Complex Istria - Sinoye, a strictly protected area in the Danube Delta

Istria - Sinoje Protected Area: A natural and historical sanctuary on the border of the Danube Delta

Situated in the south-west of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve (Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve), the protected area Istria - Sinaia is a unique and fragile ecosystem. This site, internationally recognised for its ecological importance, harmoniously combines a spectacular natural landscape with a rich archaeological heritage, offering a rare insight into Dobrogea's biodiversity and history.

Official status and legal framework

The Istria - Sinoje Protected Area has a complex protection regime, recognised by several normative acts:

• Strictly protected area: Its declaration as a strictly protected area took place with its inclusion in the RBDD, by Government Decision No 248/1994.
• Special Avifauna Protection Area (SPA): It was declared as part of the Natura 2000 site "Danube Delta and Razim - Sinoie Complex" (ROSPA0031) by Government Decision No 1284/2007.
• Administration: The entire site is managed by Administration of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve (ARBDD).

Geographical features and composition

With an area of 400 hectaresThe protected area Istria - Sinoje is located in the north-eastern extremity of the Saele Grind, an ancient coastal-maritime belt. Geographically, the site is a mosaic of ecosystems:

• Grindings and varnishes: The area is located in the Razim - Sinoie lagoon complex, bordered by Lake Sinoie and Lake Istria.
• Promontory and settlements: Includes the green shale promontory on which the Greek fortress of Histria, a key feature of the site.

Specific flora and fauna

The biological diversity of the area is remarkable, thanks to the varied habitats (aquatic, sandy, steppe).

• Birds: The site is a birdwatcher's paradise. Over 267 very rare bird species nest here, and the area is a key crossing point for some 290 migratory species. Flagship species include:
  • Passage and nesting birds: Curled Pelican, Little Cormorant, Little Cormorant, Dwarf Tern, Least Bittern, Avocet, Little Egret, Grey Tern and White-headed Blackbird.
  • Birds of prey: Red fan.
• Mammals and reptiles: The area harbours species of Community interest such as Dobrogea tortoise (Testudo graeca ibera) and four-striped snake (Coluber caspiusThere are also green lizards, water snakes and various species of frogs and newts.
• Flower: In addition to wetland vegetation (reed thickets), steppe meadows with about 20 to 30 ha are found on the sandy sandstone ridges and on the Histria promontory. 350 higher plant species, including rare species adapted to poor soils.

Threats and conservation efforts

Like the entire Razim - Sinoye complex, the Istria - Sinoye protected area faces various anthropogenic threats such as hydrological changes, pollution, poaching and uncontrolled tourism.

However, there are also concrete conservation efforts. A major de-pollution of the Dunavat - Dranov and Razim - Sinoye channels aims to improve hydrological conditions, contributing to restoring the ecological balance and supporting fish stocks and biodiversity.

Access and tourism rules

Regulations for visiting the Istria - Sinaia area differ significantly depending on the area.

• Tourism in Histria Fortress: The archaeological site is accessible to the public, with a specific visiting programme and a ticket charging system. The fortress is a major attraction, integrated in a restoration and valorisation project, with pedestrian walkways, viewing areas and visitor facilities.
• Access to strictly protected nature area: It is strictly forbidden to enter the 400-hectare nature area for tourists. Permitted activities are limited to scientific research and surveillance. Keeping this area intact is vital for the conservation of rare species and their habitats. Visiting and wildlife watching can be carried out remotely from adjacent permitted areas without disturbing the fragile ecosystem.

In order to visit the Razim-Sinoye complex and to have access to the Histria Fortress, tourists must first obtain an access permit issued by the ARBDD.