The third Joint Danube Survey, coordinated by the ICPDR, takes place this August and September. DANUBEPARKS contributes with its monitoring of Little-ringed Plover and Sand Martin. You can be part of this, by visiting one of the events organized for you!
The Joint Danube Survey is an internationally coordinated scientific monitoring of the Danube River - quite a challenging task! The monitoring of breeding sites of Little-ringed Plover and Sand Martin was implemented between May and July, to identify sections with natural river dynamics, and sections where restoration is needed. The main part of the JDS3 however is the travel of several monitoring ships - equipped for fish monitoring, water quality measurements, and much more - along the river in August and September.
There are press conferences in all countries to inform the public via the media, organized by the various Ministries that contribute to the organization of the Survey. DANUBEPARKS established three events for the public to learn about the Monitoring:
On August 20th-22nd, the Donau-Auen National Park organizes a three-day wilderness boat excursion from Vienna to Bratislava. The aim is to get to know the dynamic river habitats that are in the focus of the monitoring of Little-ringed Plover and Sand Martin, and to learn about scientific monitoring done within the Joint Danube Survey. We might even watch a boat while doings its samples, as we start at the same time from Vienna! (Tour fully booked already)
On September 7th, the Duna-Ipoly National Park organizes a specialized excursion regarding monitoring of dynamic river habitats. Participants will discover Szentendrei Island just north of Budapest by bike and by boat, visit dynamic habitats such as sand banks and islands, and learn about their fauna and flora. The excursion is an opportunity to discover how different organizations research, protect, and monitor these habitats, and how they all work together for example in the Joint Danube Survey.
On September 21st, in Dömös - a small village at the Danube Bend, between Visegrad and Esztergom - a festival takes place. Scientific activities in the National Park and along the Danube River, including the major effort of the Joint Danube Survey, are in the focus of the information provided there. Additionally, there's a festival with everything that a festival offers - music and food, meeting people and enjoying a celebration at the Danube River!
