2024 Review
In 2024, under the motto “Keep the Danube Blue” we celebrated two milestones: the 30th anniversary of the Danube River Protection Convention (DRPC) and the 20th anniversary of Danube Day. Since its start in 2004, Danube Day has become a symbol of unity and cooperation across the Danube River Basin, featuring events from high-level meetings to interactive public activities.
Austria
On June 17th, school groups from Vienna & Lower Austria (15 classes, 330 students) spent an eventful day at the schlossORTH Center in the Donau-Auen National Park. Students had the opportunity to test their knowledge of the Danube and its creatures at ten interactive stations. Students were asked to complete the stations in small groups, accompanied by teachers or chaperones, and answer all the questions. The tasks were designed for grades 3rd and 4th. Students also received a Danube Day bag filled with information from the partner organizations and small gifts! The Donau-Auen National Park was commissioned by the partner institutions: Bundesministerium für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Regionen und Wasserwirtschaft, viadonau, and Stadt Wien – Wiener Gewässer.
In Vienna, Europe's largest mobile aquarium, featuring sturgeons and other Danube fish, was showcased at Maria-Theresien-Platz from June 21st to 23rd. This event, part of the LIFE-Boat4Sturgeon project, aimed to raise awareness about the endangered sturgeon species in the Danube. The project, which will be running until 2030, is supported by multiple international partners. The aquarium, holding 60,000 liters of water, allowed thousands of visitors to experience these fish up close, highlighting the importance of protecting the Danube's unique ecosystem. This amazing event was made possible with the support of: the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management, viadonau, City of Vienna, Lower Austrian and Upper Austrian State Fisheries Associations, Danube-Auen National Park, House of the Sea, Security KAG, as well as other fisheries organizations and municipalities including institutions from Bavaria, Hungary, Slovenia, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, and Ukraine.
Bulgaria
Danube Day has become one of the biggest events in Bulgaria. Festivals, concerts, environmental activities, historical presentations, clean-up actions and educational activities were organized from the village of Vrav to the Silistra village. This year, the events were even more diverse and original than in previous years. Around June 29, many localities celebrate traditional holidays. Danube Day is a bridge between traditions, folklore and environmental protection.
The village of Vrav, the first settlement in the Bulgarian section of the Danube River, celebrated June 29 with several events. An action was organized to clean up garbage on the river bank, a fishing competition, drawings on asphalt, a celebration for young and old. The participants received special certificates, with the message to be a friend and protect the Danube every day.
The town of Vidin celebrates June 29 - the International Day of the Danube River with the Art Festival "The River" from June 28 to July 1. For another year, the highlight of the event was the Light Show - a combination of music, light effects and 3D Mapping of Vidin's emblem - the fortress "Baba Vida".
For another year, the program in the town of Kozloduy was very rich with another fish festival, numerous clean-up actions, environmental activities and quizzes.
Educational activities and fun but useful games were part of the Danube Day program in Dolni Vadin, organized by the local community center and the town hall.
Keep the Danube Blue! - this is the message sent by the Minister of Environment and Water Eng. Petar Dimitrov to the participants in the traditional celebration on June 29 in the village of Baikal, municipality of Dolna Mitropolia. Minister Dimitrov recalled that Danube Day has been celebrated in all countries of the Danube basin for 20 years. He took part in the traditional ritual in the village of Baikal by throwing a wreath into the river and sending messages for its protection.
Thematic lessons, drawings and modelling with natural materials and competition on the theme "My adventure by the Danube" were held for another year in the town of Guliantsi.
A music program, quiz, children's drawing competition, fun games were just some of the initiatives in Nikopol. Traditionally, events for the Danube are held in Nikopol for more than a month.
And this year, for a few days, the city of Belene was in the arms of a big festival dedicated to the Danube River, organized by the Municipality of Belene. The program included dozens of concerts, educational initiatives, competitions.
Many events took place in the largest Danube city in Bulgaria - the city of Ruse. A cruise on the Danube River for students with the ship "Ruschuk" is organized by the regional administration. On June 29, there was a children's art happening - "On the banks of the river", applied workshops, blitz - quiz and "magical" science experiments, water battles - summer 2024 with fun competitive games. The Naval Tower in Rousse opened its doors on the occasion of the Day of the Danube River at the initiative of the Executive Agency "Research and Maintenance of the Danube River". Concerts, competitions, discussions enriched the program.
These events were held in coordination with: DRBD, Vidin Municipality, Lom Municipality, United Children's Complex, SERAW, Kozloduy NPP, Kozloduy Municipality, Dolna Mitropolia Municipality, Ivo Jokin, Nikopol Municipality, NAPREDAK 1871 Community Center, Belene Municipality, RIEW, IAPPD, Ruse Municipality, Tutrakan Municipaliti, and Silistra Municipality.
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Croatia
In Croatia, the Danube Fest in Vukovar had a rich cultural and educative program. The Vukovar Film Festival will also be held from August 28th until 1 September.
Other events included a photo exhibition of the “Heart of the Danube” competition in Kopački rit. An article about the 30th anniversary of the Danube River Protection Convention and the 20th anniversary of the celebration of Danube Day was published in the trade journal “Hrvatska vodoprivreda.”
These events were held in coordination with: the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition, Croatian Waters, County Vukovarsko-Srijemska, City of Vukovar, Vukovar Tourism Board, and the Kopački rit Nature Park.
Germany
In Ulm, the International Danube Festival offered around 150 events, most of which were free. There was music, concerts, theater performances, dance, exhibitions, literary programs, and events for children and families. The festival kicked off on July 4 with a Flag Run and continued with cultural and culinary delights from the Danube countries. Highlights included a Gypsy Jazz Swing Concert, performances by the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, film evenings, and an international youth camp. There were also food and crafts stalls at the "Market of the Danube Countries".
These events were held in coordination with: Danube Office, Donaufest, and ASC Ulm/Neu-Ulm e.V.
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Due to the flooding in Bavaria this June, the planned action day at the Inn-Museum in Rosenheim had to be canceled. However, in Regensburg, there was a great event celebrating WORLD HERITAGE REVISITED on Danube Day.
Members and friends of the association donumenta e.V. and representatives of the city of Regensburg and Regensburg's Water Management office celebrated the event with other participants. The head of the water management office informed the participants of the importance and aims of the ICPDR, as well as its foundations and its relation to Danube Day. There were also three artists from Slovenia, Hungary, and Slovakia who created works of art about their time in Regensburg and presented them at this event.
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Hungary
Several festivities were held in June and July across Hungary. On June 28th, a Danube Day celebration was organized by the National Water Authority in Szeged, along with all the regional Water Directorates. On June 29th, the Danube Museum in Esztergom held a Danube Day Children & Family Event, where everyone, from toddlers to pensioners, could find activities, games, and new information suitable for their age. Participants learned about the hydrologic cycle and preserving drinking water explored the Danube's wildlife and participated in river conservation efforts. They also learned flood risk prevention, engaged in scientific and creative activities, and enjoyed a puppetry show for children and a performance by a firefighter orchestra. The award ceremony of the Danube Art Master competition was held on the Danube Day as well.
In July, the city of Győr held its Győrkőc Festival, featuring children's activities. Older kids could try wooden toys, including puzzles, labyrinths, memory games, and a canoe trip game. Younger children could enjoy crafts and painting stones. The festival aimed to highlight the importance of rivers, especially the “Safer Danube,” and promote responsibility and sensitivity to the environment. These events were held with support by: the North-Transdanubian Water Directorate, Pannon-Víz Zrt., University of Széchenyi István and Technical SZC Hild József Construction Vocational High School, Ministry of Interior, Danube-Iploy National Park, DUNAKÉKE, Ministry of Energy, GWP Hungary Foundation, Herman Ottó Institute, Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Danube Region Strategy, Danube Museum, National Water Authority.
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Moldova
Danube Day was celebrated by the diplomatic and environmental community at the International Free Port of Giurgiulesti. A special video was created dedicated to the Danube River set to graceful rhythms of Johann Strauss' Blue Danube Waltz.
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Romania
In June, many activities took place in Romania with the support of Water Basin Administrations and local authorities to celebrate Danube Day 2024!
The Ministry of Environment, Waters and Forests, National Administration “Romanian Waters,” and all 11 Water Basin Administrations have published press releases in the local and national media to promote the Danube's importance and draw attention to actions to maintain clean waters.
Somes Tisa Water Basin Administration:
Different activities were organized to celebrate Danube Day. The Basin Committee met, during which documents related to Danube Day were presented. Children from the Onisifor Ghibu High School Cluj participated in a drawing contest with the theme “Keep the Danube Blue.” Children from the Dumitru Tăuțan High School Florești, Cluj, carried out activities to raise awareness of the importance of protecting and keeping waters clean.
Banat Water Basin Administration:
Children from Kindergarten No. 33 Timișoara celebrated Danube Day by drawing the Danube, while those from Primary School No. 2 had an outdoor educational activity by the Bega Chanel. The City Hall, County Council, and House of Culture of Moldova Noua organized traditional activities. Additionally, there was a boat ride on the Danube and an exhibition of Alice Dobre's paintings by the County Directorate for Culture Caraș Severin, County Library Paul Iorgovici, and the German Democratic Forum.
Crișuri Water Basin Administration:
The organization conducted workshops with the Greek Catholic High School "Iuliu Maniu," focusing on interactive geography lessons, educational activities for young ecologists, and presentations about the Crișuri-Tisza-Danube basin. Additionally, Crișuri Water Basin Administration employees participated in sports competitions at the Dinamo sports base in Oradea City to celebrate Danube Day.
Argeș-Vedea Water Basin Administration:
The Basin Committee met in Giurgiu City to discuss water resource studies, pollution impact, and ecological activities. High school students from "Alexandru Odobescu" National College learned about water content through physicochemical analyses.
Buzău-Ialomița Water Basin Administration:
A basin committee meeting celebrated the 20th anniversary of Danube Day and the 30th anniversary of the Danube River Protection Convention. The "Carol I" Museum of Braila organized an educational nature conservation workshop called "LAND ART" for Chiscani Secondary School students. The County Centrum for Conservation and Promotion of Traditional Culture Brăila also organized a national painting contest for children. The Călărași City Hall and the Călărași County Council held various events for Danube Day, including workshops and competitions. The House for Culture of Fetesti City and Cultural Club Association, Lumina, organized Olguta Ionescu's painting exhibition.
Dobrogea Litoral Water Basin Administration:
Activities were organized to raise awareness of the importance of the Danube River in the "Adrian Ghencea" Primary School Săcele and in the "Gheorghe Lazăr" Primary School Corbu, but also in other educational units from Mangalia, Eforie, Agigea and Constanta (Technological High School ”Ion Bănescu,” Diada Post-Secondary School, Primary School no. 1, Mangalia; Carmen Sylva High School, Eforie; Agigea Primary School; Pedagogical High School, Constanța.)
Biosphere Reservation Danube Delta:
ABRDD organized June Danube Day celebration events in Tulcea, Chilia City, and Constanța County. The activities, which were organized in collaboration with local schools and organizations, included informational sessions, ecological education, and cultural events.
Olt Water Basin Administration:
On Danube Day, various activities were organized to celebrate with the participation of Islaz Elementary School students. They were taught about the importance of the Danube River and took part in fun games and a cruise on the river.
Jiu Water Basin Administration:
During the Jiu-Danube Basin Committee meeting, the activities and results of the projects for the conservation of biodiversity in the Lower Danube Basin were debated. Between 17 and 29 June, a series of actions to keep the Danube River clean were organized, including creative workshops, greening actions, a painting vernissage, and a parade of ecological costumes on Cetate Beach.
Lastly, the Prut-Bârlad Water Basin Administration and the Galați Water Management System raised awareness about the Danube River with students from five Galați schools. The students participated in activities focused on the Danube's importance and the protection of water resources, including an open lesson on water pollution with water sample analysis.
All participants received promotional materials, ICPDR bags, medals, and certificates during the mentioned activities.
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Serbia
For the 20th anniversary of the International Day of the Danube River, PWMC "Srbijavode" in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management – Republic Directorate for Water, the "Jaroslav Černi" Water Institute, and the Museum of Science and Technology in Belgrade, organized an event that included a boat cruise on the Danube River. During the cruise, international projects of great significance for the entire Danube River Basin region were presented.
At the event marking the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the International Day of the Danube River, a large number of media representatives who covered the event and experts from the public were presented with the “Danube Water Balance”, an international project of big importance for the entire Danube River Basin region.
On behalf of the Republic of Serbia, experts from PWMC “Srbijavode” are actively participating in the implementation of numerous international projects, and in this project, together with the Republic of Hungary, they serve as the leading partner.
PWMC "Srbijavode" traditionally organizes the celebration of Danube Day with the aim of participating in raising awareness about the importance of preserving natural resources, with a special focus on river systems.
This year, during the boat cruise, the youngest participants learned about the importance of preserving rivers through interactive workshops, where they creatively engaged with PWMC "Srbijavode" engineers to learn about important concepts such as rivers and floods. They also had the opportunity to visit the exhibition "From Belgrade's Rivers" by Gordana Karović.
Attendees enjoyed stories about the Danube River, and the entire event was enriched with a classical music performance inspired by the Danube.
PWMC „Vode Vojvodine“ succesfully organized recreational Regatta in order to highlight great potential for navigation in AP Vojvodina, importance of natural tourism development and preservation of the environment on navigable waterways. Cruising through Vojvodina plains started from Novi Sad and also ended in Novi Sad. This was also opportunity to celebrate Danube Day on the shores of Danube River in Novi Sad. Danube Day celebration ended with a spectacular fireworks from the Danube.
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Slovakia
On June 27, 2024, an event was held at Gabčíkovo Waterworks area. The event included educational demonstrations by various organizations such as the Slovak Environmental Agency, State Nature Protection of the Slovak Republic, Záhorie Protected Landscape Area, Slovak Museum of Nature Protection and Speleology, and Bojnice Zoo. Activities ranged from building birdhouses and insect hotels to learning about aquatic habitats and animal migration. Additionally, pupils could take a boat trip under the Gabčíkovo waterworks.
These events were held with the support of: The Ministry of Environment of the Slovak Republic, Water Management Construction, Slovak Water Management Enterprise, Water Research Institute, Slovak Environmental Agency, State Nature Protection of the Slovak Republic, Slovak Museum of Nature Protection and Speleology, Bojnice ZOO, and Water Managers.
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Slovenia
On 1 June, Sava River Day, and for the 20th anniversary of the International Framework Agreement on the Sava River Basin, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning, in cooperation with the Slovenian Environment Agency, organized an event entitled Strengthening the Climate Resilience of the Sava River Basin. On this occasion, special awards were presented to those who have contributed most to the protection and management of water resources in the Sava River area. The event took place in Ljubljana on 5 June 2024.
The Association of Geography Teachers of Slovenia (DUGS), in cooperation with the Environmental Education Centre of Steiermark (UBZ - Umwelt-Bildungs-Zentrum Steiermark), organized the Mura Action Day 2024 - Aktionstag für die Mur, which took place on Monday 10 June 2024 in Radgona, Austria, at the Arena on the Mur and in the nearby city park.
The event was organized under the auspices of the Austrian-Slovenian Permanent Commission for the Mur. It aimed at cross-border networking and cooperation between Slovenian and Austrian schools in the region, with the aim of educating and raising awareness about the importance of the shared river and its common management and adaptation to climate change.
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