THE RESTORATION OF THE DANUBE FLOODPLAIN, A FUNDAMENTAL ECOLOGICAL ISSUE FOR ROMANIA

The Danube floodplain represented the largest wet area located along a river in Europe and one of the biggest in the world. From the ecological point of view, the area was characterized by the presence of a great variety of biotopes and biocoenosis characteristic to permanent and periodical ecosystems. The populations of plants and animals reached thousand species, the area in question displaying one of the greatest biodiversities in Europe. Due to its particular ecosystem structure and natural resources, the floodplain located within the territory of Romania is considered the richest in Europe. However, the development of industry, agriculture and human settlements triggered a reduction or even the disappearance of the floodplain. Thus, a major issue, publicly debated, is the restoration of the floodplain. This process represents a complex action both technically and economically, but we consider that the ecological restoration of the Danube Floodplain is an issue of general European interest.