Romfilatelia introduces into circulation on Tuesday, September 2nd, this year the postage stamp issue entitled Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, dedicated to ‘the youngest Romanian land’ – the Danube Delta, which is constantly changing, having a special ecological, scientific and touristic value. The issue consists of four stamps and a First Day Cover.
The Danube Delta is a true sanctuary of European biodiversity, home to over 5,000 species of flora and fauna. Estimated to be more than 12,000 years old, it continues to expand, known for the largest reed-bed area in Europe, the Letea subtropical forest – the northernmost of its kind – and the presence of beluga sturgeon, the world’s largest freshwater fish.
In 1990, the Delta was included in the ‘Man and the Biosphere’ (MAB) program, and a year later, in 1991, it was designated a Ramsar site – a wetland of international importance – and included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is also part of Europe’s Natura 2000 ecological network.
Romania is the only country in the world to have almost an entire delta declared a biosphere reserve with international recognition and status.
In order to highlight the importance of this unique corner of nature, by Order No. 539/2008 issued by the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, September 1st was established as the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Day.
The four postage stamps of the issue feature emblematic species of the Danube Delta, with an important role in maintaining the ecological balance of this unique habitat.
Great White Egret (Ardea alba), is illustrated on the postage stamp with the face value of Lei 3. It is a migratory species, declared a natural monument. With its immaculate white plumage and elegant silhouette, it appears in summer in the reedbeds and marshes of the Danube Delta. In spring, the nuptial plumage is characterized by long, fine feathers, which have been collected over the years to adorn garments. It feeds on fish, amphibians and reptiles.
Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) is depicted on the postage stamp with the face value of Lei 6.50. Small but spectacular, this bird has a blue head and back with blue or greenish metallic highlights and an orange belly. It nests on the banks of clear running or standing water, from where it dives to catch small fish and tadpoles.
Otter (Lutra lutra), of the mustelid family, is presented on the postage stamp with the face value of Lei 8. A carnivorous semi-aquatic mammal, the otter is mostly active at night, but can also be seen during the day in the quiet areas of the Delta. It feeds mainly on fish, crustaceans and other invertebrates and is an indicator of the health of aquatic ecosystems.
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) is illustrated on the postage stamp with thw face value of Lei 14. A sedentary species, the great duck is present in large numbers in the Danube Delta. The male has a green head and a white collar, while the female has a brownish-speckled plumage. It is the ancestor of the domestic duck and a key element of aquatic ecosystems. It feeds on insects, crustaceans, worms, seeds and plant matter.
The graphic of the First Day Cover features a specimen of the family Ciconiidae, the white stork. It is a migratory bird.
Romfilatelia thanks Mr. Marian Tudor, PhD, the Manager of the Danube Delta National Institute for Research and Development, the ornithology team of the same institute and the Administration of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve for the expert consultancy provided in the development of this postage stamp issue.
