About the Danube Delta initiative. "Rewilding in the Danube Delta."
At 700,000 hectares, the Danube delta is Europe’s largest remaining wetland, stretching across Ukraine, Romania and Moldova. Eurasian otters, beavers, golden jackals and many endangered birds call it home. Unfortunately, attempts to tame the Danube River with dams have resulted in serious floods, and poaching of native grazers has led to a critical build-up of combustible plant material that fuels devastating wildfires. By reintroducing native grazers, like bison, and reconnecting the floodplains of the area, the Danube Delta Initiative has both reduced the risk of wildfires and diminished the threat presented by floods. Water availability for farmers has improved and created a powerful incentive for people living in the region to safeguard the wetlands. The returned presence of the bison and other herbivores is also supporting the recovery of wolves and other predators that are beginning to draw tourism.