At the Stara Drava Varaždin (C.2) site, works continue on the restoration of the side channel, which was designed and developed as part of the DRAVA LIFE – Integrated River Management project.
Vegetation and tree clearing along the route of the future channel, as well as on the area designated for depositing excavated sediment, has been completed.

C5, HV

After a brief pause caused by a snow episode, snowmelt, and increased precipitation last week, mechanical excavation has resumed. Works have currently progressed up to cross-section number 21, representing about 40% of the total planned channel length.

Excavation is being carried out in accordance with the project documentation, at elevation levels between 166.6 and 167.8 meters above sea level, designed for a water level with a 95% duration, with slope gradients of 1:2 and 1:4, which are flattened on the convex sides.

The remaining phases of the intervention, currently in the planning stage, will be innovative and based on the principles of Nature-based Solutions (NBS). This approach utilizes the river’s natural processes instead of traditional technical solutions. Such a method will be applied for the first time in Croatia on a river area of this complexity.

The completion of excavation works will depend on future hydrological and meteorological conditions, and the public will be timely informed about the progress of the next phases.

The latest drone footage from the site already provides a clear view of the scope of the intervention and the future appearance of the restored Stara Drava side channel.

DRAVA LIFE – Integrated River Management has achieved outstanding recognition at the Project Management Awards 2025 in Croatia, one of the country’s most prestigious national competitions aligned with the standards of the International Project Management Association (IPMA).

The project was awarded 1st place in the category “Best Medium-Sized Project”, while the project manager received 1st place in the category “Best Young Project Manager”.

Implemented under the EU LIFE Programme (LIFE14 NAT/HR/000115), DRAVA LIFE is the largest river restoration project ever implemented in Croatia. The Evaluation Committee recognised the project for its excellence in governance, long-term impact, effective stakeholder engagement, and the delivery of measurable and lasting results.

In addition, DRAVA LIFE was selected among the top three finalists in the newly established category “Best Project for Contribution to Sustainability”, introduced in 2025. This recognition further confirms the project’s long-term relevance and its significant added value at the European Union level.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the entire project team, partners, and local communities along the Drava River for their dedication and collaboration. Project activities continue through After-LIFE actions and new EU-level initiatives, in close cooperation with CINEA – the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency.

Our thanks also go to IPMA Hrvatska – Croatian Association for Project Management, IPMA Young Crew Croatia, and the Evaluation Committee for this valuable recognition.

Preparatory works nearing completion; excavation expected to begin in 10–14 days

At the Stara Drava Varaždin site, located in the left-bank inundation area (rkm 289–292), preparatory works are entering their final phase: larger trees have been removed from the future side-arm channel, access roads have been arranged, and thanks to the low water level of the Drava and stable, dry weather, work has been carried out daily.

The start of the main earthworks (sediment excavation) is expected in 10–14 days.

Areal View

What are we doing and why?

• Opening and stabilising the inflow into the side arm to re-establish water flow.

• Excavating a new and widening/deepening the existing channel (left bank) along a length of approx. 2.56 km, with an average bed width of ~13 m.

• Removing part of the river sill (right bank) that obstructs the natural flow, in order to direct water into the side arm during higher water levels.

• Sediment (estimated ~148,000 m³) will be deposited along the banks/inundation area and shaped to fit the landscape; if needed, it may also be used as material for dike reconstruction, with prior approval from the competent Ministry.

Expected positive impacts

• Revitalised hydromorphology: refreshed water in the side arm, a more natural flow regime, and stimulated erosional processes.

• Creation of new habitats: gravel bars, steep and muddy banks that will benefit fish, amphibians, and birds.

• Ecological benefits: improved conditions in floodplain forests through raised groundwater levels and increased biodiversity.

• Community benefits: a more orderly river area and contribution to flood-risk reduction through increased retention capacity.

Route of the future meandering channel

The latest drone photos already clearly show the emerging shape of the future side arm and the progress made in preparing the construction site.

The intervention is being carried out by Hrvatske vode (Croatian Waters) in cooperation with the relevant institutions and the local community. The project concept was developed within the DRAVA LIFE project. All works are carried out in compliance with environmental protection requirements and under expert supervision.

DRAVA LIFE, @Marko Lorenzo Blaslov

Đelekovec, October 1, 2025 – This year, the steep Lubenovec riverbank on the Drava River has hosted as many as 1,800 breeding pairs of sand martins (Riparia riparia) – the highest number ever recorded in this part of the Drava.

Last year, Đelekovec was declared the first Sand Martin Village in Croatia, in recognition of the community’s long-standing efforts to protect this species. The steep sandy bank of Lubenovec has been attracting hundreds of breeding pairs for years, but this season the number reached a historic record.

This remarkable success is the result of cooperation between the Municipality of Đelekovec, the Puhar Family Farm, Croatian Waters, and WWF Austria, who together found a way to align agriculture with the preservation of natural riverbanks. The result is the creation of ideal nesting conditions for sand martins.

Why are sand martins important?

Sand martins are an important indicator of river ecosystem health and highly effective natural insect hunters – during the breeding season, a single bird can eat thousands of mosquitoes per day. Their presence contributes to biodiversity and natural insect control along the Drava.

In 2018, 1,100 pairs were recorded at the Lubenovec site, while this year the number increased by 700 pairs. This growth is significant for the survival of the species and gives hope for its recovery.

This positive result in Đelekovec contrasts with regional and global trends showing a decline in sand martin populations. Globally, the species is decreasing due to the loss of natural, dynamic river habitats such as steep sandy banks, which sand martins use to dig their tunnels up to 70 cm long.

For this reason, protecting the Lubenovec riverbank and similar habitats is extremely important, while legal protection of the species remains key to its long-term survival.

Support from the local community is essential

This year’s Sand Martin Day, held on June 9, brought together residents, visitors, and researchers in educational workshops organized by the Vendi Association. The Đelekovec Primary School dedicated the entire school year to studying sand martins, integrating the topic into nearly all school subjects.

“I’m proud of this success in preserving our natural heritage along the Drava. The return of sand martins shows the power of awareness and dedication within our community. I invite other municipalities to join us in similar initiatives,” said Lara Samošćanec Kiš, Mayor of Đelekovec.

“These birds are a sign of a healthy river. The successful colony in Đelekovec shows that when we give space back to the river and its banks, nature restores itself,” said Arno Mohl, nature conservation expert from WWF Austria. “Seeing 1,800 pairs today is proof that practical conservation measures work. Restoring river dynamics, improving habitats, and raising awareness benefit both nature and people.”

Data on this year’s number of breeding pairs were collected by ornithologists Ivan Grlica and Ivan Darko Grlica.