On March 20, 2026, in Zimnicea, Asociația MaiMultVerde organized a new event along the Via Danubiana route, bringing together the local community, volunteers, and authorities around activities dedicated to protecting the Danube.
The event began with the inauguration of a new Via Danubiana marker, placed near Zimnicea City Hall, marking a new reference point along the route being developed along the river. The mayor of Zimnicea was present at the opening, alongside representatives of the local community.
Subsequently, approximately 35 volunteers participated in a clean-up action at Cheson Beach and the surrounding area. Considered an emblematic spot for the community, the beach is frequently used for recreation, but is also one of the areas most vulnerable to waste accumulation — brought in by the water or left behind by human activity. During the intervention, over 20 bags of household waste were collected, in an effort that reflects the ongoing need for community engagement in protecting the banks of the Danube and its riverside ecosystems.
The action brought together a diverse group of participants: local residents, high school students from Colegiul Național Zimnicea, supporters of the Șacalii 550 initiative, and volunteers from Giurgiu and nearby areas.
In addition to the clean-up, the event included kayaking sessions with support from Kayak Champions, and concluded with a community meal organized at Tabăra Dunărica. The venue was chosen for its symbolic significance to the region, and was reopened for this occasion to host participants. The meal brought people together around locally sourced food — fish dishes and grilled food prepared by the community — in an informal setting of socializing and reconnection.
The event was covered by the publications Scena9 and PressOne, who were present on the ground to capture participants’ direct experiences and the local dynamics of the project.
The action took place during Water Week, a period dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of water resources and the protection of their associated ecosystems.
Through initiatives like this, Via Danubiana aims to bring people closer to the Danube and to encourage direct community involvement in the responsible protection and appreciation of this natural space.
Event organized by Asociația MaiMultVerde.
Project made possible with the support of Lidl România, in partnership with Consiliul Județean Teleorman, Administrația Națională „Apele Române”, Agenția Națională pentru Mediu și Arii Protejate (ANMAP), Romsilva, Muzeul Județean Teleorman and Primăria Zimnicea.
Photo credit: Larisa Baltă
