Among the amazing natural sights of Odessa region there is a unique ecosystem — it is Dunai Biosphere Reserve in Vilkovo, also called Dunai Plavni.
Somewhere in the Black Forest mountains, two mountain streams — the Bregge and the Brigach — give rise to the Danube. For almost three thousand kilometers, the great river absorbs countless tributaries. The banks are crumbling, unable to withstand its energy, and the turbid water of the Danube carries untold amounts of sand and clay across Europe to the sea.
At the mouth of the river, the suspension settles. Now the water is already retreating under the pressure of the land: the newborn land every year wrests from the sea several tens of meters. 
Bays — «kutas» are formed on the border with the sea, and the riverbed branches into many channels, forming a giant irregular triangle, within which the boundaries between water and land can change several times before the eyes of one generation. The influence of the sea softens the local climate. Winters are short and warm, while summers are hot. The Kilija Delta, where the Danube Biosphere Reserve is located, is the youngest creation of the Danube.
Among all the large deltas in the Mediterranean and Black Sea basins, it has suffered the least from human activity. Its formation began in the middle of the XVIII century, when the full-flowing Kiliya arm broke through the Zhebriyanovsky Spit. Today the sea delta of the Kiliya arm — from Vilkovo to its confluence with the Black Sea — is the most valuable part of the reserve. 
Shallow-water kutas are densely overgrown with aquatic vegetation. Towards the sea, the bays become more and more open until they become shallow seashores. In early winter and early spring, countless flocks of migratory birds concentrate on the coastal strip of the delta.
The territory of this picturesque and rich natural site covers the lakes and islands of the delta along the course of the mighty Danube River as well as its coastline. The total area of the attraction exceeds 50,000 hectares.
The relief of the reserve is almost a flat plain. Only Zhebriyanovska ridge and seaside and riverine uplands bring some variety to the relief. 
Up the river stretches the plavni — wetlands covered with impassable thickets of reeds, reaching several meters in height.
Floodplain forests look like a kind of oasis in the delta. They grow on islands in the middle of swamps, border the channels along the channel banks. These deciduous forests consist of thickets of various species of willows. Black poplar is another species well adapted to high humidity. Its thick crowns and numerous hollows in its trunks attract many birds of prey. When water is low, the roots of trees in floodplain forests are exposed and a kind of mangroves, typical of deltas in the tropics, are created.
The reserve is home to a huge number of animals that are listed in the Red Book of Ukraine. In addition, there is an abundance of rare plants. By the diversity of fauna these places are the richest in Europe. Traveling along the Danube delta you can enjoy magnificent views of grandiose thickets of wonderful snow-white lilies, near which pelicans hunt.
The flora of the Danube Flats is represented by more than 1500 species of plant forms, 19% of which belong to the highest vascular plants of our country.
The most numerous and the most important group of inhabitants of the reserve in all respects are birds. The delta of the Kiliya riverbed, without any exaggeration, is the kingdom of birds, which number about 300 species of birds. 
The largest colonies of spoonbills, curly-billed and pink pelicans in Ukraine have settled in the Danube Reserve. The white-tailed eagle returns to the plavnyas. The Red-breasted Goose, a species threatened with complete extinction, winters in the delta. More bird species nest in the Danube Delta than in other European deltas.
Insects, of which there are over 800 species, include such unique species as the mahion, the ant lion and the recluse beetle.
The most valuable fish species in the reserve are salmon, sterlet, beluga, Danube herring and sturgeon. Sturgeon spawning grounds can still be found in the Danube basin. There are also turtles, urchins, newts and frogs.
The Danube Biosphere Reserve is also rich in mammals. For many of them the climatic conditions provided by the Danube fluvia are very important. There are monk seals, mink, porpoises and even white-sided dolphins.
Danube Biosphere Reserve in Vilkovo, in addition to its natural value, has a cultural value. As you know, the town of Vilkovo is a kind of capital of the Danube Delta in our country. Its 250-year history and culture are rich and original. Vilkovo residents carefully preserve their dialect, religion, customs and traditions, and most importantly, their picturesque and unique natural surroundings.
The reserve is available for excursions organized by its administration. 
Moreover, many private drivers can take you to the most interesting places of the reserve.
Among the most popular excursions in the reserve is the excursion to the so-called Zero Kilometer. This is the place where the Danube flows into the Black Sea. No less exciting will be a trip to the fields of lilies, which with their luxurious blooming flowers create an incomparable spectacle. You can also take part in an excursion to the islands of old inhabitants, where you will be treated to a fragrant soup from the Danube fish catch and unique Novak wine.
Danube Biosphere Reserve in Vilkovo has its own information and tourist center, located at the «2nd Church» (Christmas Church). 
There you can also visit an interesting museum exposition.
Danube Biosphere Reserve is a huge natural wealth of our country. Be sure to visit a tour of its magnificent sights. You will hardly see such a variety of representatives of flora and fauna anywhere else. And most importantly, here you will get closer to the virgin and peaceful nature, its purity and hospitality.