On Wednesday, July 2, 2025, a study visit was organized by the public institution Međimurje Nature – Public Institution for Nature Protection and Croatian Waters for principals and teacher-coordinators from eight primary schools in Međimurje County that are part of the Mura-Drava-Danube Biosphere Reserve School Network.

The goal of this educational day was to showcase examples of good practices in environmental education and to strengthen cooperation between schools and institutions involved in nature protection and water management.

In the morning, the participants visited the Regional Science Centre for Primary Education in STEM – LORI in Ludbreg. The second part of the day was dedicated to visiting the Educational Water Centre (EWC) Legrad, located in a renovated water guardhouse on the banks of the Drava River.

Igor Tošić, head of the centre and representative of the DRAVA LIFE – Integrated River Management project, presented the project’s goals and results, with a special focus on the restoration of old river side-arms, which play a key role in preserving biodiversity and the functionality of the river ecosystem.

Of particular interest were:

• the educational materials and equipment available at the centre,

• the educational trail that leads across the embankment and along the side-arm to an observation point,

• and the opportunities for schools to sign cooperation agreements with Croatian Waters, enabling the centre to serve as a resource for field classes and nature-related educational activities focused on the Drava River.

During the walk along the Drava’s educational trail, principals and teachers exchanged experiences and ideas for future activities with students. The visit concluded with a shared lunch in an inspiring and relaxed atmosphere, with schools expressing a strong interest in continued use of the Educational Centre for educational purposes.

Participants: Schools from Donja Dubrava, Kotoriba, Hodošan, Domašinec, Mala Subotica, Orehovica, Selnica, and Mursko Središće

📍 Location: Educational Water Centre Legrad

We thank all participants for their active involvement and look forward to future gatherings aimed at strengthening environmental literacy and connecting youth with the nature of the Drava River.