Legrad

International Drava River Day Marked at the Educational Water Centre

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At the Educational Water Centre (EVC) managed by Croatian Waters in Legrad, on Tuesday, September 23, the International Drava River Day was celebrated with the participation of 80 elementary school students. The event was organized by Croatian Waters and the public institutions responsible for managing protected areas in Varaždin and Koprivnica-Križevci counties.

The day began with educational presentations in which each organizer presented their role in managing and preserving the river, as well as the importance of educating young people. This was followed by the official signing of cooperation agreements with two elementary schools (“Braća Radić” Koprivnica and Sveti Đurđ), whose students will regularly visit the centre in Legrad. The school principals received monographs on the Drava River as a token of appreciation and future cooperation.

After that, students took part in a field session led by experts in water management and nature conservation. They explored the riverbank, observed local plants and animals, and participated in fun and educational river-related activities.

We’re sharing part of the atmosphere through the attached photos — they best show how much the children enjoyed themselves, how important hands-on learning experiences are, and how meaningful the EVC is for the local and educational community.

The Educational Water Centre in Legrad is increasingly becoming a meeting point for children, teachers, and the Drava River — a living space where nature turns into an open-air classroom.

Stay tuned at www.drava-life.hr and on the DRAVA LIFE Facebook page — because although the project has officially ended, life along the Drava and in the EVC is just beginning.

Announcement of the Celebration of International Drava River Day in Legrad

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On Tuesday, 23 September 2025, International Drava River Day will be celebrated at the Educational Water Centre (EVC) in Legrad (Ulica Petefi Šandora 36).

The event is organized by Hrvatske vode and the Public Institutions for the Management of Protected Natural Areas of Koprivnica-Križevci County and Varaždin County. The program will include educational lectures, field workshops for primary school students, and the signing of a Cooperation Agreement with Braća Radić Primary School in Koprivnica and Sveti Đurđ Primary School.

The educational part will cover three thematic areas:

  • the role of Hrvatske vode in river management and flood protection,

  • the importance of biodiversity and the preservation of natural values,

  • education and sustainable development in protected areas.

The field program will offer students practical workshops on river habitat restoration, identification of invasive species, birdwatching, the role of forest ecosystems, and legends connected to the Drava River.

The aim of the celebration is to bring young people closer to the importance of preserving nature and rivers, and to encourage them to actively participate in environmental protection. The Educational Water Centre, established through the DRAVA LIFE project, is a unique place in Croatia that connects education, nature, and the community right at the confluence of the Drava and Mura rivers.

Marko Lorenzo BlaslovMarko Lorenzo Blaslov
Fotograf: Marko Lorenzo Blaslov

Obavijest o radovima na rukavcu Stara Drava Varaždin (C.2)

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Na lijevoj obali rijeke Drave u Varaždinu (rkm 289,3–292) nastavljaju se radovi obnove rukavca u sklopu EU projekta DRAVA LIFE (Obnova rukavca i proširenje korita rijeke Drave). Nositelj i investitor projekta su Hrvatske vode, Vodnogospodarski odjel za Muru i gornju Dravu.

Trenutni radovi:

  • Pripremni radovi uključuju sječu stabala i uklanjanje sitnog raslinja (do 10 cm) duž trase rukavca, odlagališta iskopanog materijala i pristupnih puteva.

  • Predviđeni radovi obuhvaćaju otvaranje ulaza u rukavac, iskop inicijalnog kanala te proširenje i produbljenje postojećeg neprotočnog dijela.

  • Proširit će se i glavno korito Drave uklanjanjem vegetacije i dijela riječnog praga.

Podaci o rukavcu:

  • Dužina: 2,56 km

  • Prosječna širina korita: 13 m

  • Planirani iskop: oko 148.000 m³ sedimenta

  • Vrijednost radova: 1,67 milijuna eura s PDV-om

Glavna svrha zahvata je ponovno uspostavljanje prirodne protočnosti rukavca i obnova morfološke dinamike rijeke Drave. Ovim projektom omogućit će se osvježavanje poplavnog (inundacijskog) područja, stvaranje novih riječnih staništa, sprudova i obalnih erozija, čime se doprinosi očuvanju i povećanju bioraznolikosti. Vrijednost radova procijenjena je na 1,67 milijuna eura s PDV-om, a radovi se provode uz koordinaciju s nadležnim tijelima (Javna ustanova “PRIRODA Varaždinske županije”, Hrvatske šume, Ministarstvo zaštite okoliša i zelene tranzicije, lokalne zajednice i dr.) i uz primjenu svih mjera zaštite okoliša.

Projekt predstavlja važan korak u obnovi rijeke Drave u Hrvatskoj i široj regiji, a zbog blizine urbanog područja očekujemo i pojačani interes građana za boravkom uz rijeku uz odgovorno očuvanje i korištenje ekosustava rijeke.

Radovi se provode u suradnji s nadležnim tijelima i uz primjenu svih mjera zaštite okoliša. Zbog blizine urbanog područja, građani se mole za oprez i razumijevanje. Ovaj projekt dugoročno doprinosi očuvanju rijeke, smanjenju rizika od poplava i poboljšanju prirodnog okoliša.

Marko Lorenzo BlaslovMarko Lorenzo Blaslov
Fotograf: Marko Lorenzo Blaslov

Works at the Side Branch Stara Drava Varaždin (C.2)

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On the left bank of the Drava River in Varaždin (rkm 289.3–292), restoration works on the side branch continue as part of the EU project DRAVA LIFE (Side Branch Restoration and Expansion of the Drava River Bed). The project owner and investor is Hrvatske vode, Water Management Department for the Mura and Upper Drava.

Current works:

  • Preparatory works include tree felling and removal of small vegetation (up to 10 cm) along the side branch route, spoil disposal areas, and access roads.

  • Planned works involve opening the inlet to the side branch, excavation of the initial channel, and widening and deepening of the existing non-flowing section.

  • The main riverbed of the Drava will also be widened by removing vegetation and part of the river sill.

Side branch data:

  • Length: 2.56 km

  • Average bed width: 13 m

  • Planned excavation: approx. 148,000 m³ of sediment

  • Value of works: €1.67 million (including VAT)

The main purpose of this intervention is to re-establish the natural flow of the side branch and restore the morphological dynamics of the Drava River. The project will help revitalize the floodplain (inundation) area, create new river habitats, gravel bars, and bank erosion zones, thereby contributing to the preservation and increase of biodiversity.

The works, valued at €1.67 million (including VAT), are being carried out in coordination with relevant authorities (Public Institution “PRIRODA Varaždin County”, Croatian Forests, Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition, local communities, and others) and in compliance with all environmental protection measures.

This project represents an important step in restoring the Drava River in Croatia and the wider region. Due to the proximity of the urban area, increased public interest in spending time along the river is expected, along with responsible preservation and use of the river ecosystem.

Citizens are kindly asked for caution and understanding during the works. In the long term, this project will contribute to the conservation of the river, reduction of flood risk, and improvement of the natural environment.