CIWEM's Incentive to Making a World Of Difference

The Lower Dnister delta ecosystem, part of the largest river in western Ukraine and Moldova, comprises of 300 square kilometres of wetlands and riparian forests. With well over 700 plant species and over 150 bird species recorded, including numerous internationally endangered wildfowl species, the Dnister delta represents some of the richest areas of biodiversity in the Black Sea region. The wetlands and forest also provide an important function for the Black Sea ecology by filtering nutrients and pollutants transported by the Dnister. However, the delta is suffering from inappropriate water level management related to intensive irrigation, erosion of estuary banks, diffuse pollution of pesticides and fertilisers from vineyards and farms, and outdated and poorly functioning wastewater treatment plants.

The overall objective of the EU funded Lower Dnister River Basin Project was to improve management of the river basin, including water quality and protection and restoration of ecosystems, using the Water Framework Directive as a general reference framework. Over a two year period, Mott MacDonald's experts conducted extensive biological inventories, established a GIS database, undertook public consultations and conducted socio-economic research. They used this material to produce a management plan that contained information on the ecology, population, land use and economic activities of the area, and prepared proposals for the gazettement of the delta as a National Park.  On November 13, 2008, the park was officially established under Ukraine Law.

In its seventh year of sponsorship by leading global engineering, consulting and construction company, Black & Veatch, CIWEM's World of Difference Award rewards the leading proponents of the practical application of innovative science and engineering for environmental improvement.

The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust's project ‘Wetland Management for Sustainable Livelihoods at Koshi Tappu, Nepal', received a special commendation for CIWEM's World of Difference Award. This project addressed the issues of unsustainable exploitation at Ramsar Site Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve through proper water and environmental management, education and research.

As well as receiving a framed certificate and cheque for GBP3,000, the winner will be presented with a specially-commissioned trophy designed by 1st year art student, Stephanie Moakes of Reigate School of Art Design and Media, as part of a project created by Black & Veatch to encourage students near its Redhill office to become involved with industry. The trophy will be presented at a prestigious award ceremony at CIWEM's Annual Dinner at Draper's Hall, London, on 28th May 2009.

ireland has a problem with flooding, the main problem is with the river shannon ie the largest river in ireland, we are short of water in dublin, there was talk of pumping water from the shannon to the east coast, could this help the flooding, also could we incorporate reservoirs for the spirit of ireland project and kil 3 birds with the one stone. sound too easy, any thoughts. charlie grant - 12/08/2009 - 21:56