Dimitris Vavylis, the Greek conservationist and photographer, continues his photo mission along the Black-Sea Mediterranean Flyway of the Dalmatian pelican. This time he visited the picturesque wetlands of Bulgaria and also the gorgeous Danube delta – one of Europe’s last truly wild places, as the photographer said. Read the blog accompanied by the stunning shots from the region to find out more about the life of the pelicans and the conservation efforts of the “Pelican Way Of LIFE” initiative, coordinated by Rewilding Europe.

The work to stabilize and strengthen interconnected populations of the Dalmatian pelican along the Black Sea-Mediterranean flyway, carried on by Rewilding Europe and partners, has been recognized by the European Commission’s Natura 2000 Awards. By reducing the risk of collisions with power lines, the installation of nesting platforms, and establishing regular patrols, The Pelican Way of LIFE initiative has helped to create two new breeding colonies in Bulgaria.

As a child, a trip to the river in the summer has always been fraught with adventure, joy, and friends. We carry these memories throughout our lives, so rivers often have a special place in our hearts. Indeed, rivers and water bodies give us a wide range of positive emotions and impressions: from thrill and excitement to relaxation and inner harmony. They provide many different opportunities for active or relaxing holidays for all tastes. Let’s mention some of them with you.

From time immemorial, people have settled on the banks of rivers and lakes, because they knew: they mean life! Rivers and floodplains provide local communities with food and other resources that allow them to thrive. In part, these products and materials reach the inhabitants of large cities, so one way or another we all depend on rivers.

Is it possible to drink water from the river? Yes, we all do it every day, because the water comes to our taps through pipes from rivers. Of course, it undergoes a complex process of purification using physical and chemical methods, the set of which may vary depending on the river and area. But do you know that nature also has its own filters that effectively clean water from various types of pollution?

Today, February 9, WWF-Ukraine and Rewilding Ukraine are launching the information campaign to draw the attention of Ukrainians to the value of rivers and wetlands, which are complex natural systems providing people with many ecosystem services. The environmental organizations emphasize the need to preserve and restore the rivers and floodplains of Ukraine.

For many years a network of dykes and canals have choked the life out of the Danube Delta. Rewilding efforts in the Ukrainian part of the delta are now restoring water flow, enhancing wildlife populations and benefitting local communities.

The Danube Delta is one of Rewilding Europe’s nine large rewilding areas. Rewilding Ukraine, being a non-governmental organization and a proud partner of the Rewilding Europe network, is working to revitalize and rewild landscapes of the Danube Delta by encouraging wildlife comeback, reintroducing lost species, and providing space for wildlife to flourish and communities to thrive. Integral to the success is the involvement of people, communities and businesses.

Despite the difficult weather conditions, at the end of December 2021, winter survey of the Dalmatian pelican took place in Ukraine. It was organized simultaneously with similar surveys in other Eastern European countries. This year’s results give hope: three and a half times more pelicans are left to spend the winter in the Danube Delta than last year.

Dear friends, partners, and supporters, with the year approaching to an end we would like to look back and reflect on some of the major achievements we have made together this year from restoring the swathes of delta landscape, return of the wildlife, and to support of local economies and awareness-raising.