Danube Delta

Description

Danube Delta – 233 spectacular images of the Delta, taken by photographer Daniel Petrescu. It ranks third in the world in terms of biological diversity, after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and Ecuador’s Galapagos Archipelago. Biodiversity expert Atena Groza talks about the Delta in a trilingual text (Romanian, English and French) that invites you on a journey in images through the soul of one of Romania’s most beautiful and visited territories. A UNESCO natural heritage site, it has the world’s largest compact reed bed, home to thousands of species, many of them in danger of extinction and protected worldwide. On its way to the sea, the Danube branches into three large arms: Chilia, Sulina and Sfântu Gheorghe (Saint George), which communicate with each other through a labyrinth of canals, lakes, freshets and brooks. Tulcea is the starting point of any traveller’s journey through the Delta, a town situated on the seven hills on the right bank of the Danube.

We are waiting for you, nature-loving reader, to embark on a journey into this wonderful land, where the water lilies, the flowering rushes and the arrowheads spread their leaves in the sun, turning them into welcoming hosts for insects and snails. Behind the willow trees or in their holes, the lucky ones are likely to come across some minks or otters; the agile weasels and ermines can be observed especially when they fish. Of the 300 species of fish in Europe, and 185 living in Romania, 133 live here, under water, among the meandering stalks. Fish are a strong link between the Danube Delta and the local people, most of whom are fishermen.

No other place in Europe boasts such a great diversity of bird species, especially water birds: the largest pelican colony in Europe, the most numerous colonies of geese. The place is also preferred for nesting by egrets, spoonbills and herons. Only wild boars or foxes may occasionally disturb the peaceful life of the thousands of birds which have found a shelter in the vicinity of water…

Although in touch with the modern world, the preservation of old customs, as well as the impressive landscape make one feel like tasting the past. And this despite the fact that you are on the youngest Romanian land.