Srebarna Reserve protected by Danube water transfer

The UNESCO-protected Srebarna Reserve in Bulgaria is facing significant ecological risks due to a long-term decline in water levels and a recent drop in the Danube River. To protect the habitat and its 221 bird species, including the pink and Dalmatian pelican, an emergency water transfer system has been utilized.

Following a partial state of emergency declared in June, pipes were installed to pump water from the Danube into the reserve's lake. This system covers a distance of over 500 meters with a 12-meter elevation change. A crisis headquarters is monitoring the process, which has transferred nearly 4 million cubic meters of water to the lake to date. Despite these efforts, water levels remain at a critical minimum.