ANNUAL REPORT
on the Activities of the
ICPDR in 1999
icpdr

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ANNUAL REPORT
on the Activities of the
ICPDR in 1999
Information
ICPDR ­ International Commission for the Protection
of the Danube River / Permanent Secretariat
Vienna International Centre, D0412
P. O. Box 500, 1400 Vienna / Austria
Tel: 0043-1-260 60-5738, Fax: 0043-1-260 60-5895
e-mail: icpdr@unvienna.org, www.icpdr.org

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Imprint
Owner: ICPDR­ International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River / Permanent
Secretariat, Design and Production: p:matter Vienna, e-mail: p_matter@hotmail.com;
Editing/Proofreading: Parole Language Services, Croatia; Print: Print Tech Ltd., Hungary

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Foreword
The Danube River Basin is not only the geographical catchment area of the second largest river of
Europe, but it has played in the past and still plays today an important role as a cultural and histo-
rical center of political, social and economic development in Europe. The hydrological and envi-
ronmental cooperation in this river basin has a long-term history and the first institutional frame-
work for the joint measures for protecting the water environment was established under the
Bucharest Declaration in the eighties.
However, a common quality and protection policy at the multilateral level was for a long time inhi-
bited by political barriers. With the political changes in 1989 it was possible to develop an inter-
national water resources protection strategy in the Danube catchment area. On the basis of the
UN/ECE Convention on the Protection and the Use of Transboundary Waters (Helsinki Convention)
a corresponding agreement relating to international law for the Danube River Basin ­ the Danube
River Protection Convention (DRPC) - was developed. The signing of the DRPC in June 1994 and
its entry into force in October 1998 created a legal frame for cooperation of the contracting parties
to assure environmental protection of ground and surface waters and aquatic ecosystems in the
Danube River Basin. To support the implementation of the targets and regulations of the DRPC the
International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) was established. 1999 was
the first working year of the ICPDR.
It can be stated that within the short time of about 10 years since the opening of the "iron curtain"
the cooperation on transboundary water management has been increased and specific knowledge
has been developed. In the frame of the Environmental Programme for the Danube River Basin, the
European Union with the Phare multi-country programme and Tacis as well as the UNDP/GEF have
supported the initiatives of the Danube countries in creating common mechanisms and structures
for water protection and monitoring. Due to the intensive co-operation under the DRPC and by uti-
lizing the working potential of the ICPDR Expert Groups, new approaches to the basin-wide water
protection have been developed leading to positive expectations for the future basin-wide co-opera-
tion in water management.
Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Stalzer
President of the ICPDR
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Contents
1.
Operational and institutional framework conditions
6
1.1 The mandate given to the ICPDR and its executive response
6
1.2 Existing structures and bodies carrying the progress made and
7
supporting the ICPDR
1.3 Programme Management Task Force (PMTF)
9
1.4 Financial contribution and budgetary arrangements
9
2.
Water quality and hydrological situation of the Danube River Basin
10
3.
Work towards harmonised emission policies in the States of the
12
Danube Basin
4.
Operation of the Danube Accidental Emergency Warning System
15
5.
Information system of the ICPDR
16
6.
International cooperation
18
6.1 UNDP / GEF Pollution Reduction Programme
18
6.2 EC PHARE / TACIS Multicountry Programme
19
6.3 Cooperation with UNEP / OCHA Balkan Task Force
20
7.
Cooperation between the ICPBS and the ICPDR
22
8.
Reinforcement and coordination of the donor engagement
23
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Preamble
The tasks of the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) are manda-
ted by the "Convention on Cooperation for the Protection and Sustainable Use of the Danube River"
(Danube River Protection Convention, DRPC). From this Convention also derive the responsibilities of
the ICPDR aimed at ensuring its implementation and enhancing the cooperation between the
Contracting Parties fulfilling their respective obligations.
This report by the ICPDR on its activities is the first one given after the termination of a four years
interim implementation phase. It reflects the results of the first working year based on the DRPC entry
into force on 22 October 1998. This report fulfils the obligation of the ICPDR pursuant to its Statute
(Annex IV Article 9, DRPC) to submit to the Contracting Parties an annual report. At the same time it
is to be made available to the public for information and increased public participation.
The report is intended to meet both the mandates given by the DRPC and the expectations the addres-
sees are presumed to have. As to the particular working year 1999 referred to, the report reflects the
activities performed, the co-operation embarked on, the developments in progress and the results
achieved. From this, it is linked with all other reporting activities already running under the DRPC,
which provide specific basis and input.
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1. Operational and institutional
framework conditions
The basis for all activities of the ICPDR is found
1.1 ICPDR's mandate and its
in the Convention to be implemented, in parti-
executive response
cular in the objectives and principles of coope-
ration and the additional scope relating to the
In the framework of the objectives, principles
planned activities and the ongoing measures.
and scope defined under Articles 2 and 3 of the
The main objective is to achieve close coopera-
DRPC, the International Commission is man-
tion between all Contracting Parties aimed at
dated with responsibility for the entire imple-
the protection and sustainable use of the
mentation. This particularly includes:
Danube River and all waters within its
all steering and decision-making functions
catchment, particularly in the transboundary
except those held by the Conference of the Parties;
context. The Contracting Parties have com-
mitted themselves to taking all appropriate
specification and interpretation of the legal
legal, administrative and technical measures to
and administrative basis;
maintain and improve the current environ-
mental and water quality conditions.
establishment and further development of
the institutional framework conditions, particu-
The ICPDR is mandated to ­ through its activi-
larly the mandate to hold standing and ad-hoc
ties and decisions ­ steer, develop and coordi-
Expert Groups;
nate this implementation including the possibi-
lities for the enforcement of compliance. To this
enhancement of joint activities and mutual
end, the legal and administrative basis is speci-
cooperation between the Contracting Parties
fied according to the DRPC provisions through
including the exchange of experience and
the key regulatory documents such as the Rules
information;
of Procedure and the Financial Rules.
Institutional framework conditions are created
encouragement and enforcement of com-
in order to support the implementation and to
pliance regarding the obligations set before the
assist the ICPDR in coping with its tasks and
Contracting Parties for domestic implemen-
responsibilities.
tation, including their reporting obligations;
The progress previously made in implementing
cooperation with other organizations or
the DRPC was achieved thanks to both the
bodies which are engaged in the protection and
efforts made by the Contracting Parties towards
management of the Danube River water or
cooperation and domestic execution as well as
experienced in related issues.
to the substantial external support provided by
donors and International Organizations
Moreover, the ICPDR deals with all other affairs
(UNDP/GEF, EU Phare/Tacis)
by mandate from the Contracting Parties. This
authority includes a general mandate for all
types of development projects. This mandate
allowed the ICPDR, in the working year 1999
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including end 1998 (after the DRPC entry into
Steps were taken to prepare the ICPDR for
force), to make progress and report the following
assuming the tasks of river basin management
achievements:
and integrated water management under the
DRPC with special emphasis on strong links to
The Permanent Secretariat (PS) was established
the EU/Water Framework Directive.
in October 1999 under the ICPDR Statute and was
made operational;
The Programme Management Task Force
1.2 Existing structures and bodies sup-
(PMTF) was established and made operational; it
porting the ICPDR and contributing to
ensures close coordination between the ICPDR,
its achievements
the Donors and IFIs as well as the NGOs, based on
specific ToRs and Rules of Procedure;
The existing expert structure emerged in a step-
by-step process as the ICPDR was responding to
The first Yearbook on the water quality condi-
current needs and priorities. MLIM and AEPWS
tions in the Danube River Basin for the year 1996
Expert Groups had been established under the EC
was prepared based on the monitoring and eva-
Environmental Programme for the Danube River
luation resulting from the Trans National Moni-
Basin (EPDRB) and were integrated into the ICPDR
toring Network (TNMN);
following the entry into force of the DRPC. In
1999 three standing and one ad-hoc Expert
The Pollution Reduction Programme for the
Groups dealt with technical issues arising from
Danube River (DPRP) was finalised and approved
the implementation of the DRPC:
by the Steering Group;
The Monitoring, Laboratory and Information
The Revised Draft of A Common Platform for
Management Expert Group (MLIM/EG) dealt with
the Development of National Policies and Actions
the problems of water quality assessment and
for Pollution Reduction under the DRPC ­ a
classification in the Danube River Basin. With res-
policy document supporting the DRPC implemen-
pect to these tasks the Expert Group was also
tation, in particular measures requiring invest-
involved in solving the technical details of trans-
ments ­ was finalised;
national monitoring, laboratory analysis and
monitoring data distribution.
The Black Sea ­ Danube Memorandum of
Understanding ­ a declaration of policy and co-
The Accidental Emergency Prevention and
operation between the ICPDR and the Inter-
Warning System Expert Group (AEPWS/EG) was
national Commission for the Protection of the
involved in the operation of the Danube
Black Sea (ICPBS) was prepared;
Accidental Warning Alarm System with an
emphasis on the communication of alarm/ war-
The Information System of the ICPDR (DANU-
ning messages during accidental pollution inci-
BIS) was established;
dents. As an additional task, this EG was respon-
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1. Operational and institutional
framework conditions
sible for pollution prevention and precautionary
The ad-hoc Strategic Expert Group (S/EG) was
control in the whole river basin.
mandated to deal with the administrative and
financial matters in the development phase of
The main objective of the activities of the
the ICPDR.
Emission Expert Group (EMIS/EG) was the re-
duction of pollution resulting from emissions
The Programme of Work for the year 1999 was
into the Danube and its tributaries. Priority was
carried out mainly by the three technical Expert
given to harmonisation with the EU water poli-
Groups: MLIM/EG, AEPWS/EG and EMIS/EG in
cies, e.g., compliance with the EU/WFD list of
close cooperation with the Permanent Secre-
priority substances. The necessary steps for the
tariat. Considerable input was received via the
preparation of the 2001 ­ 2005 Draft Joint
related activities performed with the support of
Action Programme (JAP) in 2000 were taken by
Phare/Tacis and GEF/UNDP.
EMIS/EG in 1999.
Organizational Structure under the Danube River Protection Convention
CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES
International Commission for the
Protection of the Danube River - ICPDR
Permanent Secretariat (PS)
Programme Management Task Force (PMTF)
Implementation of the Danube River

Protection Convention
Supporting the ICPDR sessions
Coordination and implementation of
Decision making, management and
Supporting Expert Groups, PMTF
donor supported activities
coordination of regional cooperation
Coordinating Work Programme
Development of financing mechanisms for
Approval of annual work program and
Supporting project development and
project execution
budget
implementation
Follow up of activities and evaluation of
Maintenance of Information System
results from Expert Groups
Emission Issues
Monitoring, Laboratory and
Accidental Emergency
Stratetic Expert Group
Ad-hoc Expert Group
(EMIS/EG)
Information Management
Prevention and Warning
(S/EG)
on WFD and RBM
(MLIM/EG)
System (AEPWS/EG)
(WFD/RBM)
Point sources
Diffuse sources
Trans-National
Accidental pollution
Strategic issues
Implementation of
Monitoring Network
Joint action programs
incidents
Legal issues
Water Framework
Laboratory quality
Basic information and
AEWS operation
Administrative and
Directive
assurance
guidelines
Accident prevention
financial issues
River Basin
Respective information
Management
management
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1.3 Programme Management Task Force
tracting Parties with a higher GDP make bigger
(PMTF)
contributions. The budgetary expenditures for the
year 1999 were also approved by the 1st Plenary
The role of the PMTF is to provide a close coordi-
Session. They break down as follows:
nation between the ICPDR, the Donors and IFIs as
well as the NGOs. The PMTF met three times in
1999. However, the participation of the donor
community was rather limited: only US-AID,
1. Staff
6.581.779,00
UNDP/GEF and the WB (WB/GEF plus WB system)
2. Services
1.480.028,00
participated in the meetings; other members,
3. Equipment
333.500,00
including EU-Phare (from CEC Services at
4. Other
600.300,00
Brussels), were absent.
5. Operational Costs
833.750,00
The meetings served to report on the develop-
Overall Total
9.829.357,00
ments in the period between the meetings ­ both
on the side of the ICPDR and the side of the
donors ­ and to look at the funding possibilities
among the donors. Since the participation of
In the course of 1999, Bulgaria and Moldova joi-
national representatives and NGOs at PMTF meet-
ned the Commission, and their contributions were
ings differed only slightly from their participation
to be kept in a Working Capital Fund of the
at the ICPDR Meetings in 1999, and given that the
Budget that was foreseen for extra emergency
agendas of the meetings overlapped, the ICPDR
expenses. Due to administrative problems, the two
will reconsider future operation of the PMTF.
new CPs were not able to pay their contributions
by the end of the year. The status of the Budget
Expenditures shows a comparatively high positive
balance due to the relatively late start of the ope-
1.4 Financial contribution and
ration of the Permanent Secretariat (October 1999)
Budgetary arrangements
and due to the positive balance from the Interim
Secretariat.
The final form of the budget contribution keys for
the year 1999 was proposed by the Steering
The Permanent Secretariat received a Special
Group of the Interim International Commission in
Contribution from Germany and Austria to fi-
their 8th meeting held at Budapest on 26 to 27
nance a Study on Bio-indicators. The preparation
May 1998. The 1st Plenary Meeting of the ICPDR,
of this study started but no funds were used in
held in Vienna on 27 to 28 October 1998 amen-
1999.
ded this proposal and accepted the final version of
the Budget Contributions of 9,829,357.00 ATS for
the year 1999. This annual Budget is based on
three groups of contribution keys, where the Con-
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2. Water quality and hydrological situation
of the Danube River Basin
The long-term daily mean flow of the Danube
precipitation also led to intensive floods in
River is about 6500 m3s; this represents an
several sub-basins in Romania.
average annual discharge of 207 km3. The
mean flow in 1999 exceeded this average long-
term value by more than 21% leading to a total
Pollution accidents
water volume discharged to the Black Sea of
250,1 km3.
Altering hydrological conditions in 1999 only
slightly influenced the water quality status in
the upper part of the Danube river basin.
Hydrological situation
Contamination by oil and suspended solids
contain-ing, e.g., phosphorus and heavy metals
In the upper Danube area, the enormous pre-
occurred in the course of the year; however, the
cipitation rate led to several flood events in late
risk posed by the chemical substances was
spring and early summer of 1999. In the Alpine
usually reduced by their dilution due to an
region of southern Bavaria, extremely intense
increased flow. In the lower part of the Danube,
rain fell on May 20-22. The highest 24-hour-
only a few small-scale accidents were registered
precipitation was registered as 234 mm, far ex-
without any impact on water quality in the
ceeding the previous maximum value of 137
main streams.
mm reported in 1940. The resulting high flood
was one of the biggest such events of the past
100 years. In Austria, the Bundesländer Styria
Water quality trends
and Tirol regions suffered from flood events
with flows exceeding the 100-years' probability
Reduction in discharges belongs to the primary
values. This extreme hydrological situation also
actions taken with a view to improving the
influenced the Danube flow in its middle part
Danube water quality. In Germany, technical
where the highest discharges occurred in May
improvements aimed at N-reduction were per-
with values by 50% ­ 60% higher than the long
formed at several plants. A remarkable reduc-
-term mean monthly values (Qma (1931-80)).
tion in loads was attained at the two City of Mu-
nich WWT Plants. In Austria, a reduction in
In the lower Danube area, flash floods occurred
nutrients in the Mur (Mura), the Drau (Drava)
almost throughout the whole year in many tri-
and the Danube Rivers was achieved through
butaries, especially in those with small reception
technical measures (enlargements; nutrient-
basins. During the winter and spring sea-sons,
removal) at the urban wastewater treatment
the significantly increased discharges in
plants of the cities of Graz, Klagenfurt and Linz
Romania and Bulgaria resulted mainly from the
(Asten). Several improvements of waste water
superposition of rain precipitations and rapid
treatment plants in the Czech part of Morava
snowmelts. Such an extreme regime caused a
River Basin resulted in decreased discharges of
large flood in the Jantra river basin on 11-13
organic and nutrient substances in the receiving
February. In the summer of that year, intense
waters. In Slovakia, the total annual BOD5
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discharge was reduced by 5% and the total annual
The impact of NATO
CODCr was reduced by 4% when compared to
intervention in Yugoslavia
1998. The reduction or termination of industrial
ac-tivities from several major polluters in
The impact NATO intervention had on the
Romania had led to a general improvement in
Danube water quality was examined carefully. In
water quality over the previous decade, causing
Romania, in the 1079 - 830 km Danube stretch,
the percentage of streams with degraded water
increased concentrations of heavy metals and
quality (according to Romanian classification) to
polychlorinated biphenyls in water, sediment and
decrease from 22% in 1989 to 9% in 1999 and the
biota were reported. However, owing to the irre-
ratio of streams with first class water quality
gular monitoring of the micropollutants in this
(according to Romanian classification) to increase
reach in the past, it is not possible to ascribe this
from 35% in 1989 to 59% in 1999. This improve-
concentration increase to NATO intervention. In
ment was also influenced by a stricter inspection
Bulgaria, the quality of all samples collected in
and permit granting policy pursued by the
potentially impacted area corresponded to the
Romanian water authorities. Similarly, the conse-
standards for surface water quality according to
quences of the transition period in Bulgaria cau-
local regulations. The high levels of heavy metals
sed an improvement in the water quality of the
in the sediments were found only near the mouth
local tributaries of the Danube River.
of the Timok River as a result of a long-term con-
tamination from the Bor mine in the territory of
In general, it can be stated that the Danube water
Yugoslavia.
quality in the year 1999 had not changed signi-
ficantly in comparison with 1998. A simplified
Transnational Monitoring Network
example of the water quality status in 1999 can
be demonstrated by the concentration ranges of
The discrepancies in results of water analyses
nutrients measured in the middle Danube reach
obtained at the local level in the Danube area in
(km 1718,8 ­ 1873,5, Slovak part of the Danube,
the past indicated the need for a long-term, regu-
downstream of the cities of Vienna and Bratis-
lar and appropriately tailored monitoring in the
lava):
Danube River Basin including the analytical qua-
lity assurance. Availability of water
Parameter
Lowest concentration Highest concentration
quality data from the Danube River
1999 (mg/l) 1999 (mg/l)
Basin is ensured in the future with the
N-NO3
1.04
3.12
official launch of the Transnational
Total P
0.043
0.21
Monitoring Network (TNMN) in 1999.
The TNMN became fully operational
following its launching ceremony held in
Bratislava in June 1999. The first Yearbook of the
TNMN covering the 1996 test year was prepared
in 1999.
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3. Work towards harmonised emission policies
in the States of the Danube Basin
Several Articles of The Danube River Protection
area belonging to the Danube Basin was asses-
Convention (DRPC) contain provisions based on
sed, whereas e.g. in Germany 68% of the res-
the emission principle. Therefore, the Work
pective pollution was assessed. The relevant
Programme of the ICPDR in 1999 also dealt
values for other Danube Basin States are be-
with items leading to Harmonised Emission
tween these two values. The inventory data for
Policies in the States of the Danube Basin.
Hungary, Moldova and Slovenia are based on
the assessment of more than 75% of the raw
COD load transported via sewers. This inventory
Emission inventories of municipal and
also covers indi-rect industrial discharges into
industrial discharges, by States and by
municipal sewers. The reference period of the
River Sub-Basins
inventory was 1996/97, with the exception of
Bosnia-Hercegovina. In some cases it also
A first version of the inventories of municipal
includes data for 1998.
and industrial discharges by States existed al-
ready in the fall of 1998. With the support of
The quality of data sources relied on for this 1st
Phare funding, updated inventories for both
ICPDR inventory of municipal discharges
municipal and industrial discharges were elabo-
varied. It contains estimated yearly loads for
rated in 1999; these inventories are structured
individual plants based on repeated measure-
according to the Danube Basin States and 15
ments, on permit values, on estimates without
river sub-basins. The ICPDR has yet to decide in
prior measurements taken at the national level,
what way these inventories will be made
as well as similar estimates undertaken by a
publicly available in the Information System of
Phare-supported consultant. Further, this
the ICPDR (DANUBIS).
inventory covers all Danube Basin States with
state areas in the basin bigger than 2,000 km2,
In the case of municipal discharges, the objec-
with the exception of the Federal Republic of
tive was to assess those plants / discharge
Yugoslavia. Under such circumstances, mis-
points whose discharges added up to 75% of the
understandings may occur as to whether the
raw national COD load transported into the
indicated loads relate to the territory of a State
Danube River Ba-sin via sewers, irrespective of
or to a river sub-basin, especially when such
the type of treatment that may range from no
"national emission loads" or "sub-basin emissi-
treatment at all or mechanical treatment to the
on loads" are cited by lay persons and publicly
removal of organic carbon, phosphorus and
compared.
nitrogen. Information was also received that the
percentage of population linked to public sewer
The inventory covers a total of 580 discharge
systems varied from 14% (Moldova) to 90%
points, out of which 513 are wastewater treat-
(Germany). Taking into account the previous
ment plants. The assessed emission loads
figure (75% of the raw national COD load), this
discharged within the Danube Basin into its
means that e.g. in Moldova only 11% of the
river network added up to 375 kt/a of BOD5,
pollution generated by the population in the
671 kt/a of COD, 97.0 kt/a of totN and 20.0 kt/a
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of totP. The large number of current discharges
implementation of nutrient removal priority
with treatment also indicates that plant rehabi-
should be given to phosphorus, but that nitro-
litation will be a main task in the future. Due to
gen removal should also be considered already
connections to larger plants, the number of
in the planning phase. It also proposes that the
discharges with treatment will slightly decline.
discharge of sludge to surface waters should be
Due to investment into treatment, the number
phased out, that sludge should be re-utilised to
of treated discharges will increase to 553 by
the highest possible extent, and that sludge dis-
2005. Based on this inventory, the following
posal should be subjected to general rules or
load reductions are predicted for the selected
authorisation. It further recommends that inven-
part of the municipal discharges in the
tories of municipal discharges or wastewater tre-
1996/1997-2005 period: 49% for BOD5;
atment plants big-ger than 10,000 p.e. be com-
16% for COD; 8 % for totN; 32 % for totP.
piled by the Contracting Parties every second
year, beginning one year after the adoption of
The inventory on industrial discharges is the
this Recommendation, and that this
result of an attempt to assess certain types of
Recommendation be rediscussed in 2004, in the
industrial activities (food; chemical; pulp and
light of possible new developments.
paper; fertilizer; mining; iron and steel; metal
surface treatment; textile, leather; large agri-
cultural; other), based on the exceeding of loads
Summary of National Practices
discharged. The arrangement in the inventory is
concerning the Monitoring of
similar to the "current state" of the municipal
Wastewater Discharges
discharges. No predictions were required. A
total of 216 discharge locations were assessed,
The data / information represent the status as of
some of which are ­ same as loads ­ already
1998 in 11 Danube Basin States (Austria; Bul-
covered in the municipal inventory.
garia; Croatia; the Czech Republic; the Federal
Republic of Germany; Hungary; Moldova;
Romania; Slovak Republic; Slovenia; Ukraine),
Recommendation concerning the
and as of 1991 (i.e. before the war) in Bosnia-
Treatment of Municipal Wastewater
Hercegovina.
This Technical Recommendation contains sug-
gestions for the design of municipal wastewater
Guidelines for the Monitoring of
treatment plants and their techni-cal equip-
Wastewater Discharges
ment. It proposes the implementation of those
parts of EC"s Urban Waste Water Treatment
The Guidelines were drafted on the basis of the
Directive that relate to technical aspects of
Summary of National Practices concerning the
wastewater treatment, but does not set a sche-
Monitoring of Wastewater Discharges, with a
dule for compliance. It should also be noted that
view to arriving at a harmonised approach to
this Recommendation proposes that in the
the way the monitoring of wastewater dis-
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3. Work towards harmonised emission policies
in the States of the Danube Basin
charges should be carried out in the future in
analyzed for, and the way to use the collected
the States of the Danube Basin. They cover
data. The Guidelines further recommend that
monitoring by an outside authority, self-moni-
the Contracting Parties to the DRPC should
toring, the storing of samples, the use of stan-
report on the implementation of this
dards for sampling and analyses, the parameters
Recommendation every five years, beginning
municipal and industrial discharges should be
with 2003.
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4. Operation of the Danube
Accidental Emergency
Warning System
The work program of the AEPWS EG for 1999
the standard AEWS computerised tool. Some
was presented at the 2nd meeting of the ICPDR
problems were encountered in the establishment
Steering Group in March 1999. The major task
of the AEWS PIAC in Austria, related to the
of the EG in 1999 was to operate the Accidental
country's federal structure. In the course of
Emergency Warning System in the Danube
1999, AEWS transmitted information on five se-
River Basin.
rious accidents, while some local incidents of
minor importance were not a matter of an inter-
In 1999 the Accidental Emergency Warning
national exchange. The general conclusion was
System (AEWS) covered almost the entire Da-
that the system was functioning well. The ex-
nube basin, except the territories of Bosnia-
change of messages was prompt and secure.
Hercegovina and Yugoslavia. Ukraine and
Brief information about pollution accidents on
Moldova were in the process of implementing
the Danube in 1999 is given below:
Site of accident / Date
Affected river
Pollutant
International
Tranboundary
satellite messages
impact
Bulgaria (and Romania)
Danube
Oil
PIAC09kPIAC08
BG: Yes
13.01.1999
(common river stretch)
PIAC08kPIAC09
(pollution was observed by
Warnings (BG, RO)
one of the parties only)
Romania (and Bulgaria)
Danube
Detergents
PIAC08kPIAC09
RO: Yes
15.01.1999
(common river stretch)
Warning (BG)
BG: Yes
Slovakia (and Hungary)
Danube
Oil
PIAC04kPIAC05
HU: None
(pollution was observed by
26.01.1999
(common river stretch)
Request for Information (HU)
one of the parties only)
Romania
Cricul Repede
Oil
PIAC08kPIAC05
RO: Yes
12.03.1999
Sebes Körös
Warning, End (RO)
Austria
Leitha/Lajta
Phenols
PIAC02kPIAC05
A: Yes
21.05.1999
Warning, End (A)
The Danube Basin Alarm Model (DBAM) is an
spills. The model is used by PIAC staff to help to
operational model for the simulation of the trans-
evaluate the expected concentration of a polluti-
port and decay of substances released during
on plume and its time of arrival at a particular
accidental spills in the case when data on the
point downstream. This supports the decision-
location, release and kind of substances are avai-
making process in the countries on the probabili-
lable. The model supports the Danube AEWS in
ty of an incident having transboundary effects.
the assessment of the consequences of accidental
- 15 -

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5. Information system of the ICPDR
The original technical architecture for the secu-
Environmental Protection (ISEP) is shown in
re software-protected INTRANET/INTERNET
Figure 1 below.
solution, designed by International Society for
Figure 1
Application Server
SCHWARZWALD
INTRANET
Development Server
PentiumII (333 MHz)
DELTA
576 MB RAM
PentiumII (333 MHz)
HD 18 GB (RAID)
192 MB RAM
CD-ROM
HD 18 GB (RAID)
Data Drive 12/24 GB
CD-ROM
CD Writer
Clients
Printers
WinNT Server 4.0
WinNT Server 4.0
Bastion Host
LIMES
FIREWALL
PentiumII (350 MHz)
128 MB RAM
HD 6,4 GByte
CD-ROM
SUSE Linux 6.0
Router
Cisco 2501
Member Clients
EXTRANET
INTERNET
Public Clients
- 16 -

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This architecture guarantees that external clients
able to the ICPDR and its Expert Groups in tex-
(e.g. PUBLIC USERS in the Danube Basin coun-
tual form. Further reports from related program-
tries) are denied access to the internal level of the
mes and projects (e.g. Environmental
system used only by REGISTERED USERS (e.g.
Programme for the Danube River Basin, techni-
Expert Groups). This set-up was used during the
cal assistance projects supported by the PHARE
design and testing period of the Information
programme) can be found in the updated
System. After its completion and transfer to the
Danube Environment Library.
Permanent Secretariat of the ICPDR (ICPDR/PS)
at the Vienna International Centre (VIC), this set-
In addition, 1999 National Reviews were analy-
up will be slightly modi-fied to fit in the diffe-
sed and used for the creation of an interdiscipli-
rent environment at the VIC.
nary database (Danube Basin Projects Database).
The database is focussed on socio-economic
The FIREWALL protects the internal layer of the
analysis related to the impact of water pollution,
ICPDR Information System. LIMES Bastion Host
financing mechanisms for projects implemen-
is the only internal host "visible" from outside.
ting pollution reduction measures, legislation,
Any flow of data between the internal network
ambient water quality and investment projects
(intranet) and outside network (extranet, inter-
for pollution reduction measures and their
net) is checked. The firewall software provides
expected effects.
packet-filtering, allowing only specific packets
to leave or enter the intranet and redirecting
The Information System also contains informa-
them to the appropriate destination based on a
tion on addresses of involved institutions and
set of rules. In the current set-up, only http-
on relevant meetings of experts. Available
requests (e.g. web requests) are allowed to enter
results from the current work of the Expert
from outside.
Groups have also been integrated into the
Danube Basin Projects Database. The integration
The Information System has acquired a basic
of national information is supported by the
level of water-related information from the
ICPDR.
countries situated in the Danube River Basin.
The important results of the Danube Pollution
The internet address of DANUBIS is
Reduction Programme have been made avail-
http://www.icpdr.org/DANUBIS
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6. International cooperation
6.1 UNDP/GEF Pollution Reduction
The Danube Water Quality Model (DWQM)
Programme
was designed for estimating and evaluating the
flow of pollution ­ in particular Nitrogen and
The project entitled "Developing the Danube
Phosphorus ­ through the Danube into the
River Basin Pollution Reduction Program" rep-
Black Sea.
resents a contribution of the Global Environ-
ment Facility (GEF) to phase two of an Environ-
A Wetland Study was prepared to support the TA.
mental Programme for the Danube River Basin
(EPDRB), created in 1992. The project followed
Thematic Maps were made showing 15 Sub-
the two previous GEF projects in the frame of
river Basins in terms of river basin manage-
the EPDRB, which supported the ratification of
ment and identifying 51 Significant Impact
the Danube River Protection Convention and the
Areas.
establishment and development of the ICPDR
respectively.
A revised Strategic Action Plan (SAP) was
prepared as a review of the policy for the pro-
The Programme was carried out in the Danube
tection of the Danube River Basin, on the basis
River Basin in the 1997-99 period, and its re-
of the existing analytical documents ­ National
sults will support the activities of the ICPDR
Review Reports and National Planning Work-
through a program of action for the implemen-
shop Reports. Since the revised SAP had been
tation of the DRPC. The Programme is a major
developed outside the framework of the ICPDR,
international response to the degradation of
it was extensively discussed within the ICPDR,
surface and ground water quality in the Danube
amended and then used as the basis for another
River Basin (DRB) and eutrophication of the
ICPDR document entitled "Common Platform for
Black Sea. It has generated the following out-
the Development of National Policies and
puts:
Actions for Pollution Reduction under the
DRPC".
A Transboundary Analysis (TA) was carried
out to obtain a complete knowledge base con-
A Memorandum of Understanding between
cerning priority pollution loads and environ-
the Danube and the Black Sea Countries was
mental issues in the Danube River Basin. A new
drafted based on the results of the Danube-Black
planning approach was used in order to collect
Sea Joint Ad Hoc Technical Working Group.
comprehensive information that would facilitate
further analysis. Basic data were gathered from
The project provided support to NGOs, in
the National Reviews (prepared in 1998) and
particular in developing the Danube Environ-
from the National Planning Workshops (1998-
mental Forum (DEF) regional body.
99). Furthermore, the main pollution sources
were identified in the frame of the TA and a List
A Small Grants Programme reinforced NGO
of Hot Spots was drafted.
participation in pollution reduction measures
and awareness-raising projects.
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The development of the ICPDR Information
isation of Water Quality; Provision of Stable and
System was supported.
Effective Quality Control Programme; Optimi-
sation of the Transnational Monitoring Net-
A Feasibility Study on the possible new
work; Feasibil-ity Study for a Joint Danube
regional financing mechanisms resulted in a
Survey);
proposal for the creation of a Danube Environ-
mental Financing Facility (DEFF).
Technical Assistance to EMIS/EG (improve-
ment of the inventory of municipal and in-
The Project Database includes the PRP
dustrial wastewater discharges, including their
Investment Portfolio available to financing
breakdown by country and river sub-basins;
institutions and donor organizations in the futu-
maps for these inventories; cost estimates for
re. The Database currently contains 421 projects
municipal wastewater treatment plants; best
covering 246 hot spots in the Danube River
available technologies for the most important
Basin, comprising 192 municipal, 113 industrial,
industrial branches, incl. a survey of mills;
67 agricultural and 29 wetland restoration pro-
review of the discharges of nutrients from non-
jects as well as 20 projects classified as general
point sources);
measures.
Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment in
The results and products of the Pollution
parts of the Danube Basin (support to the UN-
Reduction Programme are being transferred to
ECE-Working Group on Monitoring Guidelines).
the ICPDR and all information gathered during
the project is available through the ICPDR Infor-
Based on the Phare 1997 budget, the following
mation System.
projects and activities were launched, some of
them extending into and completed in 1999:
Funding of meetings and PCU management;
6.2 EC Phare / Tacis Multicountry
Programme
International Cooperation in the Danube
River Basin Management, with an emphasis on
Based on the Phare 1996 budget, a project ent-
the Tisza as the largest sub-basin (run predomi-
itled "Water Quality Enhancement in the Danube
nantly at the level of the beneficiary countries);
River Basin" was run. The important project
components were:
Transboundary cooperation in wetland con-
servation (run predominantly at the level of the
A Feasibility Study for Regional Centres for
beneficiary countries);
the Training of Managers and Operators of
Wastewater Treatment Plants;
Transfer of skills, exchange and training in
the AEW-System, as support to AEPWS/EG;
Support to MLIM (Classification / Character-
- 19 -

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6. International cooperation
Morphological changes downstream of the
AEPWS/EG) and to participate in the work lea-
Iron Gate and methods for problem solving (run
ding to the TNMN Year book (activities dealt
predominantly between the downstream coun-
with by MLIM/EG).
tries concerned);
Improvement and maintenance of the PCU
Homepage;
6.3 Cooperation with the UNEP/OCHA
Balkan Task Force
Shipborne oily waters and wastes (run in
support of the Danube Commission);
In accordance with the agreement between
UNEP/Habitat Balkans Task Force and the
Sustainable management of manure from
ICPDR, an international expert team conducted
animal farms and dissemination of information
a sampling campaign in the vicinity of the war-
on sustainable agriculture (run at the level of the
damaged sites along the Danube and near
beneficiary countries concerned).
Kragujevac. During the sampling the expert
team was accompanied by a team of
Yugoslavian experts, also providing the boats
The following activities were launched under the
needed for the sample collections.
Tacis 1997 Interstate Programme:
Four main areas were identified for pollution
SIP activities for Moldova and Ukraine;
monitoring, three of them along the Danube
river itself, such as the Novi Sad area between
Clean production technologies;
1260-1252 rkm, Pancevo area between 1155-
1149 rkm and the upper area of the Iron Gate
Vulcanesti waste dump, where DDT had been
reservoir at 1077 rkm, and one in the catchment
disposed of during Soviet times;
of the Lepenica and the Morava rivers, tributa-
ries emptying into the Danube in the vicinity of
International wetland management in the
Kragujevac,.
lower Prut region;
The targeted pollutants were those thought to be
Participation in the Tisza River Basin mana-
still released, such as the EDC (1,2-
gement.
Dichloroethane), or those that might accumulate
in the sediment and/or biota. Accordingly,
petroleum hydrocarbons, including PAHs, PCBs
The following activities were launched under the
and mercury were also analysed. Water, sedi-
Tacis 1996 Cross-border cooperation:
ment and biota (abundant mussels) were selec-
ted as target matrices. In addition to the de-ter-
Implementation of the activities needed to
mination of the chemical pollutants, macrozoo-
run the `AEW-System' (activities dealt with by
benthic community was studied to determine the
- 20 -

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overall quality of life in the sediment, and pol-
in the Pancevo wastewater canal.
lution stresses were assessed. Furthermore, in
order to improve the understanding of the accu-
The sediment in the Pancevo canal has a sig-
mulation of various pollutants in the bottom
nificant concentration of various pollutants, pri-
sediment, core samples were collected to assess
marily petroleum hydrocarbons, mercury and
the rate of recent and historical pollution in the
PCBs, which calls for action. Since this sediment
subsurface bottom sediment layers, and the lay-
can be considered as hazardous waste, there is a
ers were dated using radiochemical tracing (Cs-
need for mitigation by dredging and for a safe
137 relevance to the Chernobyl incident).
disposal of the contaminated sediment.
On the basis of the findings of the BTF Danube
At the 2nd Plenary Session of the ICPDR in
Mission, the following conclusions were adopted:
Sinaia in November 1999, the ICPDR adopted a
resolution expressing its appreciation of the
The pollutants released during NATO bom-
work carried out by the Balkan Task Force, fully
bings are basically the same (e.g., petro-leum
agreeing with the recommendations on the
hydrocarbons, mercury) as those released during
environmental impacts and calling for an imme-
normal industrial operations in the pre-war
diate international support in the framework of
period. Although some of these pollutants were
the humanitarian aid provided for the region in
released in a significant amount, it is difficult to
order to clean up the identified hot spots as
differentiate between the pre-war and war-rela-
quickly as possible.
ted inputs;
EDC (1,2-dichloroethane) is considered as the
only pollutant originating from the war and still
continuously released most likely from deposits
- 21 -

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7. Cooperation between the
ICPBS and the ICPDR
In the beginning of 1999, the Ad-hoc Technical
discussed within the ICPDR and was adopted
Expert Group set up jointly by the Interna-tio-
during its 2nd Plenary Meeting in Sinaia. The
nal Commission for the Protection of the Black
Memorandum of Understanding will be forwar-
Sea (ICPBS) and the International Com-mission
ded to the ICPBS for evaluation and approval.
for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR),
forwarded to both bodies a concept for a Draft
The strategic goals of this MoU are given in
Memorandum of Understanding. The Draft was
Annex 4.
- 22 -

---

8. Reinforcement and
coordination of the
donor engagement
In order to develop adequate financial mechan-
WB/IFC, KfW, EB, EBRD, ISPA, SAPARD,
isms for the implementation of the PRP in
Phare/Tacis, GEF, USAID, Austrian Kommunal-
Danube countries, an ICPDR/PMTF donor mee-
kredit, etc., were identified as the institutions
ting was held in Vienna on 10 December 1999.
worth addressing, and others would surely be
Presentations given by all participants followed
willing to cooperate in the funding of projects,
by an extensive discussion led to the following
including the overcoming of obstacles during
conclusions:
the early implementation phase.
Implementing agencies such as KfW, the
Arriving at "a stamp of quality" could be
European Bank or the World Bank are not suf-
achieved by placing programme officers in the
ficiently present and engaged in the region, and
region who are working with IFIs. Such
they are the only ones that give the 'needed
approach is based on the good experience gai-
stamp of quality'. ICPDR and SECI should
ned by the PPC. In addition, bilaterally active
address the donors active in the region in order
donors should bring in consultants to push pro-
to research in more detail further possibilities.
jects locally.
- 23 -

---

Annex 1: Composition
of the ICPDR in 1999
PRESIDENT:
Bulgaria: Emil MARINOV, Deputy Minister,
Ministry of the Environment
Wolfgang STALZER, General Director,
Bundesministerium für Land- und
Moldova: Ion Ilie DEDIU, President, National
Forstwirtschaft, Sektion IV, Stubenring 12,
Academy of Ecological Sciences
A­1010 Vienna, Austria
Ukraine: Anatoly YATSYK, Deputy Minister,
HEADS OF THE DELEGATIONS:
Ministry of the Environmental Protection and
Nuclear Safety
Germany: Fritz HOLZWARTH, Deputy
Director General, Bundesministerium für
European Community: Timo MÄKELÄ, Head
Umwelt, Naturschutz und Reaktorsicherheit
of Unit, DG/Environment DG XI. A.5
European Commission
Austria: Richard STADLER, Deputy Head of
Department, Bundesministerium für Land- und
PERMANENT SECRETARIAT:
Forstwirschaft, IV
Joachim BENDOW, Executive Secretary;
Czech Republic: Jaroslav KINKOR, Director of
(since August 1, 1999)
the Water Protection Department, Ministry of
the Environment
Hellmut FLECKSEDER, Technical Expert for
Water Management and Pollution Control
Slovakia: Milan MATUSKA, Director of the
(since October 1, 1999)
Water Protection Department, Ministry of the
Environment
Igor LISKA, Technical Expert for Water
Management and Water Quality (since October
Hungary: Béla HAJÓS, Deputy State
1, 1999)
Secretary, Ministry of the Transport,
Communication and Water
Károly FUTAKI, Information Management and
Administration Officer (since October 1, 1999)
Slovenia: Franci STEINMAN, State Secretary,
Ministry of the Environment and Physical
Marcela FABIANOVÁ, GEF Technical Support
Planning
Julia KÖLBLINGER, Support Staff, Finance &
Croatia: Zeljko OSTOJIC, Senior Adviser on
Relation with Host Country Services
Water Protection, State Water Directorate
Heike WARMUTH, Support Staff, Secretary
Romania: Liliana MARA, Director General,
Ministry of the Water, Forests and Envi-ron-
mental Protection
- 24 -

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Annex 1: Composition
of the ICPDR in 1999
CHAIRMEN OF THE EXPERT GROUPS
Laboratory Management ESG
AND SUBGROUPS
Péter LITERÁTHY, Director, Water Resources
Research Centre, VITUKI RT, Kvassay Jenö ut 1,
Emission EG
H - 1095 Budapest, Hungary
Bernd MEHLHORN, Head of the Unit,
Umweltbundesamt, Bismarckplatz 1, D - 14193
Information Management ESG
Berlin, Germany
Ivica RUZIC, Professor, "Ruder Boskovic"
Institute, Bijenicka 54,
Monitoring, Laboratory and
HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Information Management EG
Liviu POPESCU, Head of the Department, ICIM
Accidental Emergency and Prevention EG
Research & Engineering Institute for
György PINTÉR, (until May 1999) Senior
Environment, Spl. Independentei nr 294, Sec-tor
Scientist, Water Resources Research Centre,
6, RO - 77703 Bucharest, Romania
VITUKI RT, Kvassay Jenö út 1, H - 1095
Budapest, Hungary
Monitoring ESG
Milan MATUSKA, Director of the Water
Dobri DIMITROV, (since May 1999) Senior
Protection Department, Ministry of the
Scientist, National Institute of Meteorology &
Environment Nam. L. Stura 1, SK - 812 35
Hydrology, Forecasting Dept., 66 Tzarigradsko
Bratislava, Slovak Republic
Shose boul., BG - 1784 Sofia, Bulgaria
Strategic EG
Knut BEYER, BMUNR, WA I 6B, Bernkasteler
Straße 8, D ­ 53048 Bonn, Germany
Annex 2:
Observer Status as of 31.12. 1999
Danube Commission
Carpathian Programme
(for inland navigation), (CD)
Ottakringer Str. 114-116, A ­ 1160 Vienna
Mr. Danail NEDIALKOV, Director General
Benczúr utca 25, H-1068 Budapest
International Association for Danube Re-
search (IAD; in the framework of SIL)
World Wide Fund for Nature
Dr. Herta HEGER, General Secretary
(WWF International)
Schiffmühlenstr. 120, A ­ 1220 Vienna
Mr. Philip WELLER, Director, Danube
- 25 -

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Annex 3:
Financial situation
In accordance with the decision of the 1st
for national contributions to the ICPDR in 1999
Plenary Meeting of the ICPDR held in Vienna in
were as follows:
October 1998, Transitional Contribution Keys
BUDGET FOR THE YEAR 1999
Contributions
Austria
16.06%
1,578,479.00
Germany
16.06%
1,578,479.00
Hungary
13.19%
1,296,608.00
Slovakia
13.19%
1,296,608.00
Romania
12.06%
1,185,247.00
Czech Republic
8.60%
845,614.00
Croatia
8.60%
845,614.00
Slovenia
8.60%
845,614.00
EC
2.47%
242,879.00
Total
98.84%
9,715,142.00
Balance 1998
1.16%
114,215.00
Overall Total
100.00%
9,829,357.00
The ICPDR budget for the year 1999 was appro-
ved by the 1st Plenary Session and is given
EXPENDITURES (ATS)
below:
A. Administrative Costs
1. Staff
6.581.779,00
2. Services
1.480.028,00
3. Equipment
333.500,00
4. Other
600.300,00
Sub-Total A
8.995.607,00
B. Operational Costs
833.750,00
Overall Total
9.829.357,00
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Annex 4:
Draft Memorandum
of Understanding
Draft Memorandum of Understanding between
Representatives of the ICPBS and the ICPDR with
the International Commission for the Pro-
the assistance of UNDP/GEF and UNEP set up on
tection of the Black Sea (ICPBS) and the Inter-
December 8 and 9, 1997, a Joint Ad-hoc Technical
national Commission for the Protection of the
Working Group ("the Group") in a Meeting at
Danube River (ICPDR) on common Strategic
Constanta, Romania. The following elements of
Goals
this Memorandum of Understanding correspond
with the results of "the Group":
The "International Commission for the
Protection of the Black Sea (ICPBS)" was es-tablis-
The term "overall Black Sea" encompasses the
hed to implement the "Convention on the
Black Sea proper and the Sea of Azov as water
Protection of the Black Sea against Pollution". This
bodies receiving inputs via inland waters. Both the
Convention is a "shoreline convention", i.e. it its-
Black Sea proper and the Sea of Azov are in regard
elf holds no power over the inland activities of the
to their ecology and their response to discharged
States within the hydrographic drainage area
pollution completely different water bodies.
discharging into the entire Black Sea (Black Sea
proper; Sea of Azov).
The term "Black Sea ecosystem" refers to eco-
systems in both Seas.
The "International Commission for the
Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR)" was esta-
The term "wider Black Sea Basin" refers to the
blished to implement the "Convention on
basin determined by the hydrographic boundary of
Cooperation for the Protection and Sus-tainable
all inland waters discharging to the overall Black
Use of the Danube River". This Convention is a
Sea and the surface area of the overall Black Sea.
"hydrographic basin convention", i.e. it itself holds
For the sake of convenience and until decided
power over the transboundary impact via the drai-
otherwise between both Commissions the outer
nage network of the River Danube Basin (valid
border of this basin is looked upon to be the
only for Contracting Parties to this Convention).
Straight of Bosporus.
This Memorandum of Understanding becomes
The results of studies on the "Ecological
effective as soon as it has been agreed upon in the
Indicators of Pollution in the Black Sea", carried
respective Meetings of both Commissions men-
out in the frame of the activities of the Joint Ad-
tioned and an exchange of letters has taken place.
hoc Working Group, have given evidence of reco-
It looses its effectiveness as soon as one of both the
very in Black Sea ecosystems. However, the ecolo-
International Commissions mentioned notifies the
gical status of the 1960s ­ which is deemed to be
other.
the goal to aim for ­ is not yet reached.
This Memorandum of Understanding con-
There is in general agreement that the status of
stitutes a framework for implementing common
Black Sea ecosystems is largely affected by nutri-
strategic goals.
ents discharged within the wider Black Sea Basin,
and to a large extent by the riverine input into the
- 27 -

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Annex 4:
Draft Memorandum
of Understanding
overall Black Sea. Information of a possible role of
hazardous substances discharged into the Seas
other sources of pollution and their impact on
exceed those that existed in the mid 1990s. (These
Black Sea ecosystems was not yet available.
discharges are only incompletely known.)
The size of the pollution loads reaching the
The inputs of nutrients and hazardous sub-
overall Black Sea (dispersion both in time and in
stances into both receiving Seas (Black Sea proper
space for the Black Sea proper and the Sea of
and Sea of Azov) have to be assessed in a compa-
Azov) are either not known, or information is mis-
rable way. To this very end a common Analytical
sing on the comparability of the data available.
Quality Assurance (AQA) system and a thorough
discussion about the necessary monitoring
"The Group" was aware of the decline of the
approach, including the sampling procedures, has
economic activities in the countries in transition,
to be set up and agreed upon between the ICPBS
the possible impact of them on the discharge of
and the ICPDR.
pollution, and the reversal of such a trend in case
of future economic development (concerning in
The ecological status of the Black Sea and the
particular agricultural and industrial activities).
Sea of Azov has to be further assessed, and the
comparability of the data basis has to be further
The data available to "the Group" to undertake
increased.
its assessment ended at best with values for the
year 1997.
Both the reported input loads as well as the
assessed ecological status will have to be reported
In order to help to safeguard the Black Sea from a
annually to both the ICPBS and the ICPDR.
further deterioration of the status of its ecosystems
the "Commission for the Protection of the Black
Strategies for economic development have to
Sea against Pollution" and the "Commission for
be adopted to ensure appropriate practices and
the Protection and Sustainable Use of the Danube
measures to limit the discharge of nutrients and
River" agreed to achieve the following common
hazardous substances, and to rehabilitate ecosy-
strategic goals:
stems which assimilate nutrients.
The long-term goal in the wider Black Sea
Based on the annual reports and on the adop-
Basin is to take measures to reduce the loads of
ted strategies for the limitation of the discharge of
nutrients and hazardous substances discharged to
nutrients and hazardous substances, a review shall
such levels necessary to permit Black Sea ecosy-
be undertaken in 2007. It will have to focus on the
stems to recover to conditions similar to those
further measures that may be required for meeting
observed in the 1960s.
the long-term objective.
As an intermediate goal, urgent control measu-
res should be taken in the wider Black Sea Basin in
order to avoid that the loads of nutrients and
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ICPDR ­ International Commission for the Protection of
the Danube River / Permanent Secretariat
Vienna International Centre, D0412
P. O. Box 500, 1400 Vienna / Austria
Tel: 0043-1-260 60-5738, Fax: 0043-1-260 60-5895
e-mail: icpdr@unvienna.org, http://www.icpdr.org

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