Four countries, four exciting camps – and a shared adventure along the Danube! In this unique project, young people explored the second longest river in Europe
in a creative way and immersed themselves in its fascinating nature and culture. The project kicked off with Friends of the Danube in Belgrade, followed by a visit to the picturesque fishing
village of Tutrakan in Bulgaria and an exploration tour through the fascinating Danube Delta in Romania. Inspired by the beauty of the landscape and the traditions of the fishermen, the
participants recorded their experiences in captivating interviews and great photos a storytelling project that brings the magic of the Danube to life!

Youth media camp
“Spotlight on the Fishermen” – A journey to the Danube
On 2 June 2024, I left Romania for a special experience: the youth media camp “Danube Confluence: Spotlight on the Fishermen”, organised by Agapedia and danube connects.

My journey began in the Bulgarian town of Tutrakan, where we focussed on fishing and the natural ecosystem of the Danube. The stay there was full of intercultural elements and gave us the opportunity to familia­rise ourselves with traditional food, clothing and dances. We then travel­led to the Romanian city of Crișan in the Danube Delta, close to the Black Sea. The arrival was adventurous: with a lot of luggage on a small boat, surrounded by darkness, mosquitoes and the unfamiliar sounds of nature. But the sight of the sunset, the pelicans, cormorants and the harmonious interaction of the animals made up for the effort.

During the day, we experienced the intense heat and humidity of the delta, while the evenings were magi­cally calm – a habitat where animals and plants dominate. The locals live in harmony with nature and respect their surroundings. Our days were filled with kayak tours, bird wat­ching, interviews with fishermen and photo shoots. We learned how life on the Danube has changed over the years and how important it is to preserve traditions and nature.

What made this camp special was the connection between the partici­pants. Initially strangers, we grew close through shared experiences and exchange about our cultures. We realised that the Danube is not just a river, but a historical, cultural and ecological lifeline. Despite the logi­stical challenges, the heat of the sun and mosquito bites, the camp was a complete success. It showed that pre­serving the Danube is only possible through co-operation.

Youth camps like this offer the best opportunity to sensitise young people to work together towards a sustainable future. I am grateful to have been a part of it and hope that this unique ecosystem will be preserved – for the animals, nature and the peoplewho respect it.

Kamilla Halaszy,
Cluj-Napoca

Tutrakan and the fishermen of the Danube – a story that never ends

The Danube is not just a river, but a lifeline that has been connecting people, cultures and stories for centuries. Once a frontier of the Roman Empire, today a source of life for ten European countries, the Danube is
also the keeper of a deep-rooted history of fishing, associated cuisine and a lifestyle far older than we can imagine.Tutrakan, a town on the Bulgarian bank of the Danube, is a place full of history – marked by wars, military occupations, natural disasters, but also by tradition and constancy. Today, the town attracts tourists who want to experience the au­thentic fishing and cuisine of the Danu­be. The people living here do the same things their ancestors did for thousands of years: Catching fish to sell, eating to­gether on the banks and giving them­selves up to the rhythm of nature.The fishermen of Tutrakan used to be true legends of the Danube. After winter, they would spend up to nine months on the river, traveling hundreds of kilometres along the Bulgarian bor­der, fishing, selling their catch and li­ving in camps along the banks. Winter was not an idle time either – the Danu­be was often frozen over, so holes were drilled in the ice to catch fish. Fishing was not just a profession, but a way of life that was passed down from genera­tion to generation.Today, these fishermen have not been forgotten. Young people like Tisho, a student from Tutrakan, see their future in continuing this tradition. While other young people may dream of careers in technology or science, for him one thing is certain: his destiny is the Danube, fi­shing and life on the water.And while towns are shrinking and people are moving to large metropoli­tan areas, more and more people long for a “return to nature”. But what does that actually mean? A trip to the coun­tryside, a few photos and a freshly gril­led fish? Nature doesn’t need us – we need it! Our ancestors understood the signs of the sky, calculated their food down to the last grain and endured hardships that would be unimaginable for us.It’s time we didn’t just talk about our­selves when we talk about being close to nature. The fishermen of Tutrakan are not just figures from the past – they are here, living, working and preser­ving their ancient traditions. Yes, their eyes are tired from constantly looking at the water, their hands rough from their daily work. The true connection to nature does not come from occasional trips, but from living with it – day after day, generation after generation.

office@tutrakan-tourism.eu
www.tutrakan-tourism.eu
www.danube-adventure.com

Martin Krastev,
Sofia

NEXT YOUTH BOOTCAMP STOP – Bosnia and Herzegovina ’25
The heart-shaped country of Europe is not only taking over the presidency of the Danube region this year, but is also making itself a strong host foryoung people. A youth meeting is planned as part of the Danube Confluence project and the Danube Youth Organisation Network (DYON). The participants will take part in a film festival in Srebrenica and then explore the unique and wild nature while rafting and hiking. Stay tuned!