Joint Statement on guiding principles for the development of inland navigation and environmental protection in the Danube river basin launched

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This interdisciplinary process came as an initiative led by the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR), the Danube Commission and the International Commission for the Sava River Basin (a Danube sub-basin).  

The Joint Statement answers the need for an interdisciplinary planning process including environment, water management and transport ministries, scientists in river engineering, navigation, ecology, spatial planning, tourism and economics. Some 50 stakeholders including 12 basin governments, 22 industry and environmental interest groups as well as NGOs and the private sector agreed upon the rising importance of establishing a common view on how to develop the waterway and ecosystem Danube in a sustainable way.  

This initiative ultimately led to a statement of common understanding about the protection of the riverine environment and the necessary conditions for developing sustainable inland navigation in an intact riverine landscape. It includes guiding principles on how to improve the existing waterway infrastructure in line with the environment. The Joint Statement shall be applied for future infrastructure projects on the Danube.    

Source: International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR); Editorial: via donau