Cooperation Partnership with Erste Group

The ICPDR and Erste Group believe in sustainable water and river basin management to ensure the good status of all waters in the Danube River Basin. Through their partnership, the ICPDR and Erste Group strive to enhance public awareness regarding the restoration of water bodies and the protection of clean water resources in the Danube River Basin across Central and Eastern Europe.

Erste Group logo in white on a blue background

This collaboration marks the first time the ICPDR and Erste Group have cooperated, providing an opportunity to work with a well-known actor in the private sector operating in a significant portion of the Danube River Basin, including Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, and Slovenia. The main focus of this initiative is on educating the public about water protection by combining expert knowledge and encouraging community participation through activities like Danube Day.

 

Danube Day 

First celebrated in 2004 for the 10th anniversary of the ICPDR, Danube Day has grown into an annual event that pays tribute to the Danube River. In 2024, we celebrate 30 years of the ICPDR and 20 years of Danube Day. This day of symbolic unity is marked by coordinated, simultaneous events throughout the Danube River Basin, illustrating the spirit of cooperation among ICPDR countries. Danube Day provides an opportunity to bring important ICPDR messages to the public and local actors, allowing them to interact with youth and engage with crucial water protection issues.

Danube Art Master

This collaboration marks the first time the ICPDR and Erste Group have cooperated, providing an opportunity to work with a well-known actor in the private sector operating in a significant portion of the Danube River Basin, including Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, and Slovenia. The main focus of this initiative is on educating the public about water protection by combining expert knowledge and encouraging community participation through activities like the Danube Art Master competition.

The Danube Art Master competition, established to inspire young people to create art focusing on the Danube River, has become a significant annual event. This competition encourages youth to express their connection to the Danube through various art forms, fostering a deeper understanding of water protection issues.

Acknowldgements

With Erste Group's support, we can enhance our Danube Day and Danube Art Master activities, ensuring not only awareness raising of Danube issues but also fostering Danube ambassadors within Erste Group’s clientele. a richer and more impactful experience for participants in the 8 ICPDR countries that are also Erste beneficiary countries. This contribution not only raises awareness of Danube issues but also helps foster Danube ambassadors within Erste Group’s clientele. We gratefully acknowledge Erste Group's support, which strengthens our mission and amplifies our efforts in protecting the Danube River Basin.