What experiences await you in the Danube Delta?

Surface area and geography

The Danube Delta covers a total area of about 5 800 square kilometres, of which over 80% is in Romaniaand the rest in Ukraine. It is formed by the deposition of silt by the Danube River, which branches into three main branches:

• Chilia - the northernmost and longest arm, forms the natural border with Ukraine.
• Sulina - the shortest and only navigable for sea-going vessels.
• Sfântu Gheorghe - southernmost, with a more natural and wild look.

The delta is constantly changing - it's advancing into the Black Sea by a few metres each year, expanding naturally.

Ecosystem

The Delta is dominated by reedbeds, spread over thousands of hectares, but also by lakes, canals, swamps, meadow forests and sand dunes. Among the most famous lakes are Roșu, Puiu, Matița, Isac and Gorgova.

Wildlife

The delta harbours one of the highest species diversity in Europe:

• Birdsplague 300 species, many of which are migratory. Notable White Pelican and Dalmatian pelican, but also swans, cormorants, cormorants, egrets, egrets, gypsies, wagtails.
• Pisces: around 45 species, including sturgeon (morun, niger, grey mullet) - some of which are endangered due to illegal fishing.
• Mammals: the otter, wild boar, golden jackal and even the wild horses of the Letea Forest.

Flower

They grow in the reedbeds and forests of the Delta:

• Reed (Phragmites australis) - the dominant party.
• Aquatic plants: white and yellow water lilies, white willow, papura.
• Rare plant in the sandy woodlands, like Letea's oak.

International recognition

• In 1990, the Delta was inscribed by UNESCO as Biosphere Reserve, due to its ecological value and uniqueness.
• It is also a Ramsar site, a wetland of international importance.

Bird migration

Delta is on the migration route Palaearctic-African, It is a key staging, feeding and breeding site for millions of birds during spring and autumn migration.

Local communities

The Delta is inhabited by about 15,000 people, many of them living in isolated villages. The best known communities are:

• Sulina - a harbour city with a cosmopolitan past.
• Mila 23 - A fishing village famous for its fishing culture and gastronomy.
• Sfântu Gheorghe - where the Danube meets the Black Sea, with wild beaches.

The locals preserve ancient traditions, crafts, language and customs influenced by the Slavic, Romanian and Ukrainian influences.

Tourist activities

• Boat trips (rowing or motorised) on canals, lakes and reedbeds.
• Bird watching (birdwatching) - especially in spring and autumn.
• Nature photography, sport fishing, cultural visits to villages.
• Wild beaches in Sulina and Sfântu Gheorghe.

Attractive area:

• Letea Forest - a unique ecosystem of subtropical forest on sand dunes.
• Red Lake and Baby Lake - shallow water areas ideal for birds.
• Erenciuc Canal - to spot pelicans and lotus flowers.

Problems and conservation

Delta faces:

• Illegal fishing, especially sturgeon.
• Uncontrolled tourism, affecting fragile habitats.
• Pollution water with pesticides, spills and plastic.