Transboundary section: Bulgaria and Romania

Bulgarian-Romanian section

This section of the Danube, as well as sections further downstream, is one of the most natural stretches of the Danube. It is characterised by a wide riverbed and countless islands. Navigation projects threaten the entire natural section.

This section of the Danube is subject to a project that includes "Improvement of the navigation on the Danube River in joint Bulgarian-Romanian sections". 

The objective of this project is to improve the parameters of the navigation fairway (depth and width) in the specified critical sections, including areas around Belene and the Batin Islands where remnants of floodplain forests still exist.

The project involves surveying activities and construction of river groynes, cutting off the side arms for the purpose of regulating water flows, enforcement of the riverbank, and dredging.

The lower section of the Danube is one of the most natural stretches along the entire river.  The project location in Belene is next to the Persina Island, which is part of a Nature Park.

ISPA funds have been granted for the preparation of a feasibility study and plans.