The Danube Delta: A natural laboratory for trans-disciplinary education, research, innovation and development

The Danube Delta • A European and global ecological treasure • A rich, diverse flora & fauna • 98% of the European aquatic fauna • 3400 animal species • 160 fish species • 300 bird species – Arctic, Siberian, Mongolian, Chinese, Mediterranean, European • Abundant and diverse natural resources • 1150 plant species • Over 4178 square Km Delta • A Danube Delta Biosphere of 5800 square Km • Significant cultural diversity • Source of energy • Corridors of energy transport • The Danube from the Black Forest to Caraorman Forest • Romania & the Danube Delta • Bridge between EU, the Black Sea region • Regions with diversity of cultures and traditions • Rich in natural & human resources • Aspiring for higher education, development • Ties with the EU and the Euro-Atlantic communities The Danube Delta Project • The Danube Delta Institute of Advanced Trans-Disciplinary Studies (DDIATS) • The Danube Delta International Summer School of ATS (DDISSATS) • To stimulate knowledge generation, translation, transmission • Application, via education, research, innovation, development • Human capital development • To close the development gap between the region and the world • Open up new opportunities for collaboration among • Students, scholars, professionals, business, policy makers, • Of the region as well as with those from EU and USA • Across disciplines & continents • Focusing on history, cultures, & traditions • Ecology • Energy • Health systems’ strengthening • Technology, green growth, and sustainable development • Identify and secure educational, human, financial resources • For bilateral & multilateral aspects of the projects • Specify all resources necessary for implementation • Involve public, private, institutions, governments, foundations, & benefactors for financing the projects • Produce a projects’ hierarchy & implementation timeline • Agree on a leadership workgroup The Danube Delta Project Anticipated Outcomes • Knowledge generation, innovation, human capital development • Energy, ecology, green growth, sustainable development • Science, technology, innovation, & health systems’ strengthening Measuring societies’ progress in tandem with OECD