Tisza River Basin
Analysis 2007
Summary Report - A call for action
tisza_report_vers4.indd 1
19.11.2007 11:25:18 Uhr

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2
Foreword
Philip Weller
Joachim D'Eugenio
Executive Secretary
Chairman of the Tisza Group
International Commission for the
European Commission Environment
Protection of the Danube River
Directorate-General Water & Marine Unit
There is much to be proud of in the Tisza River Basin ­
In 2004, the European Union held the rotating Presidency of the
including unique cultures, rare flora and fauna, a rich supply of
ICPDR. One of our key objectives was to promote and strengthen
natural resources and the waters of the Tisza River itself.
cooperation in the Tisza region. Since then, enlargement rounds have
brought the Tisza into the heart of the EU. Water management faces
But it is the cooperation between the five
a variety of problems but if we can manage to resolve these problems
Tisza countries ­ Ukraine, Romania, Slovakia,
in the Tisza Basin, it should be possible elsewhere.
Hungary and Serbia ­ that make the protection
The Tisza Analysis exceeds expectations.
of these assets possible.
It builds on the principles of EU water legislation, in particular the
Their collaboration on the Tisza River Basin Analysis went beyond
Water Framework Directive, and identifies major water quality
their obligations to the International Commission for the Protection
problems. But it goes beyond this to cover water quantity aspects
of the Danube River (ICPDR) and the EU Water Framework Direc-
in similar depth and discusses how to strengthen relations between
tive (WFD). Their work produced the first analysis of the Tisza River
quantity and quality management, anticipating future directives such
Basin, for which this is a summary, and highlights the issues for the
as the EU Flood Risk Management Directive and the EU Water
region that will enable an Integrated River Basin Management Plan
Scarcity and Droughts Action Plan.
to be developed for the Tisza River Basin by 2009.
While the report indicates significant challenges ahead, transbound-
The results of the analysis show that there is much work to be done
ary cooperation is the key to solving these issues. Therefore, I call on
to protect this important region from the threat of pollution as well as
all the Tisza countries and partners to intensify their efforts for the
from floods and droughts. It is therefore critical to follow up on the
benefit of the Tisza people and the environment. The European
excellent work begun by the Tisza countries under the ICPDR's Tisza
Commission is committed to continue its support for this process.
Group. With integrated approaches to land and water management,
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we can protect the Tisza River Basin. And we must do so together.
////////////////////////////////////////////// ěÍŞĚ //// România //// Slovensko //// Magyarország //// Srbija /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

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Introduction
The Tisza River is the longest tributary of the Danube and its basin
is the largest sub-basin of the Danube Basin. It is home to 14 million
people throughout five countries ­ Ukraine, Romania, Slovakia,
Hungary and Serbia. The Tisza River Basin is an area rich in bio-
diversity, providing habitats for many species no longer found in other The work done by the Tisza countries toward
parts of Europe. Many areas of the region, including nature reserves
a River Basin Management Plan for the Tisza
and national parks, are important ecological assets.
Basin serves as a pilot programme for other
Unfortunately, this region faces serious
European sub-basins.
threats from pollution and river engineering
This summary document presents the key assets and risks in the
as well as from floods and droughts.
region. It is based on an extensive technical report, used as a
reference for all facts and figures, which will be finalised and
This is why the Tisza countries have come together ­ to provide
approved at the end of 2007. The full report presents a comprehensive
collective action to protect and maintain this environment. There is
environmental analysis for the surface and groundwater bodies on a
a long history of successful cooperation among the Tisza River
Tisza Basin-wide scale. Also included are a number of actions that
Basin countries. Most recently, the Tisza countries collaborated to
still need to be taken, especially by the Tisza country governments,
prepare the Tisza River Basin Analysis 2007, coordinated by the
to fill information gaps and provide a complete picture of the basin's
International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River
needs. Action must be taken collectively to protect and maintain this
(ICPDR). The report details water quality and quantity issues and
unique region.
the need to integrate them. The report will serve as the basis for the
Tisza River Basin Management Plan and will help meet EU Direc-
tives, such as the Water Framework Directive and the Flood Directive,
as well as country obligations within the ICPDR.
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// ěÍŞĚ //// România //// Slovensko //// Magyarország //// Srbija ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

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Setting the Scene
The Tisza River Basin Analysis ­ with the cooperation of all Tisza countries ­ will guide
the development of a plan to protect the Tisza Basin from pollution and further degradation
and to reduce the risks from floods and droughts.
An important European resource
The Tisza River, the longest tributary to the Danube River, flows
through five countries and drains 157,186 km2.
The Tisza River Basin is one of the most pic-
turesque regions in Europe. Mountain streams,
The waters of the Tisza Basin are under the threat of pollution from
meandering rivers and diverse landscapes are
organic substances from municipalities and urban settlements,
home to many unique species.
nutrients from wastewater and farming and hazardous substances
from industry, mining and agriculture.
The Tisza River Basin provides a high diversity of habitats for plants
and animals ­ some of which are no longer found in other parts of
Furthermore, changes in land-use and river engineering have modi-
Europe. Furthermore, countries in the Tisza River Basin have set
fied the natural structure of the river and resulted in the loss of natu-
aside a significant amount of protected areas and national parks,
ral floodplains and wetlands. These changes have led to an increase in
including nature reserves and several Ramsar sites.
extreme events, such as severe floods (the most recent in the period
from 1998 to 2006), periods of devastating droughts (particularly in
The Tisza River Basin is important to the people living there, and
Hungary and Serbia) as well as landslides and erosion in the uplands.
provides livelihoods for many through agriculture, forestry, pastures,
mining, navigation, tourism and energy production.
Cooperation in the basin
The last 150 years of human influence,
however, have caused serious problems for
The countries in the Tisza Basin have a history of excellent coopera-
tion and have worked collaboratively to prepare an analysis of
the basin's waters.
the basin detailing the pressures and impacts from pollution, river
engineering works, floods and droughts. As noted in the report, action
must be taken collectively to protect and maintain the river basin's
ecosystem using an integrated river basin management approach
combining land and water management, as well as issues of both
water quality and water quantity.

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The Tisza River Basin countries will prepare a River Basin Manage-
ment Plan for the Tisza Basin by 2009. This will include the next
steps and long-term actions required to fulfil the WFD and all other
relevant legislation. This plan will provide shared approaches between
all countries for environmental assessment and reduce information
gaps. The plan will help countries design and implement measures
to reduce pollution and impacts resulting from river engineering
changes, as well as strategies to address floods and droughts, improve
land management and reconnect floodplains and wetlands.

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6
Overview
The Tisza River is located in the geographical heart of Europe. Together with its tributaries,
it drains the largest catchment area in the Carpathian Mountains before flowing through the
Pannonian Plain to join the Danube River.
A diversity of landscapes
Three sections of the Tisza River
The Tisza Basin is the largest sub-basin in the Danube River Basin.
1. The mountainous Upper Tisza in Ukraine and Romania, upstream
It is shared by Ukraine, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary and Serbia. The
from the mouth of the Somes River
river rises in the Carpathian Mountains of Ukraine and is formed
2. The Middle Tisza in Hungary receives the largest tributaries: the Bodrog
from the confluence of the White and Black Tisza rivers. The main
and Slaná rivers bringing water from the Carpathian Mountains in Slovakia
tributaries of the Tisza are the Mures, Körös, Slaná, Bodrog and
and Ukraine, as well as the Somes, Körös and Mures rivers draining the
Somes rivers.
Transylvania area of Romania
3. The Lower Tisza in Hungary and Serbia, downstream from the mouth of the
The Tisza River Basin at a glance
Mures River, where it receives the Bega and other tributaries through the
Size of the Tisza River Basin: 157,186 km2
Danube-Tisza-Danube Canal System
Length of the Tisza River: 966 km
Percentage of the Tisza Basin in the Danube River Basin: 19.5%
The Tisza River Basin is home to 14 million people, and land in the
Annual mean discharge: 830 m3/s
basin is mainly used for agriculture, grazing, nature reserves and
Natural lakes with surface area bigger than 10 km2: 2
urban areas. Forestry is an important economic sector in the uplands
Tributaries with surface area bigger than 1,000 km2: 37
of the Tisza River Basin, particularly in Ukraine and Romania. The
average share of forest cover is 26%, concentrated in the northern and
eastern parts of the basin. There are more than 30 hydropower stations
within the basin. The Tisza River is also used as a waterway from the
Ukrainian-Hungarian border (downstream from the border towns of
Chop and Záhony) to its confluence with the Danube ­ covering over
70% of the total length.
Distribution of the area between the Tisza Countries
% in each country
Slovakia
10
Hungary
29
Serbia
Ukraine
46
7
Romania
8

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7
History of cooperation
The Danube River Protection Convention is the overall legal instru-
ment for cooperation and trans-boundary water management in the
Danube River Basin. Signed in 1994, it aims to ensure that surface
waters and groundwater within the basin are managed sustainably
and equitably. The International Commission for the Protection of
the Danube River (ICPDR), with its secretariat based in Vienna, was
established in 1998 to achieve the goals of the Convention.
Public Participation in River Basin Management
Various initiatives have been taken within the framework of the ICPDR to pro-
The Tisza River Basin and the EU Water Framework Directive
mote public participation as a core principle in sustainable water management.
One of the key elements of the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) is to ensure
Organisations, representing civil society or private industry, as well as interna-
that all waters meet the requirements of `good status' by 2015. The first step
tional organisations are granted rights and opportunities to become observers
towards the objective is to create a River Basin Management Plan by 2009. The
and participate in the ICPDR and its Expert Group Meetings, participate in dis-
EU Member States can supplement the River Basin Management Plan with more
cussions, intervene or present their materials or documents. Several observers
detailed programmes and management plans for sub-basins. The Tisza Group
participate in the activities of the Tisza Group and this cooperation has proven
countries have established a Tisza River Sub-basin initiative to produce a sub-
to be successful in ensuring that different concerns and approaches help influ-
basin level Tisza River Basin Management Plan by 2009, integrating issues on
ence and shape current water management in the sub-basin.
flood and water quantity management.
Since the WFD came into force in 2000, the ICPDR was nominated as the plat-
form to coordinate the implementation of the Directive. In addition to Danube-
wide planning, the ICPDR also takes an active role in sub-basin planning by
supporting and encouraging, and assisting stakeholder involvement by bringing
local and regional planners into, the planning process.
Distribution of the population in the Tisza Countries
At the first ministerial meeting of the ICPDR in 2004, representatives
14 million people live in the Tisza River Basin.
of the five Tisza countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding,
agreeing to prepare a River Basin Management Plan for the Tisza
% in each country
Slovakia
River Basin by the end of 2009. The `Tisza Group' was created to
12
Hungary
prepare and coordinate all activities for the preparation of the Tisza
29
Serbia
River Basin Management Plan. The Tisza Group also serves as a
platform for strengthening coordination and information exchange
Ukraine
44
among relevant international, regional and national bodies and
Romania
6
projects in the Tisza River Basin.
9

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Key Natural Values
The Tisza River Basin is an important European resource, boasting a high diversity of landscapes
which provide habitats for unique species of animal and plant life, such as the Tisza `flower' or
mayfly (Palingenia longicauda), with a significant number of protected areas and national parks.
A unique world
The Tisza River Basin is blessed with a rich biodiversity, including
fish, notably Nase (Chondrostoma nasus), Barbel (Barbus barbus)
many species no longer found in Western Europe. Large carnivores
and Sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus). The area supports a rich wetland
are found in the mountains, including brown bear (Ursus arctos),
fauna of dragonflies (Odonata) and nesting water birds, including
lynx (Lynx lynx), wolf (Canis lupus lupus) and otter (Lutra lutra). The
all eight European Heron species (Ardea cinerea, Ardea purpurea,
variety of habitats in the region supports many vulnerable, threatened
Lxobrychus minutus, Botaurus stellaris, Egretta garzetta, Nycticorax
and critically endangered species such as the Corn crake (Crex crex),
nycticorax, Ardeola ralloides and Bubulcus ibis). The basin is also
Geoffroy`s bat (Myotis emarginatus), European Ground Squirrel
home to rare plants such as Galium bailloni, Fumaria jankae and
(Spermophilus citellus) and Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldens-
Thero-Salicornietea.
taedtii). The upper Tisza Basin is an important migration route for
Longitudinal profile of the Tisza River and contribution of water from each country (in %) to the mean discharge of the Tisza (in m3/s)
Discharge in m3/s
Discharge in m3/s
900
900
800
800
700
700
600
600
500
500
400
400
Serbia
300
300
Slovakia
200
200
Hungary
100
100
Romania
0
Ukraine
0
966
800
Szamos
600
Bodrog
400
Körös
200 Maros
0
695,8 km
548,2 km
242 km
174,5 km
Data based on the JRC-IES dataset (1991-2002) and results from the VITUKI NFHS flood routing module.

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//////////////////////////// ěÍŞĚ //// România //// Slovensko //// Magyarország //// Srbija ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
The region has outstanding natural ecologi-
cal values such as unique freshwater wetland
ecosystems, 167 larger oxbow-lakes, more than
300 riparian wetlands and 12 Ramsar sites.
Within the most important protected areas for species and habitats in
the upper and middle Tisza, there are two areas in Slovakia: a 50,000
ha protected area on the Slaná River which is partially shared with
Hungary, and a 10,000 ha protected wetland on the Latorica River
near the Ukrainian border. In Romania, nature reserves and national
parks in the upper Tisza River Basin represent a total surface area
of 194,271 ha. Nature conservation is an important economic com-
ponent in the Ukrainian upper Tisza River Basin - protected areas
occupy 1,600 km2, or more than 12% of the Zakarpatska Oblast area.
Five National Parks -- the Aggteleki, Hortobágyi, Körös-Maros,
Bükki, Kiskunsági -- and several protected areas are located in the
middle and lower Tisza.

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Map ­ Tisza River Basin
Overview
Danube River Basin District
Praha
Bratislava
Wien
Kishinev
München
Budapest
Ismail
Ljubljana
Zagreb
Bucuresti
Beograd
Sarajevo
Sofia
Landuse
LEGEND
Tisza River Sub-basin
Danube River Basin District (DRBD)
Tisza and Danube
Lakes (surface area > 10 km2)

National
borders
Cities 50,000 ­100,000 inhabitants
Cities 100,000 ­250,000 inhabitants
Cities 250,000 ­1,000,000 inhabitants
Aggregated landuse classes:

Coniferous
forest

Deciduous
forest

Grassland

Wetlands

Arable
land

Urbanized
area
Sparsly vegetated area

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0 30 60 90
120
150
Kilometers

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Key Risks ­ Quality
A healthy river system requires balancing the needs of the region's people and economy
with the needs of the river for clean waters and ample habitats for wildlife.
The results of human influence
Human influence in the region during recent centuries ­ including
activities such as farming, forestry, mining and river engineering,
all essential to the livelihoods of the people in the basin ­ contributed
to problems in the form of pollution and changes to the natural form
of the river.
The impacts of pollution are significant in
the Tisza River Basin and affect human
health, the access to healthy fisheries, the
safety of settlements and the development
Percentage of `N` and `P` sources
of a successful tourism industry.
N-sources
Urban
8
These pressures were evaluated by the Tisza River Basin Analysis
Agriculture
13
30
2007 to determine the likelihood of achieving a `good status' for the
Other diffuse sources
waters of the Tisza River Basin as expected by the EU Water Frame-
Background
work Directive (WFD).
49
The surface water conditions of the Tisza Basin
1
P-sources
8
The Tisza River Basin Analysis shows that much of the basin's water
bodies are `at risk' or `possibly at risk' of failing to meet the expec-
21
tations of the WFD due to pollution from organic substances from
municipalities and settlements, nutrients from wastewater and farm-
ing and hazardous substances from industry and mining. The river is
70
highly at risk due to extensive river engineering works in the basin for
navigation, flood protection and hydropower needs, which resulted in
a high percentage of provisionally heavily modified water bodies of
the Tisza River (nearly 50% of the total length of the Tisza River was
Sources of nutrient pollution
identified as provisionally heavily modified). These alterations impact The main sources of nitrogen are derived from agricultural sources
the natural ecology of rivers by changing flow characteristics, restrict-
(e.g. excess fertiliser, inappropriate storage and use of manure). If the
ing fish migration and isolating rivers from wetlands and floodplains.
levels of nutrients (for example, nitrogen and phosphorus) are too high,
then this can lead to eutrophication ­ a process whereby biological growth
is over-fertilised resulting in the consumption of too much oxygen and the
potential creation of a `dead zone'. Throughout the Danube Basin, consider-
able efforts have been directed at reducing nutrients entering the rivers
and thus reducing the problems of eutrophication in the Black Sea.

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Surface water bodies at risk/possibly at risk/not at risk of
failing to meet WFD good status on the Tisza River
at risk
25
possibly at risk
not at risk
6
69
A significant conclusion from the preliminary analysis is that there is still
much work to be done in collecting basic information about the pressures
and their impacts on the basin. The current risk assessment shows that
the countries of the basin have classified much of the main Tisza River as
being `at risk' of failing to meet the directive's objective of `good status`.

In addition the risk assessment indicates that more work is needed to
harmonise the approach to estimating the risk of failure.
The role of wetlands
Wetlands and floodplains form an integral part of river systems, providing a
variety of different habitats for wildlife, reducing nutrients, trapping sediments,
aiding flood protection and recharging groundwater. Many of the wetlands and
floodplains in the Tisza Basin were lost during the last centuries in order to cre-
ate farmland, generate electricity and improve water transport. The results left
a natural river modified, and in some cases the canalisation of former natural
rivers has accentuated floods in downstream communities.
Good news for groundwater
Groundwater is an important resource in the basin. Most ground-
water bodies are used for drinking water, as well as for agriculture
and industry. The majority of the basin's significant groundwater
resources were identified to be `not at risk' of failing the WFD's
requirements for chemical status.

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Key Risks ­ Quantity
The substantial demands on water resources in the region ­ for drinking water, as well as for
agriculture and industry ­ together with the impacts of climatic changes, can result in water
shortages or excess water that can be disastrous.
Meeting demands for water
Future demand for water
Water is a valuable commodity, and groundwater in particular is sub-
From data on planned water uses, the total annual water demand
ject to a variety of uses. The Tisza River Basin Analysis 2007 shows
for the Tisza River Basin in 2015 is estimated to be approximately
that current water supplies are sufficient, and that 85% of transbound-
1.5 billion m3 ­ or 5.5% to 6% of the total annual runoff. Water use
ary groundwater bodies were determined to be `not at risk' of fail-
for irrigation will increase significantly as all Tisza Basin countries
ing to meet quantity expectations. Of the remaining transboundary
plan to upgrade existing irrigation systems and to build new ones.
groundwater bodies, 3% were identified in Hungary as `at risk' and
The increases in water use in the Tisza River Basin will be an
12% were identified in Serbia and Ukraine as `possibly at risk'.
additional pressure on already endangered aquatic ecosystems,
particularly in the summer low-water period when planned irrigation
However, while current reserves are sufficient, there is concern that
can go beyond available water quantities.
increasing demands for agricultural irrigation, together with a fluc-
tuating climate, may require additional efforts to manage resources
fairly for all the people living in the basin.

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Groundwater resources status
Quality
at risk
6
12
possibly at risk
not at risk
Understanding floods and droughts
82
During the 19th century extensive river
training and flood control measures shortened
3
Quantity
6
the length of the river by 30% to the 966 km
it is today.
Floods are natural phenomena, but they can turn into disasters caus-
ing widespread damage, health problems and even deaths. This is
91
especially the case where rivers have been cut off from their natural
floodplains or are confined to man-made channels where houses and
industrial sites have been constructed in areas that are naturally prone
to flooding. Recent years have seen an increase in extreme events in
The Tisza River Basin reserves of groundwaters are considered to be mainly
the Tisza River Basin with devastating results.
of good status with regards to quality and quantity. However, predicted
increases in demand from irrigation and diffuse pollution from agriculture
Floods in the Tisza River Basin can form in any season as a result
could threaten this good status if appropriate integrated management ac-
of rainstorms and/or snowmelt. The lowland area of the Tisza River
tions are not implemented.
Basin can be extensively inundated due to sudden snowmelt, heavy
precipitation or as a result of groundwater. This excess water can
cause significant damage to agriculture or infrastructure and settle-
ments. In addition, flood waters can also wash pollutants directly into
The impact of climate change
the river, further endangering the ecosystem.
The effects of climate change cannot be ignored. Recent models of
A drought is an extended period of time when a region experiences a
global and regional changes have indicated that significant impacts
shortage of water. Even a short intense drought can cause significant
on the waters of the Tisza River Basin may be expected in the future,
damage to the ecosystem and agriculture and harm the local economy.
in particular:
Water shortages in Serbia and Hungary have caused substantial dam-
­ Reduced average water flow
age to agriculture in recent years.
­ Increase in extreme events such as floods and droughts
­ Significant regional and local variations
Climate fluctuations will likely have an impact on the water quality
and ecology of the river basin and learning to adapt to extreme events
from further changes will be an important challenge for people living
in the Tisza River Basin.

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16
Key Solutions &
Challenges
Action must be taken collectively to maintain and protect the ecosystem with an integrated
river basin management approach combining land and water management, as well as balancing
water quality and water quantity.
Working together
The threats to the Tisza River Basin must be addressed and managed
through enhanced international planning and measures. The Tisza
River Basin Analysis 2007 provides vital information to successfully
develop the Integrated River Basin Management Plan.
The Tisza River Basin Management Plan will
Estimation of consumptive use (present status and scenario for 2015)
integrate issues of both water quality and
water quantity in a combined approach for
present status
Irrigation
land and water management.
11
Other agricultural use
(livestock farms, fish
35
production etc)
The Tisza River Basin countries have collaboratively prepared the
Public water supply
32
Analysis which will be converted into a plan of action, with support
Water supply of
industry
from the EU and other financing institutions. The Tisza countries will
7
Thermal power plant
then implement the plan under their EU and ICPDR commitments.
15
cooling
scenario 2015
Identifying the next steps
9
6
10
While the Tisza countries have undertaken much work, there are still
7
many areas that need to be addressed to successfully develop a River
Basin Management Plan for the Tisza Basin. The Analysis has helped
to identify the gaps in data and information that need to be delivered,
68
and the bilateral and multilateral agreements on issues such as deter-
mination of risk of failure to meet "good status" and risks related to
floods and drought that still need to be completed.
The figures show the main water users of the Tisza River Basin area and
their consumptive uses. Agriculture has the highest demand for water
//////
(irrigation and other uses). Based on the scenarios, a significant increase
////////
for irrigation can be expected in the Tisza River Basin area by 2015.
////////////////////////////////////// ěÍŞĚ //// România //// Slovensko //// Magyarország //// Srbija //////////////////
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Water quality evaluation must be improved by:
The management of water quality and quantity must be better integrated by:
­ Unifying the approaches of risk assessment between countries, as well as
­ Improving flood risk maps
providing data (such as results from water quality monitoring) for impact
­ Improving inventories of pollution hot spots
assessment to validate risk estimation
­ Collecting and organizing information on planned infrastructure projects
­ Refining the assessment of the risk of failing to meet `good status'
­ Improving assessments regarding excessive river engineering projects
­ Improving the monitoring of all parameters required by the WFD
­ Defining minimum flows for ecological quality and pressure criteria
Water quantity evaluation must be improved by:
­ Improving data on water uses
­ Developing flood maps including flood hazard and risk maps
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// ěÍŞĚ //// România //// Slovensko //// Magyarország //// Srbija /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

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A plan of action for the Tisza River Basin
Long-term actions
Through the end of 2007, the Tisza countries have committed
It is critical to follow up on the work begun in the Tisza River Basin
to continue bilateral and multilateral discussions to unify assessment
Analysis in order to protect the Tisza ecosystems from pollution as
methods, finalise the Tisza River Basin Analysis 2007 and to
well as from floods and droughts. Success will depend on the dedi-
develop a plan of action toward completing the Tisza River Basin
cated cooperation from all countries and continuing work on long-
Management Plan.
term actions:
­ Implementation of the measures of the Integrated River Basin
By the end of 2008, the plan calls for:
Management Plan
­ Preparation of a draft Tisza River Basin Management Plan for
­ Developing strategies and implementing plans to adapt to climate change
public consultation
­ Improving flood risk management within the Tisza River Basin
­ Preparation of a `Programme of Measures' to address the priority issues
including the restoration of floodplains and wetlands
of organic, nutrient and hazardous substance pollution as well as
­ Ensuring equitable balances of water resources between the needs of the
the impacts of extensive river engineering
countries and the environment
­ Validation of risk assessment using the new WFD-compliant
national monitoring data
­ Compilation of a list of future infrastructure plans and projects
And by the end of 2009, following the public consultation, the plan
calls for Tisza countries to complete the final Integrated River Basin
Management Plan, including flood-related aspects.

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19
Conclusions
With the Tisza River Basin Analysis 2007, the ground has been set for all countries in the basin to
work together to manage their land and water operations for the benefit of the environment and
the people living in the region.
A milestone for river protection
The Tisza River Basin Analysis 2007 is the analysis of the Tisza Basin
environment and impacts on it, toward the fulfilment of the EU Water
Framework Directive. As such, it is a major step by the Tisza coun-
tries to protect and maintain important resources in the river basin.
The report characterises the Tisza River Basin by identifying key
environmental and water management problems in relation to water
The results of the analysis will be used to develop the Tisza River
quality and water quantity, and creates the basis for the development
Basin Management Plan and Programme of Measures for implemen-
of the integrated Tisza River Basin Management Plan by 2009.
tation by 2015. Although the analysis shows that there are still many
areas where additional work is needed, the Tisza Group and the
countries of the Tisza River Basin have achieved significant progress
Moving beyond expectations
and serve as an outstanding example of cooperation.
The Tisza River Basin Analysis 2007, supported by an EU grant,
has undergone the same process taken by the Danube countries to
produce the Danube River Basin Analysis 2004 (Roof Report) at the
Danube River Basin level. However, the analysis for the Tisza goes
beyond the work of the Roof Report in several significant ways:
­ The Tisza River Basin Analysis addresses issues specific to the sub-basin
level, such as local mining.
­ The analysis includes new data from Ukraine and Serbia, which was
previously unavailable for the Roof Report.
­ The analysis integrates management issues of both water quantity and
water quality to manage both jointly.
Integration of water quality and quantity in land
and water planning will be essential. To achieve
this success in the Tisza River Basin, countries
must work together and with all other partners.

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This document has been produced with the financial assistance of the European
Union. The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official
opinion of the European Union
The competent authorities for WFD implementation in the Tisza Countries
Ukraine
Ministry for Environmental Protection, www.menr.gov.ua

State Committee for Water Management, www.scwm.gov.ua
Romania
Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, www.mappm.ro

National Administration "Apele Romane", www.rowater.ro
Slovak Republic Ministry of the Environment, www.enviro.gov.sk
Hungary
Ministry of Environment and Water, www.kvvm.hu
Serbia
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, www.minpolj.sr.gov.yu
IMPRINT / ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// ěÍŞĚ //// România //// Slovensko //// Magyarország //// Srbija //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Published by
ICPDR ­ International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River
Vienna International Center, D0412
PO BOX 500, 1400 Vienna, Austria
Project Coordination
Diana Heilmann
Edited and written by
Kirstie Shepherd
Paul Csagoly
Concept / Layout
Büro X Wien, www.buerox.at
The photographs have been kindly provided by
Alexei Iarochevitch / Ukraine
Sallai Zoltán / Hungary
Maps based on FLUVIUS
© ICPDR 2007
www.icpdr.org

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