"Ivan Patzaichin - Mila 23" Association was founded in 2010 by Ivan Patzaichin, multiple Olympic champion in five consecutive Olympic Games, to promote local development projects and eco-tourism. The association is named after Ivan Patzaichin’s home village, Mila 23 from Danube Delta, and takes on the mission to assist the Delta and its inhabitants to get the attention they deserve, allowing them to preserve their traditions and protect a pristine habitat. The projects initiated by the "Ivan Patzaichin - Mila 23" Association have a strong educational component, promoting and explaining modern concepts (ecotourism, cultural tourism, adventure tourism, sport tourism, responsible and sustainable tourism, slow tourism) which highlight Romania's competitive advantages: its nature, authenticity, landscapes’ diversity and biodiversity, the variety of landforms, specific elements of culture (traditions, food, etc.) The „Ivan Patzaichin – Mila 23” Association aims to develop sustainable solutions to promote local development projects and eco-tourism, endorsing programs that support the Danube Delta and other natural areas.