Europe's unrivalled wetland
Where the mighty Danube River enters the Black Sea it creates a world unlike any other — the vast and untamed Danube Delta. Spanning 580,000 hectares across Romania, Ukraine, and Moldova, this living labyrinth of waterways, reedbeds, lagoons, and lakes is Europe's largest and most vibrant wetland.
Danube Delta | Ukraine, Romania & Moldova
Still remarkably wild and largely untouched, the Danube Delta is one of Europe's last great natural sanctuaries. Overflowing with life, it is a haven for countless waterbirds — from graceful herons and storks to cormorants, terns, and two majestic species of pelican. Each year it becomes a vital crossroads for migratory birds, as both a resting ground and a winter refuge.
The delta's waters are astonishingly rich, hosting more fish species than anywhere else in Europe — including ancient sturgeons that once swam the entire length of the Danube. Amid its winding waterways lie some of Europe's few remaining grazed mosaic forests — the enchanting woodlands of Letea and Caraorman. Wildlife is also making a comeback here — beavers are returning, golden jackals are roaming the landscape in growing numbers, and white-tailed eagles soar through the skies.
Rewilding vision
The Danube Delta has become one of the finest, wildest, best-protected, and most famous wildlife areas in Europe. Large-scale restoration — mainly encompassing the reconnection of large lake systems with the Danube — means the natural flow of water has breathed new life into the delta's ecosystems, with wildlife and fish populations recovering their diversity and abundance. In core rewilding areas, nature is well-connected, protected, and largely manages itself.
Nature recovery has become an engine of socio-economic change, with the delta providing new sources of income and pride for the people who live within and around it. Growing numbers of nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts visit the delta, supporting a vibrant nature-based economy, while the revitalised landscape inspires people in other natural areas to transform their challenges into opportunities through rewilding.
Do you want to know more about Rewilding Europe's efforts to make the Danube Delta a wilder place?
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