What we want

Save the living Danube

WWF is not against shipping per se. Shipping is a legitimate and increasingly important use of the river – but by far not the only one. Plans for the river must take into consideration the numerous environmental benefits that the river offers. The Danube River provides vital services including flood protection, water purification and biological diversity.

Inland navigation is assumed to be an environmentally friendly mode of transport.  This will only be sustainable if global impacts (greenhouse gas emissions) and local impacts, on ecosystems and their services, are taken into consideration.  There needs to be a balance between navigation and the river's numerous benefits in order to achieve an eco-friendly atmosphere.

We are opposed to damaging infrastructure developments and against outdated, one-sided engineering methods.  In addition, we do not agree with unsustainable and narrow solutions, both of which fail to consider a comprehensive assessment of the river's needs.

Administrative bottlenecks, caused by insufficient or inefficient harbour management, should be addressed before making tangible adjustments to the river.  Innovative technologies and projects can be implemented if a political conviction exists and is mobilized.  For example, better ship technologies, river information systems, and win-win projects that improve navigation conditions and local environmental situations can be achieved by reconnecting the river with its floodplan areas.

We support inland navigation on the Danube as long as plans and projects:

• Have clear positive effects on river ecosystems, basin-wide and locally;
• Are environmentally sustainable;
• Respect socio-economic needs, in particular of local and regional communities;
• Meet all legal requirements, e.g. the Water Framework Directive.