These strategic ideas are being applied in the region. Right here in Romania the Government has recently successfully implemented a project financed by the Global Environmental Fund, administered by the Bank, for Biodiversity Conservation in the Danube Delta. Another example in Romania is a project that is exploring options for better incorporating biodiversity conservation in forest management. We are also preparing a Forestry Development Program that aims to increase the contribution to the national economy from sustainable management of Romania s forest resources. Regional Cooperation Many environmental issues, however, must be tackled on a regional level and require improved cooperation between countries through information exchange, setting up of joint bodies, and accession to, and implementation of, international conventions.
Effective conservation is a regional issue.
Collaboration must include safe-guarding transboundary resources and improving resource management. The environment presents several opportunities where a multi-country, regional approach could bring more benefits than the execution of individual projects. To give a specific example, the sturgeon conservation strategy developed under the Danube Delta Project will need the close cooperation of all countries through which the Danube flows. Such a strategy, once implemented successfully will allow effective increases in the sturgeon population and extend their presence to the upper reaches of the Danube, representing a multi-million dollar economic opportunity. The Danube and Carpathian region has valuable environmental resources.