The Ecosystems of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve state-of the-art

Taking into account the morphologic-hydrographic configuration of natural ecosystems or ecosystems partly modified by man the area, its flora and fauna communities and the long-term human impact, the two main categories of Danube Delta ecosystems associated with Razim-Sinoie lake complex, coastal marine waters and the Danube flood plain between Isaccea and Tulcea, as part of Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, have been delimited: natural ecosystems or ecosystems partly modified by man; anthropic ecosystems. To identify and characterize ecosystems, there have been analysed the data on hydrography, morphology, biodiversity, human settlements, types of land use, spatial changes through the construction of agricultural, fisheries, forestry polders, modification of the network of channels and canals with consequences on the water circulation system inside the delta. The first category, of natural and partly modified by man ecosystems comprises 23 types (water bodies: running waters-Danube and its main branches, channels and canals; standing freshwater-lakes; standing brackish and salt waters-coastal lagoons, coastal, marine zones; wetlands: water fringe vegetation-flooded reed beds, floating reed beds , riparian willow formations, frequently flooded river levees; forests, shrubs and herbaceous vegetation: temperate riverine forests-mixed oak woods, shrubs and herbaceous vegetation, steppe meadows, meadows on low marine levees; dunes, beaches).The second category, of anthropic ecosystems includes 7 types (agricultural lands, forest areas-plantation on the river banks, fish farms, settlements-villages, towns). With the establishment of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve in 1990, with the statutory provisions on the protection and conservation of biodiversity, the deltaic landscape, some of the previous pressures were reduced, but the pollution of the Danube waters less consolidated beaches (Sulina, Sfântu Gheorghe, Chituc) and related with touristic activities, on ecosystems as a whole. The tourism activities also must represent not only a positive and dynamic development factor but also a practical solution to keeping the environment unaltered. These aspects were mentioned in the characterization of the ecosystems presented in this article.

Algae of biological soil crusts from sand dunes of the Danube Delta biosphere reserve (Odesa Region, Ukraine)

The species composition of algae from biological soil crusts (biocrusts) on the surface of sand dunes (Black Sea coast, Primorske, Izmail District, Odesa Region, Ukraine) was investigated. Samples were collected from three coastal localities: Katranivska Spit, Zhebryianska Bay and Zhebryianska Ridge. The latter two localities are in the territory of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve. The samples were investigated by direct microscopy, followed by a culture approach. 60 species from Chlorophyta (32), Cyanobacteria (16), Streptophyta (7) and Ochrophyta (5) were identified. Representatives of the cyanobacterial genera Microcoleus Desmazières ex Gomont, Coleofasciculus M.Siegesmund, J.R.Johansen & T.Friedl, Nostoc Vaucher ex Bornet & Flahault, Hassallia Berkeley ex Bornet & Flahault, and streptophytes from the genus Klebsormidium P.C.Silva, Mattox & W.H.Blackwell dominated in the studied biocrusts. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S/18S rRNA as well as 16S-23S ITS/ITS-1,2 regions were undertaken for some strains of cyanobacteria and eukaryotic algae. As a result, species identification and their position in respective phylogeny was refined, as well as aiding the discovery of some interesting and rare species. New genera and species were described (Streptosarcina arenaria Mikhailyuk & Lukešová and Tetradesmus arenicola Mikhailyuk & P.Tsarenko); with two genera (Nodosilinea R.B.Perkerson & D.A.Casamatta and Pleurastrosarcina H.J.Sluiman & P.C.J.Blommers) and four species reported for the first time for the flora of Ukraine (Nodosilinea epilithica Perkerson & Casamatta, Pseudomuriella aurantiaca (W.Vischer) N.Hanagata, Pleurochloris meiringensis Vischer, Pleurastrosarcina terriformae Darienko, W.J.Kang, Orzechowski & Pröschold). Comparison of the results from this study with similar investigations at Cape Kazantip (Sea of Azov, Ukraine) and at two islands of the Baltic Sea (Rügen, Usedom, Germany) revealed that sand composition and texture, as well as climate type of the respective region, are the main factors determining species composition of algae and cyanobacteria in biocrusts of maritime dunes.

Philately’s Implications in Ecological Education via Romanian Thematic Joint Issues (IV)- Regarding the 2nd Collaboration with WWF

The project to promote the protected natural heritage and biodiversity continues with the 2nd collaboration of the Romanian postal administration with the World Wildlife Fund. Introducing in the scientific circulation the idea of thematic philately, for the protection of endangered species, this time we focused on the issue published in 1984. This is suggestively entitled “Animals protected in the Romanian reservations”. It should be mentioned that, at the end of 1984, the national thematic philately was enriched, with a series of postage stamps promoting pelicans. The philatelic issue comes to the public to confirm that in Romania (more exactly in Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve) there is the largest colony of common pelicans in Europe. The research emphasizes the mass character of thematic philately and its role as a cultural ambassador. The 1984 philatelic issue, underlines the implications of WWF, along with those of the Romanian postal administration, in promoting the natural capital to be protected. The issue itself has many philatelic effects (especially maximum postcards), both those made privately and officially, which we insisted. We wanted to show that such philatelic materials, made in collaboration with prestigious entities, are more than welcome in sounding the alarm about habitat alteration. Also, they can be the basis of various conservation strategies in terms of adequate information among tourists.

Danube Delta - a unique place in Europe

At the end of a flowing route that exceeds 2,860 km, through an impressive catchment area that covers more than 80% of Europe, the Danube, the second largest river in Europe, intersects the Black Sea forming the delta which is known as one of the great wetlands of the planet. The stretches of water and land formed here offer good living conditions to many species of plants and animals. The purpose of this study was to create several maps that present these aspects of the Danube Delta wetland using a set of GIS technologies. Since the GIS technology is an important tool in the analysis of geographic areas, we managed to obtain the following maps: hypsometric, slope, slope orientation and flood direction. Since September 1990, the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve has been recognised internationally as a wetland; specifically, the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve has been recognised internationally as a wetland, especially for water birds habitat. The value of the World Heritage Site of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve was recognised in December 1990 by including more than half of its surface into the World Cultural and Natural Heritage List. Keywords: Danube Delta, flood accumulation, natural heritage, slope, wetlands.