Bulgarian experts working with RIEW Veliko Turnovo on Strategic project „Joint Risk Monitoring during Emergencies in the Danube Area Border“, reference number № 2s-2.2-1, MIS-ETC Code: 166 financed by the European Regional development fund and the State budgets of Republic of Bulgaria and Republic of Romania under the Crossborder Cooperation Programme Romania-Bulgaria 2007-2013 together with commissioners from the Romanian National Environmental Guard conducted a joint work visit to Natural park Zhelezni vrata (Iron Gates) in the period 10-12th July 2012 in order to get acquainted with the methodology for control of the protected territories in Romania and its application in the preservation of biodiversity.
The programme of the visit was very beneficial as it let the more than 21 experts who took part in it see all natural and cultural points of interest in the natural park: biosphere reserve Djerdap, Mrakonya monastery as well as the museum at the largest water power plant in Europe Zhelezni vrata I which in itself is an example of good practice in energy efficiency and environmentally-friendly utilization of the Danube river water. Photos of the theoretical part and practical tour can be seen here.
The main object of the visit – the second largest natural park in Romania is situated on a territory of 115 655,8 hectars along the Danube river valley and comprises 18 reserves. Here is situated as well the largest gorge in Europe Zhelezni vrata (Iron gates) which encompasses a route of 109 km located on the border between Romania and Serbia close to the Bulgarian border. Administrative and economy centre in the region of the park is Turnu Severin.
The work visit dedicated to biodiversity which is one of the priorities of European policy in the field of environmental protection, had as well informative goal with respect to the flora and fauna of the park, history, customs and traditions and culture of the local population and the actions taken for protection of both natural and cultural values. During the practical tour in the park there were observed all protected species from the flora and fauna among which it is worth mentioning Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus), Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo), Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) and water coltrop, also known as devil pod (Trápa nátans).
Romanian commissioners delivered a presentation on the categories of protected territories in nature according Romanian legislation in power. Depending on their role protected territories fall into the following groups: with national, international, public or part of Natura 2000 zones plus such of regional or local role. Category system in Bulgaria determines six categories of protected territories: national park, natural park, reserve, maintained reserve, protected areas and natural point of interest. All of them are defined in order to protect biodiversity as well as typical or notable sites from nature and scenery.
In result of dicussions there was reached a conclusion that the legislation applied in relation to planning and conduction of inspections in the protected territories is similar in both countries and closely follows rules and regulations posed by European Union.
The significance of this joint event of the two partners is defined by both common challenges in relation to the management and use of the resources and their potential in the Danube river cross border area as well as by the opportunities for carrying out a dialogue on issues of common interest between experts from both parties. The project under implementation contributes to the improvement of the expertise and approach to action in the field of environmental protection, monitoring, prevention and limiting of consequences from accidents and disasters along the Danube river valley and border areas in compliance with the standards of the European Union.
