Final Report on the Landscape of the Year 2007–2009 published
Ever since 1989, the Naturefriends International (NFI) has designated border-crossing European regions of outstanding ecological value as Landscapes of the Year, with the objective of helping to boost sustainable development.

In the Danube delta we have now been active together with Naturefriends Romania and other partners for almost four years.

We intended to stimulate action by efforts at the strategic level and by practical measures. The fact that our plans have come off is essentially due to the consistent application of one single principle: open and dependable communication and cooperation designed to gather people from diverse organisations around one table. The matrix for new ideas and innovative solutions is made up of diverging perspectives, experience gained, information, and contacts. The involvement of international experts translated into ‘networking’ in the best and most helpful sense of the term.

Hence, all practical measures had the character of pilots or models. Though not perfect, they were successful and proof of the fact – that after all, it works!

Sustainable development is work in progress. This is why this Final Report is an account of both things achieved and (potential) starting points for follow-up – so that things will move on!

What is due at this point is a big thank-you for the excellent cooperation to all those whose commitment was absolutely crucial to the success of the project: to our partners, sponsors, promoters, and private donors.