabilit. under the aspect
190,800
14,150,000
of appropriate land use
1.5 Industrial reform and development of policies and
329,700
24,190,000
legislation for applicat. of BAT
1.6 Policy reform and legislation measures for the
171,700
11,570,000
development of cost-covering concepts for water and waste
water tariffs
1.7 Implementation of effective systems of water pollution
204,700
7,025,000
charges, fines and incentives, focusing on nutrients and
dangerous substances
1.8 Recommendations for the reduction of phosphorus in
73,600
5,640,000
detergents
Subtotal
3,450,330 1,802,920 147,095,000
2 Capacity building and reinforcement of transboundary cooperation
General project costs
481,784
3,600,000
2.1 Development of operat. tools for monitoring, laboratory
318,230 1,622,628 33,480,000
and information manage-ment and for emission analysis
from point and non-point sources of pollution
2.2 Improvement of procedures and tools for accidental
257,680 1,135,840 23,436,000
emergency response with particular attention to
transboundary emergency situations
2.3 Support for reinforcement of ICPDR Information System
377,900 1,784,891 36,828,000
(DANUBIS)
2.4 Implementation of the "Memorandum of Understanding"
28,800 324,526 6,696,000
btw. the ICPDR and the ICPBS relating to discharges of
nutrients and hazard. Substances to the Black Sea
2.5 Training and consultation workshops for resource
382,200 540,876 217,860,000
management and pollution control with particular attention

41

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to nutrient reduction and transboundary issues
Subtotal
1,846,594 5,408,761 321,900,000
3 Strengthening of public involvement in env. decision making and reinforcement of
community actions
General project costs
690,164
15,150,000
3.1 Support for institutional development of NGOs and
384,000
216,350 3,820,000
community involvement
3.2 Applied awareness raising through community based
2,133,000
86,962 13,530,000
"Small Grant Program"
3.3 Awareness raising campaigns on nutrient reduction &
949,800
324,526
116,200
control of toxic substances
3.4 Public Participation / Access to Information
1,767,000 2,978,000
0
Subtotal
5,923,964 3,605,838 32,616,200
4 Reinforcement of monitoring, evaluation and information systems to control
transboundary pollution, and to reduce nutrients and harmful substances
General project costs
299,962


4.1 Development of indicators for project monitoring and
108,150
206,048 2,790,000
impact evaluation
4.2 Analysis of sediments in the Iron Gate reservoir and
158,000
556,330 7,533,000
impact assessment of heavy metals and other substances
on the Danube and the Black Sea ecosystems
4.3 Monitoring and assessment of nutrient removal capacities
213,000
741,773 10,164,000
of riverine wetlands
4.4 Danube Basin study on pollution trading and
0
556,330 7,533,000
corresponding economic instruments for nutrient
reduction
Subtotal
779,112 2,060,481 28,020,000

PROJECT TOTAL
12,000,000 12,878,000 529,631,200


42

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VI - 2 Contributions from the ICPDR, participating countries and others:
Total ICPDR and Danube country contributions :
12,878,000 USD
o The ICPDR, Permanent Secretariat will facilitate overall project
implementation with an annual operational budget of 800,000 USD for
a period of 3 years :
2,400,000 USD
o The ICPDR Expert Groups will assure the implementation of project
components. The cost for experts, operation, participation and
communication can be estimated at 1,200,000 USD per year, for a
period of 3 years :
3,600,000 USD
o The participating countries will contribute in the frame of joint
activities under the DRPC to project implementation through financial
and in kind contributions (experts, equipment, operational cost),
estimated at 130,000 USD per country and year, for 13 countries and 3
years :
5,070,000 USD
o Others (national and international institutions, NGO, bilateral donors)
:
1,808,000 USD

VI - 3 National Capital Investments and Development Costs (2001 ­ 2006)
The Joint Action Program (JAP) has been developed under the ICPDR, and is in most cases
coherent with the Five-Year Nutrient Reduction Action Plan prepared in the frame of the PDF-
Block B activities (see Annex 8-3). The following costs for policy and legislation development
and for capital investments for municipal and industrial waste water treatment and wetland
restoration have been identified :
Total capital investments2)

4.40 billion
o Assured national funding

1.72 billion
o Assured international loans


1.16 billion
o Expected grants (national and EU)

0.66 billion
o Additional funding to be raised

0.86 billion
Total cost for non-structural measures

0.51 billion
It should be noted that from the planned investments of 4.40 billion , about 3.54 billion have
been made available from national funding sources, whereas 0.86 billion remain to be raised.
510,989,000 are estimated for developing adequate monitoring and enforcement systems in the
frame of the EU accession process3) and are considered as non-structural investments to be
mobilized by all Danube countries.

2 ) 4.0 billion USD, respectively 3.22 billion USD available and 0.78 billion USD to be raised
3 ) Sector Case Study, WRc, Report CO 3291/2, 1993

43

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VI - 4 World Bank Partnership and UNDP (estimated 5 years period)
W.B. Nutrient reduction projects


o Loans
210,000,000 USD
280,000,000 USD
o GEF Grants
70,000,000 USD
UNDP country programs (2 to 4 years)

1,069,000 USD

VI - 5 Investments from EU for environmental measures (accession countries)
The following investment from the EU is for a period of seven years to assist accession countries
to improve environmental management and to build or modernize waste water treatment plants
and other technical structures; it can be assumed that about half of the Phare money is earmarked
for non-structural measures:
Total investment for a period of 7 years 4)
13.5 billion
o EU Stability Pact for South-eastern Europe (Danube countries)
3.0 billion
o Phare for environmental protection (Danube countries)
5.3 billion
o ISPA funds for environment and infrastructure (Danube countries)
3.5 billion
o SAPARD funds for agricultural sector (Danube countries)
1.7 billion

VI - 6 Assistance from bilateral sources (estimated 2 to 4 years)
o USAID (amount allocated for environmental/sustainable development

projects in 2000 out of which 120.000.000 for structural projects)
162,000,000
USD
o Danish Environmental Protection Agency (DEPA)
not available
o Netherlands (Wetlands Ukraine)

VI - 7 Assistance provided through private sector organizations (inter-national and
Danube NGOs for a 2 to 4 years period)
Total Investments (estimated 2 to 4 years period)
29,437,800
USD
o Regional Environmental Center (REC): support for national NGO
22,500,000
activities (environmental, sustainable development, awareness raising)
USD
o World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF): Implementation of
environmental projects in cooperation with governments and national
5,800,000
NGOs
USD
o Danube national NGOs (ECCG-Romania, Distelverein-Austria)
1,137,000
USD


4 ) 12.28 billion USD, applied exchange rate : 1 = 0.91 USD


44

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VI - 8 Total contributions for environmental protection and nutrient reduction in the
Danube River Basin
The total allocations earmarked for pollution control and nutrient reduction in the Danube River
Basin fall into two categories:
1. Non-structural projects (estimation for 3 years period): Total expenditures for the
reinforcement of legislation and institutional mechanisms for transboundary cooperation and
nutrient reduction are estimated at 529,631,000 USD for a period of 3 years (2003-2006):
· GEF UNDP: Danube Regional Project Phase 2 (3 years)
12,000,000 USD
· ICPDR and participating countries for Danube Regional Project (3
12,878,000 USD
years)
· National investments for monitoring and enforcement systems (3 279,000,000 USD
years)
· International private organizations and NGOs (2 to 4 years)
17,662,000 USD
· Bilateral Assistance (USAID) and UNDP (3 years)
26,269,000 USD
· EU program for Danube accession countries, 2 years period
206,700,000 USD
(10 % of Phare program is estimated for non structural measures)
The GEF budget and the contributions from the ICPDR and the participating countries are
considered as "incremental" costs for the overall development and implementation of new
policies and legislation in line with GEF operational principles for international waters and
with EU environmental directives. The non-structural "baseline" cost is estimated at 529.631
million USD, out of which the Danube countries will contribute 52.8 % and the EU in the
frame of the Phare program 39.1 %. NGOs will provide 3.3 % of the total costs. However,
it has to be taken into account that the actual figures are incomplete and that real bilateral and
NGO contributions in the coming 2 to 5 years will be a great deal higher than indicated.
Summary of capital investments by country and expected nutrient reduction (5
years programme)
Country
Funding Scheme ()
Expected
Reduction (t/y)
Assured
Funds to be
Total Investments
N
P
Funding
raised
Germany
231,000,000

231,000,000
4,091
74
Austria
264,000,000

264,000,000
3,950
404
Czech Republic
104,000,000
43,000,000
147,000,000
1,091
62
Slovakia
54,000,000
65,000,000
118,000,000
2,574
147
Hungary
682,000,000
5,000,000
687,000,000
6,708
1,522
Croatia
12,000,000
421,000,000
433,000,000
5,233
814
Slovenia
382,000,000
2,000,000
384,000,000
1,509
239
Bosnia &

176,000,000
176,000,000
4,700
853
Herzegovina
Serbia & 785,000,000

785,000,000
6,793
4,850
Montenegro

45

---

Bulgaria
37,000,000
88,000,000
125,000,000
2,683
599
Romania
493,000,000

493,000,000 11,860
1,591
Moldova
493,000,000

493,000,000
6,901
905
Ukraine
5,000,000
62,000,000
67,000,000
486
65
TOTAL
3,542,000,000
862,000,000
4,404,000,000 58,579 12,138

2. Structural projects (estimation for 3 years period ­ 2003 to 2006) : Investment figures as
presented in the previous chapters VI-3, VI-4 and VI-5 have been theoretically adjusted to a 3
years period to demonstrate the capital investments during the project period (7.62 billion
USD). During the project implementation period, the following investments for waste water
treatment facilities, wetland restoration, the reduction of pollution from agricultural non-point
sources, etc. could be expected:
· GEF World Bank Partnership Program (loans and GRF
168,000,000 USD
grants)
· Bilateral Assistance (estimation)
120,000,000 USD
· Joint Action Program (assured funds from Danube 1,932,800,000 USD
countries)
· EU program for Danube accession countries, 3-year 5,400,000,000 USD
period (ISPA, SAPARD, Stability Pact, 90% Phare for
structural measures)
In the frame of the ICPDR Joint Action Program (5-Year Nutrient Reduction Plan), the Da-
nube countries contribute from own resources and internal loans for an estimated 3 years pe-
riod 25.3 % to finance structural projects (municipal and industrial waste water treatment
plants, wetlands restoration, agricultural projects etc.).
The EU provides the biggest share of 70.8 % of investments to support national efforts of EU
accession countries. The contribution of the World Bank Partnership represents 2.2 % of in-
vestments for structural projects and is complementary to the UNDP/GEF Danube Regional
Project. Other contributions, e.g. from the EBRD or the EIB, are not taken into account.
Summary of investments for reinforcement of legislation and institutional mechanisms
(non-structural projects / programs) by country and expected nutrient reduction
(5 years programme)
Country
Funding Scheme (USD)
Expected
Reduction
Governments
UNDP
USAID
EU
NGO
Total
(t/y)
N
P
Germany
51,290,900




51,290,900
6,800
111
Austria
43,400,000



1,583,300
44,983,300
7,700
114
Czech
15,781,800
95,000
2,455,000
14,681,900
2,983,300
35,997,000
1,500
33
Republic
Slovakia
29,309,100
125,000
5,454,000
27,266,400
2,983,300
65,137,800
4,500
170

46

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Hungary
57,490,900

5,454,000
53,484,000
2,741,700
119,170,600
4,650
380
Croatia
9,581,800

3,954,000
8,914,000
2,741,700
25,191,500
3,000
130
Slovenia
18,036,400
80,000
2,455,000
16,779,300
2,741,700
40,092,400
3,450
220
Bosnia &
16,345,500

3,954,000
15,206,200
2,500,000
38,005,700
3,600
220
Herzegovin
a
Serbia &
50,727,300

2,455,000
47,191,800
2,741,700
103,115,800
7,200
700
Montenegro
Bulgaria
21,981,800

3,954,000
20,449,800
3,466,700
49,852,300
2,300
400
Romania
127,381,800

6,955,000
118,503,800
3,503,700
256,344,300
12,100 1,270
Moldova
6,200,000

2,455,000
5,767,900
483,300
14,906,200
397
70
Ukraine
17,472,700
769,000
2,455,000
16,254,900
966,600
37,918,200
2,800
200
TOTAL
465,000,000 1,069,000 42,000,000 344,500,000 29,437,000 882,006,000 59,997 4,018

Total Expected Nutrient Reduction from Capital
118,576 tons N/y = 22 %
Investments and
16,156 tons P/y = 33 %
Investments for Non-structural Projects

VII
Incremental Costs
The description and calculation of baseline and incremental costs can adequately be done for
technical investment projects designed for the protection and management of international
waters, respectively the conservation of biodiversity. In these cases it is possible to determine for
each expected output and for each activity the respective baseline and incremental costs and
analyze the resulting domestic and global benefits.

In the case of the Danube Regional Project, "incremental" costs are considered to be the GEF
project cost of 12,000,000 USD. The special contributions of the ICPDR, participating countries
and institutions for implementing the DRPC, which amount to 12,878,000USD, are considered as
"incremental" co-financing costs. The Project, with a total financial support of 24,878,000 USD
will reinforce - in addition to the investments described under "baseline" cost - the capacities of
the ICPDR and the participating countries to address adequately the problem of nutrient
reduction. "Incremental" costs are specially defined to strengthen transboundary cooperation
under the DRPC for the development of national policies and legislation and the identification of
jointly implemented priority actions for nutrient reduction leading to the restoration of the Black
Sea ecosystems.

For the definition of "baseline" costs directly related to the development of adequate monitoring
and enforcement systems at the national level, the results of the WRc Sector Case Study from
19935) have been taken into account. According to this report, the present systems of monitoring
are budget inadequate, staff resources are overstretched and laboratory facilities overloaded. The
report estimates the annual cost of compliance for Bulgaria 10 million , Hungary 12 million ,
Romania 28 million and Slovakia 6 million based on per capita cost of 1.16 at 1990 prices.

5 ) Sector Case Study, WRc, Report CO 3291/2, 1993


47

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Based on this information, the total cost for compliance, also for those Danube countries, which
are not yet in the approximation process but which are undertaking special efforts to upgrade
their legislation and mechanisms for compliance with international and EU standards has been
estimated at 279,000,000 USD for the 3 years period 2003-2006.

Other "baseline" costs, with a total of 250,631 million USD, but only indirectly related with
project activities, can be identified in relation to non-structural projects for the development of
policies, legislation, institutional mechanisms and enforcement systems, which are financed in
the frame of technical assistance projects from bilateral and international sources :
· Bilateral Assistance (USAID) and UNDP and others
26,269,000 USD
· International private organizations and NGOs
17,662,000 USD
· EU program for Danube accession countries, 5 years period
206,700,000
(10 % of the Phare Program is estimated for non structural
USD
measures)

Considering that the approximation process of the Danube countries will take between 10 and 20
years, including the introduction of new environmental standards in line with international and
EU directives, the "incremental" support of the Project will enhance the process with particular
attention to nutrient reduction and will considerably accelerate the development and implementa-
tion of policies, regulations and adequate monitoring and enforcement systems for nutrient emis-
sions and reduction of nutrient loads discharged into the Black Sea.

Structural projects concerning actually planned investments in waste water treatment facilities,
wetland restoration, agricultural pilot projects and other environmental measures, contributing
mostly to pollution reduction from point sources or in-stream pollution reduction, amount to 12.6
billion USD. To demonstrate the capital investments during the project period, investment
figures as presented in chapters VI-3, VI-4 and VI-5 of the Project Brief have been theoretically
adjusted, indicating an amount of 7.6 billion USD for a period of 3 years. These capital
investments are not contributing to project implementation and therefore are not considered as
baseline cost.
VIII
Cost-effectiveness
Taking into account the social and economic development which will take place in the coming 10
to 20 years in the Danube transition countries and considering the EU approximation process and
the need to adapt environmental standards to international and EU directives, it is evident that in-
vestments in environmental protection and management of resources are necessary to assure a
sustainable development in the countries of the Danube River Basin.
It is to be expected that most Danube countries - mainly those in transition ­ will in the next five
to seven years see their GDP grow at an annual rate of 2 to 4 % ending up in five years from now
at 10 to 20 % above its current level. This economic growth will be the result of economic
recovery in transition countries and new investments in industry, agriculture and services. The
development and implementation of adequate environmental standards and mechanisms for
compliance is, therefore, essential to assure sustainable development in the region.
The implementation of projects for waste water treatment in the urban and industrial sectors
(including agro-industries) is part of national investment programs for pollution reduction from

48

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point sources, summarized in the Five-Year Nutrient Reduction Action Plan and the Joint Action
Plan of the ICPDR respectively. According to these documents, capital investments will be about
4.4 billion (4.0 billion USD). Considering EU engagements for accession countries and other
multilateral and bilateral assistance in the form of soft loans and grants (World Bank/GEF), the
additional financial assistance for implementation of structural projects will be 9.4 billion USD.
These investments will lead to an annual reduction of 58,600 tons of nitrogen and 12,100 tons of
phosphorus representing 10.6 % and 24.8 % respectively of the total nutrient loads discharged
into the Black Sea.
Non-point sources of pollution in relation to land use and agricultural activities represent about
half of all nutrients, in particular nitrogen, discharged into the Black Sea. It is assumed that
through the development and implementation of policies, legislation and mechanism for
compliance, nutrient emissions from non-point sources (land use and agriculture) can be
considerably reduced. The actual estimations in the Five-Year Nutrient Reduction Action Plan
show that development and implementation of appropriate policies and legislation will lead to a
reduction of about 60,000 tons of nitrogen and 4,000 tons of phosphorus, representing 10.9 %
and 8.2 % respectively of total nutrient loads discharged into the Black Sea.
The corresponding investments in the period from 2001 to 2006 for the development of new poli-
cies, legislation and monitoring and enforcements systems in line with international and EU di-
rectives are 913.9 million USD, out of which the major part ­ 465.0 million USD or 50.9 % ­ is
considered as national contributions and part of direct baseline costs. 344.5 million USD or 37.7
% is provided from the EU Phare program to the accession countries and 72.5 million USD or 7.9
% is provided in the frame of international, bilateral and non-governmental assistance. These in-
vestments for technical assistance are also baseline cost but only indirectly related to project im-
plementation measures.
Considering the GEF/ICPDR project costs of 11.95 million USD for the 1st period of 2 years
(December 2001 ­ November 2003) and taking into account additional investments of 24.878
million USD in the 2nd Phase of the project (December 2003 to November 2006), in the particular
sector of nutrient reduction and restoration of the Black Sea ecosystems, the benefits for nutrient
reduction from non-point sources of pollution - 10.9 % for nitrogen and 8.2 % for phosphorus -
can be calculated as representing 20 % of the value for capital investments for nutrient reduction
in point sources projects of the Five Year Nutrient Reduction Action Plan, which is equal to
800.0 million USD for the total period of 5 years6).
The cost-effectiveness of this Project lies in the opportunity to improve water quality in general
and to reduce transboundary nutrient loads in particular, thus contributing to the rehabilitation of
the Black Sea ecosystems. Considering incremental cost of 11.95 million USD for the 1st Phase
of the Project, the benefits of the Project, at a cost-effectiveness ratio of 1:27 for the first two
years period and of 1:22 for the full fives years period, are considerable in terms of its
contribution to reducing and mitigating serious damage to regional and globally important waters
and ecosystems.
Project Risks
The success of two Regional Projects for the Danube and the Black Sea depends ultimately upon
the political willingness and the financial and technical means of the contracting parties and par-

6 ) The Pollution Reduction Program Report, GEF/Environmental Program for the DRB, June 1999 indicates in its methodological approach that
20 % of investments in WWTP are specified for nutrient reduction. Considering a total investments in the 5-YNRAP of 4.4 billion = 4.0 billion
USD, 20 % of the investment = 800.0 million USD would be needed for pollution reduction from point sources. This amount is considered as the
comparative benefit for removal of nutrient also from non-point sources of pollution.

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ticipating countries to cooperate. This willingness depends not only on issues related to national
or international security but also on changing political and economic conditions of the countries
involved. Risks for the performance of the Danube Regional Project might be occurring in the
following fields:

(i)
Commitment of the UNDP/GEF
Taking into account that the submission of the Strategic Partnership Programme for Nutrient
Reduction in the Black Sea and the Danube Basin to the GEF Council in November 2000 was
deferred due to resources constraints, the first Project Brief was prepared in September 2000 with
a total budget of 15 million USD, which had to be split in two phases. The GEF Council
approved Phase 1 of the Project with a budget of 5,350,000 USD in May 2001. The 2nd tranche
for DRP should be approved by the GEF Council in May 2003. The present Project Brief with a
budget of 12 million USD covers the 2nd Phase of the Project from December 2003 to November
2006. The approval of these funds is essential to assure the continuation of the activities initiated
in the 1st Phase of the project and to achieve the overall goals of the entire DRP.

(ii)
Commitment of participating countries
At the institutional level the conditions for the implementation of the Danube Regional Project
are already set-up through the structures of the ICPDR, which have already been successfully
utilized in the frame of the Pollution Reduction Program and further reinforced in 1st phase of
DRP. Taking into account that financial inputs from the participating countries are relatively
small, there are probably no significant risks for project performance. All Danube countries are
prepared to deliver in-kind contributions in the frame of the ICPDR Expert Groups and
experience has shown that special in-kind contributions to the project implementation are also
voluntarily made available.
Considering political and administrative constraints and slow decision-making process, a certain
risk can be expected for the actual implementation of the findings and recommendations of the
project, especially regarding the issues of policy reforms and changes of legislation. Also
administrative obstacles might hamper the implementation of measures for exacting compliance.

(iii)
Methodological approach
The methodological approach as applied for the implementation of the proposed project
components is in line with the work program of the ICPDR and corresponds to national
standards. It is therefore unlikely to expect major problems. However, as mentioned in point (i),
the overall goals of the project will only be achieved if the funding for the 2nd Phase of the GEF
assistance will be made available in time.
For project implementation the choice of qualified experts is an essential prerequisite. Experts
and consultants should be familiar with the social and economic conditions in the Danube River
Basin and in the participating countries, knowledgeable about modern planning methodology and
the efficient organization of consultation meetings and workshops.
The scope for the organization of workshops and awareness building activities should be clearly
defined from the beginning and accepted by the participating countries; this should include the

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precise definition and agreement for the selection of participants, which is a joint responsibility of
the stakeholders involved.
The same agreements have to be reached for the identification of sub-contractors and national
consultants, which should respond to defined levels of professional standards and be acceptable
to the ICPDR and the Executing Agency.

(iv)
Delivery of counterpart contribution and availability of information
Considering administrative and financial constraints, participating countries might not be able to
provide in time necessary data for the proposed project components and administrative support
for meetings and workshops.
Hence, requests for counterpart contribution are to be precisely defined and timely delivery has to
be agreed upon. The type of analysis and information needed has to be clearly identified in order
to assure the timely availability of precise and viable information.
IX
Institutional Frameworks and Implementation
IX - 1 Institutional Arrangements
Taking into account that there was a successful GEF project in operation for 6 years, which
resulted in a revised SAP (Common Platform for Development of National Policies and Actions
for Pollution Reduction under the DRPC), and a Pollution Reduction Program for the DRB, it is
proposed to make utmost use of institutional mechanisms and structures which are already
operational.

In this context the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) has
become the responsible organization for project implementation in cooperation with UNOPS as
executing agency. A Project Manager, using the existing ICPDR structures, shall establish close
cooperation with all participating countries, organize efficiently the planning process and assure
timely execution of all project components.
The ICPDR Steering Group (SG) should guides the implementation of the Danube Regional
Project and assures engagement and cooperation at the national level. For this purpose the
ICPDR SG should meet:
· at the beginning of Phase 2 of the Project to review and define scope, planning approach
and work program of the project;
· during project implementation, Steering Group meetings should be held twice a year, to
review and assess the progress, to evaluate completed project components and to make
recommendations for the continuation and/or adjustment of activities;
· at the end of Phase 2 of the Project to assess and approve the final results at a joint
review meeting and to re-examine the planned activities of the 2nd Phase of the Project.

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Regarding the elaboration of detailed scope of work and actual performance of the various
project components it is proposed to use further the professional competence and country specific
experience of the existing Expert Groups established under the ICPDR : EMIS, MLIM, AEPC,
RBM EG and the ECO EG.
Institutional Arrangements
At the central level, the
Project Manager, in
ICPDR
UNDP / GEF
WB Partnership
EU
cooperation with the ICPDR
Executive Secretary and
Germany
following the directives of the
Austria
ICPDR Steering
ICPBS
ICPDR Steering Group, will
Czech Republic
Group
have the mandate to organize
Slovakia
and coordinate the planning
Hungary
ICPDR Permanent
Joint
Black Sea
process and implementation
Slovenia
Secretariat (PS)
D-BS
PIU
Croatia
TWG
activities and to assure, with Serbia & Montenegro
UNOPS administrative
Danube Regional
Black Sea Regional
Bulgaria
support, proper management
Project
Project
Romania
of the GEF project funds.
Moldova
ICPDR - International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River
"Inter-Ministerial Co-
ICPBS - International Commission for the Protection of the Black Sea
Ukraine
Black Sea PIU - Black Sea Programme Implementation Unit
ordination Mechanisms",
Joint D -BS TWG - Joint Danube - Black Sea Technical Working Group
European Commission
UNDP/GEF - United Nations Development Programme/Global Environment Facility
which have been put in place
WB - World Bank
Bosnia i Herzegovina
at the national level in Phase
1 of the Project will assure that all technical, financial and administrative departments are
involved to facilitate and coordinate the implementation of policies, legislation and projects for
nutrient reduction and pollution control.
At the regional level, a Joint Danube Basin-Black Sea Technical Working Group (DB-BS/WG)
shall further assure proper coordination of activities between the Danube Project, the Black Sea
Project and the World Bank Partnership Programme. Besides this coordinating role of project
activities, the DB-BS/WG shall also follow-up the implementation of the Memorandum of
Understanding for the Protection of the Black Sea agreed upon by the two Commissions. The
Joint DB-BS Technical Working Group shall meet at least twice a year after the respective
Steering Group meetings of the two Commissions.
Coordination with the Black Sea Regional Project and the World Bank Investment Fund will be
ensured through mid-term stocktaking meeting.
According to the broad spectrum of activities it is envisaged that most of the particular project
components should be carried out by consultant services (on the basis of sub-contracts for
international consulting companies and individual consultants from the DRB countries).
Objectives, scope and terms of reference will have to be defined in close co-operation with the
respective Expert Groups of the ICPDR and approved by the Steering Group Meeting.
In this case the project personnel employed on a fixed term basis and located in the offices of the
ICPDR Permanent Secretariat can be restricted to:
· one Project Manager, specialist in environmental policy, with particular experience in
institutional arrangements and water pollution legislation and knowledge of EU
environmental directives and guidelines and nutrient issues;
· one specialist for awareness raising, organization of training courses and follow up of
NGO activities, in particular implementation of the Small Grants Program;

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· one project administrator, with particular experience in budgeting, follow-up of
expenditures and establishment of contracts;
· one technical expert for information management
· one administrative project assistant/secretary (support staff).
For specific tasks, conceptualization of activities and evaluation of results, highly specialized
international consultants shall be assigned.

IX - 2 Monitoring and Evaluation
Project objectives, activities outputs and emerging issues will be regularly reviewed and
evaluated by the competent bodies of the executing and implementing agencies (UNDP/GEF and
UNOPS) and the ICPDR.
During the 1st Phase of the Project, a Monitoring and Evaluation System is being developed and
indicators for pollution reduction (process and stress indicators) and environmental status
indicators are being defined. Progress indicators for project implementation are defined in the
Logical Frame Matrix and will be revised at the initial stage of Phase 2 of the Project to relate to
specific activities and outputs of project components. In both project phases 200,000.00 USD,
representing 1.2 % of the project budget is earmarked for the development of indicators for
project monitoring and impact evaluation.
The annual review will focus on performance (effectiveness, efficiency and timeliness) and
evaluate the results in applying the defined progress indicators. At the ICPDR Steering Group
Meeting, the Project will submit and present an consolidated APR/PIR (Annual Project Report/
Project Implementation Review) in line with UNDP and GEF requirements and also participate
in the Tripartite Reviews (TRPs) each year.
The project will be subject to an external Project Performance Review in the middle and at the at
the end of the three-years project period. On these occasions an independent consultant team shall
make an overall assessment of the project advancement and prepare an independent evaluation.
During this mid term review the team should pay particular attention to formulating
recommendations for adjustments of procedures and activities of the 2nd Project Phase as needed.
The ICPDR Steering Group should meet after the external reviews to evaluate project
performance and endorse or make recommendations for the continuation and/or adjustment of
activities after the 1st Project Phase and after the mid-term evaluation of the 2nd Phase and should
assess and approve the results of the joint review meeting.
At the end of the 2nd project period, the project team, in cooperation with the ICPDR Permanent
Secretariat, shall prepare a Project Performance Evaluation Report, which should be endorsed by
the ICPDR Ordinary Meeting.


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IX - 3 Implementation Schedule
A provisional implementation schedule for the proposed Phase 2 Danube Regional Project is
presented in Annex 5.
The project is supposed to start in December 2003 and will have a total duration of 36 months.
This period includes a project mobilization phase of two months for reviewing the institutional
structures and for the organizational preparation of project activities (writing TOR, hiring of
consultants, organizing workshops, etc).
Each project component has a consolidation phase of two to three months at the end of Phase 1 as
well as at the end of Phase 2 of the Project. This arrangement facilitates the transition of the
activities between Phase 1 and 2 of the Project. For the handing over of project results and
operational tools to national teams and/or to the ICPDR Expert Groups to a period of four months
is foreseen to assure sustainability of new mechanisms for nutrient reduction and sustainable
management of water resources.

ANNEXES

ANNEX 1
Incremental Cost Analysis and Matrix ­ Project Tranche 2
ANNEX 2
Logical Frame Matrix ­ Tranche 2 (Objectives, Results, Activities)
ANNEX 3
External Reviews and Response
ANNEX 4
Project Budget ­ Project Tranche 2
ANNEX 5
Project Implementation Schedule ­ Project Tranche 2
ANNEX 6
Assessment of Nutrient Emissions and Loads Discharged into the Black
Sea
ANNEX 7
Thematic Maps
ANNEX 8
Summary Reports on National Contributions in Support of the Project
Brief
ANNEX 9
Danube / Black Sea Basin Strategic Partnership
ANNEX 10
Relevance of the GPA for Land-Based Sources of Pollution in the frame
of the DRPC
ANNEX 11
Causes and Effects of Eutrophication in the Black Sea
ANNEX 12
Evaluation of the UNDP/GEF Pollution Reduction Programme
ANNEX 13
Endorsement Letters
ANNEX 14
Danube Regional Project ­Phase 1: APR 2003
ANNEX 15
Danube Regional Project ­Phase 1: Objectives / Success Criteria /
Progress


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