One of the most valuable outcomes of the JUST4MPA – Blue Justice and Just Transformation: far-fetched concepts for Romania’s Marine Protected Areas? project is a three-part documentary series dedicated to the people and communities of the Danube Delta.
Produced in collaboration with the Institute for Research of the University of Bucharest (ICUB), the documentaries are based on field research carried out throughout the project and reflect JUST4MPA’s interdisciplinary approach, combining marine conservation, social sciences, and visual anthropology.
Rather than focusing solely on environmental challenges, the series highlights the people whose lives are closely connected to the Delta and whose knowledge and experiences are essential for developing more inclusive and equitable approaches to marine conservation.
Documentary I – Can Fishing Still Sustain a Living?
The first documentary explores the realities of small-scale fishers in the Danube Delta. Through personal testimonies, it examines how declining fish stocks, fishing restrictions, climate change, and socio-economic transformations have affected traditional livelihoods and the future of fishing communities.
▶️ Watch here:
Documentary II – Women of the Danube Delta
The second documentary gives voice to the women of Sfântu Gheorghe, whose stories reveal how local communities have adapted to profound environmental, economic, and social changes. Through conversations about work, family, gastronomy, traditions, music, and everyday life, the film documents an important part of the Delta’s living cultural heritage while highlighting the resilience of its communities.
▶️ Watch here:
Documentary III – Coming Soon
The final documentary completes the JUST4MPA series by presenting the broader vision of the project and the role of interdisciplinary research, stakeholder engagement, and collaboration with local communities in promoting Blue Justice and more equitable marine conservation.
Research Beyond Scientific Publications
The documentary series represents an important component of JUST4MPA’s dissemination activities. Alongside scientific publications, the Danube Delta Atlas, educational materials, and community outreach initiatives, these films contribute to making research more accessible while preserving the voices, knowledge, and cultural heritage of the Danube Delta.
By combining scientific research with storytelling, the documentaries demonstrate that effective marine conservation is not only about protecting ecosystems, but also about understanding the people who depend on them.
The series was produced within the JUST4MPA project in collaboration with the Institute for Research of the University of Bucharest (ICUB).
We invite you to watch the documentaries and discover the stories behind the landscapes, communities, and research that shaped the JUST4MPA project.
