Danube Delta National Institute for Research and Development

The Danube Delta National Institute for Research and Development (DDNI), founded in 1970 in Tulcea, is Romania’s leading research center dedicated to the ecology and environmental protection of the Danube Delta and other wetlands of national and international importance. Its core mission is to provide fundamental and applied scientific research that underpins the sustainable management of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, with a strong focus on biodiversity conservation and the wise use of natural resources.

Thanks to its scientific expertise and long-term contribution to environmental and development programmes, DDNI has been recognized as a Centre of Excellence for Deltas & Wetlands, National Reference Centre for Land Cover and Fisheries, main scientific advisor to the Ministry of Environment for Natura 2000 implementation in Romania, and Technological Information Centre for the Danube Delta.

DDNI’s research covers ecological status assessment, biodiversity and environmental monitoring, sustainable use of biological and water resources, hydrological and hydraulic modelling to support restoration and flood management, recovery of endangered species, and the development of GIS and decision-support systems for the Delta. The institute actively engages in national and international projects, technology transfer and policy support, helping align regional development with the principles of conservation and sustainable development.