Dear Readers

In the summer of 2007 the ICPDR will begin one of the most ambitious undertaking to date – the Joint Danube Survey 2, or ‘JDS2’.

This important scientific survey will provide information about the Danube and the state of Danube water quality. It will also further strengthen our basis for developing the Joint Programme of Measures as requested by the EU Water Framework Directive. This is especially true because this endeavour, while building on the work done in the first JDS, will expand the examination of biological elements, including fish.

Although JDS2 is first and foremost a scientific survey, it is also a vehicle with which to raise awareness about the status of the Danube, and about the cooperation among Danube countries and the necessity of joint efforts to address problems.

What is significant about how the JDS2 is being carried is the remarkable international cooperation that has gone into the funding, preparation and organisation. A multicountry funding effort has enabled this flotilla to travel the Danube. This has involved financial contributions of varying amounts from Danube countries as well as a variety of in kind contributions, including ships from Serbia and Hungary. The survey is also being supported by the Alcoa Foundation, Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company and the Dexia Kommunalkredit Bank.

I would like to thank all those who have helped us get JDS2 organised and to wish everyone involved a successful survey.

In addition to the story on the Joint Danube Survey, this issue of Danube Watch has a special focus on wetlands – an issue where considerable progress has been made through the UNDP/GEF Danube Regional Project in developing the understanding of the important role that wetlands play. It is also positive to learn that a group of dedicated managers of protected areas along the Danube have joined forces and are currently working to strengthen their cooperation. I would like to wish their efforts success, as the development and the implementation of the Joint Programme of Measures needs to build upon such efforts and networks to achieve ‘good ecological status’ in the Danube River Basin.

As a final note, I regret that not all the news in this issue of Danube Watch is good news. Unfortunately we must report the loss of two long-standing members of the ICPDR family. I would like to offer my condolences to the family and colleagues of Florian Stadiu and Petru Serban, both of whom passed away in recent months. Let us all be active to work on in their spirit – for the Danube River Basin and its people!

Philip Weller, ICPDR Executive Secretary