Joint Danube Survey 3
The Joint Danube Survey 3 (JDS3) was the world’s biggest river research expedition of its kind in 2013, the UN International Year of Water Cooperation. Its results were published in a comprehensive report in early 2015.
JDS3 catalysed international cooperation from 14 Danube Basin countries and the European Commission, cooperating through the ICPDR.
A Joint Danube Survey is carried out only once every six years – JDS1 was held in 2001 and JDS2 in 2007. JDS3 completed the sampling in 2013 to enter an extensive analysis stage and published the final reports (see download section below) in 2015.
The Joint Danube Survey pursued three main objectives:
- To collect information on parameters not covered in the ongoing monitoring
- To have data that is readily comparable for the entire river because it comes from a single source
- To promote the work of the ICPDR and raise awareness for water management
For six weeks between 13 August and 26 September 2013, the JDS3 ships travel 2,375 km downstream the Danube River, through 10 countries, to the Danube Delta. An international Core Team of 20 scientists was responsible for sampling, sample processing, on-board analyses and all survey activities.
Leading laboratories across Europe carried out chemical analyses. Corporate partners, such as the Coca-Cola System and Donauchemie, supported the JDS3 through financial contributions and by sharing their knowledge about water management from a private sector perspective. Public events ensured that everybody could get involved with JDS3.
All the findings and reports of JDS3 can be found on the JDS3 website.
