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The ICPDR serves as a conduit for collaboration between Danube countries and the Black Sea region in matters necessitating coordinated action. It also collaborates with other international organizations in other river basins to tackle emerging challenges linked to water management (e.g., climate change adaptation). Partnerships with relevant international organizations to effectively address emerging challenges associated with water management, such as climate change adaptation are also part of the ICPDR's coopertaion activities.

The ICPDR has established itself as a reputable, impartial, non-profit international organization committed to fostering the sustainability of the Danube Basin. This distinguished reputation has been nurtured through continuous efforts, as the ICPDR collaborates with governments, the private sector, community organizations, and individuals to enhance the well-being of the Danube Basin. The ICPDR also actively collaborates with multiple commissions on specific subject matters.

The International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) is an International Organisation consisting of 14 cooperating states and the European Union. Since its establishment in 1998, the ICPDR has grown into one of the largest and most active international bodies of river basin management expertise in Europe.

Given the complexity of the Danube River Basin, including many countries with widely differing economic and environmental management needs, one overall framework was required to sustainably manage the basin. In 2000, the ICPDR contracting parties nominated the ICPDR as the platform for the implementation of all transboundary aspects of the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD). The WFD is a holistic legal and policy framework, based on transboundary cooperation in basins, seen by many as the strongest water protection legislation in the world. The ICPDR received a similar mandate in 2009 to support the coordination of the implementation of the EU Floods Directive. In its work to implement the EU’s Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the EU’s Floods Directive (FD), the ICPDR and its partners have developed a truly integrated approach to the management of the river basin and its resources.

The EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR) is an essential framework that strengthens cooperation and supports existing institutions in the Member States for the effective implementation of EU legislation. Recognizing the significance of the Danube River and its basin, the EUSDR fosters collaboration among the countries within the region to address common challenges and achieve shared objectives. By promoting integrated approaches, the EUSDR aims to enhance economic, social, and environmental development while preserving the unique natural and cultural heritage of the Danube region.

Rivers are a natural resource that have been a focal point of transboundary governance for centuries. It is challenging to manage them for the benefit of riparian communities – especially if they are transboundary. This requires the development of a water infrastructure to harvest the socioeconomic benefits, while at the same time protecting the ecosystem for future generations.

River Basin Organizations (RBOs) have been established in many of the world’s basins to better coordinate different stakeholders’ actions and foster cooperation instead of conflict. Based on the experiences of several RBOs worldwide, several key characteristics for their effectiveness can be identified.

The Sava River is the largest tributary in discharge and the second largest in catchment area. The International Sava River Basin Commission was established in 2005 to implement the Framework Agreement on the Sava River Basin (FAS RB.) The commission’s main goal is coordinating transboundary cooperation in the Sava River Basin.

The Danube River flows into the Black Sea at the Danube Delta, making the Black Sea the receiving sea for the Danube's water. A receiving sea refers to the body of water into which a river or other watercourse empties its flow. In this context, the Black Sea serves as the final destination for the waters of the Danube River.

The EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR) strengthens cooperative frameworks and supports existing institutions that help Member States to implement EU legislation. Close cooperation with the ICPDR with its experience and mandate in water management is therefore very important. ICPDR and EUSDR coordinate their activities to utilise synergies.

The IRF European Riverprize is awarded annually since 2013 to reward best practice river basin management from the Urals to the Atlantic. The award was launched in a partnership between the ICPDR, the Coca-Cola Compay, the International River Foundation (IRF) and the European Center for River Restoration.