Danube Delta Reserve Biosphere (DDBR) is the largest and least damaged wetland complex in Europe, covering a total area of 580,000 ha.

The significance of the biodiversity of the Danube Delta has been internationally recognised. It was declared a Biosphere Reserve in September 1990, a Ramsar site in May 1991, and over 50% of its area was placed on the World Heritage List in December 1991. Within its boundaries is one of the most extensive reed bed systems in Europe.

The Danube Delta has considerably more breeding species than other south European deltas; these include a major portion of the world population of pygmy cormorant, half the Palearctic breeding population of white pelican and five percent of the world breeding population of the Dalmatian pelican. It is likely that the Delta is one of the last European refuges of the European mink and there are also a number of other important small carnivore species. Within the reserve, a number of 18 stricly protected areas with a total surface of 50,600 ha were delineated. DDBR is the only protected area in Romania with an administrative structure, a management plan and its own law.

A rich hydrological network contibutes to the enhancement of biodiversity. Over 1000 km of the Danube River and numerous tributairesflow through Romania. Where the river empties into the Black Sea the 580,000 ha Danube Delta (113,000 ha permanently covered by water) has been formed. This is the largest delta in Europe.

The Danube Delta and Black sea coastal areas also have a particularly high level of endemic and subendemic species including 7 endemic fish species, 4 endemic mollusca, 21 endemic insects, subendemic sponges and a large number of worm and crustacean species.

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