Općina Cestica, 12.9.2024.Nikolina Stjepanović
DRAVA LIFE

Commencement of Restoration Works for the Drava River Ecosystem in Varaždin County

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Općina Cestica, 12.9.2024.

Općina Cestica, 12.9.2024.

Municipality of Cestica, September 12, 2024 – Restoration work on the Drava River ecosystem continues at the Otok Virje (C1) site in Varaždin County as part of the “DRAVA LIFE – Integrated River Management” project. The aim is to restore a 1.3 km-long side channel and partially remove the riverbank reinforcement, allowing water to flow into the channel and fostering the creation of new habitats for birds. This work will enhance the river’s natural dynamics, contribute to the protection of endangered species, and improve flood safety in populated areas.

Currently, the right side channel of the Drava River, “Otok Virje (C.1),” is not connected to the river from the upstream side; instead, water enters it from the downstream side. The area is mostly overgrown with dense vegetation, with larger stretches of forest along the course of the Drava River. To improve water flow, it is essential to remove vegetation around the bridge and the side channel and utilize the excavated material to build access roads. These measures will benefit numerous endangered habitats and species in the Natura 2000 areas and enhance flood protection in populated areas along the Drava River, while also increasing the recreational value of the area for the local community.

DRAVA LIFE – the largest river restoration project in Croatia – is entering its final phase, laying the foundation for future projects and international cooperation

“Through the implementation of this unique project, which exemplifies the collaboration between water management and nature conservation institutions and NGOs, we are restoring key natural features of the Drava ecosystem by reopening and creating new side channels, removing and adapting riverbank reinforcements, and preserving floodplains and natural steep riverbanks,” said Igor Tošić, project manager at Croatian Waters.

To ensure protection for future generations, the DRAVA LIFE project area has become part of the world’s first Five-Country UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Mura-Drava-Danube (MDD), known as the “European Amazon.” This project encompasses regions in Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, and Serbia, integrating the Drava River into the global network of the world’s most renowned natural areas.

“We are proud that the DRAVA LIFE project, the first of its kind in Croatia and the region, has laid the groundwork for future projects and collaboration on the restoration of the Mura-Drava-Danube river ecosystem, one of the most important in Europe,” emphasized Arno Mohl from WWF Austria.

Silvija Zagorec, Deputy Prefect of Varaždin County, emphasized that the Drava River enters Croatia precisely in this county, where there is a strong awareness of the importance of its conservation.

“The Drava flows through eight of our municipalities and one city, shaping and defining a significant part of our county. The river has been protected since 2011 and is the largest protected area in our county, with international significance as it is also under UNESCO protection. This commitment requires us to provide long-term care and protection for this river. In our county, the Drava River is home to as many as 200 bird species, and studies have shown that it boasts the highest diversity of fish species in Croatia. We must preserve this wealth,” said Silvija Zagorec.

The Public Institution “Nature of Varaždin County” is continuously engaged in the protection and conservation of the areas along the Drava River. In recent years, through various projects, they have conducted research on fauna, including dragonflies, beetles, otters, fish, and amphibians. Notably, they have published informative booklets available to all interested citizens. In the Drava area of Varaždin County, they have established six DRAVA LIFE informational and educational points, as well as an educational playground for children in the Drava Park Forest in Varaždin.

Additionally, they continue to implement activities for the reintroduction of the sand martin (Myricaria germanica), a species that is nearly extinct today but was once common along the river’s gravel banks. They are also working on habitat maintenance for rare bird species, which includes improving steep banks for nesting sand martins and maintaining islands for nesting little ringed plovers in the reservoir of the Varaždin Hydroelectric Plant.

Sanja Kopjar JU Priroda Varaždinske županije
Although this project is nearing completion, activities aimed at the protection and conservation of the Drava River continue through other initiatives, such as the Life Restore for MDD project. The activities of this project in Varaždin County focus on the removal of invasive species, which is also crucial for biodiversity preservation. It is particularly important that we are also working on establishing educational programs like “School by the River,” as educating the younger generations is of invaluable significance,” concluded Sanja Kopjar, director of the Public Institution Nature of Varaždin County.

 

 

 

11.9.2024. Legrad
11.9.2024. Legrad

Action Day at the New Educational Water Center in Legrad

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September 11, 2024 – Representatives from the Public Institution for the Management of Protected Natural Areas in Koprivnica-Križevci County, the Green Osijek Association for Nature and Environmental Protection, and Croatian Waters hosted an Educational Action Day at the Educational Water Center in Legrad. The event was attended by 47 students from Fran Galović High School in Koprivnica. Its aim was to equip students with new knowledge and practical experience related to nature and river conservation, while also encouraging their active participation in environmental protection.

As part of the event, the students watched the film “DRAVA LIFE – A New Life for the Drava,” which provided insights into the project’s activities and innovative methods for restoring the Drava River. Following the film, they engaged in a quiz through an interactive presentation, where they tested their understanding of the importance of river conservation and biodiversity.

Invasive Species Hunting

In the field, the students learned about invasive species, their biology, and ecology, and participated in their removal. They gained new knowledge about the threats invasive species pose and actively contributed to the preservation of local ecosystems.

River Habitat Restoration

During a walk to the newly restored side channel of the Drava River, the students learned about the habitat restoration process and the importance of revitalized side channels through the DRAVA LIFE project. This topic emphasized the critical role habitat restoration plays in preserving biodiversity and introduced students to the positive changes within their community.

This educational-action day provided students with a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of nature conservation through interactive and practical activities. We believe that this experience will encourage the students to further reflect on environmental issues and motivate them to actively participate in future ecological initiatives.

Photos: Association for Nature and Environmental Protection Zeleni Osijek and the Public Institution for the Management of Protected Natural Areas in Koprivnica-Križevci County

 

Foto Nikolina Stjepanovi'
Posjet predstavnika CINEA-e

DRAVA LIFE Site Visit with CINEA Representatives

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On World Environment Day, observed on June 5th, representatives from CINEA, the European Climate, Infrastructure, and Environment Executive Agency, visited the Drava River restoration sites covered by the DRAVA LIFE project.

Project partners, including Hrvatske Vode, Green Osijek, and WWF Austria, showcased the achieved goals and activities to date, highlighting the unique characteristics of river habitats and species.

Photos by Nikolina Stjepanović, Tanja Nikowitz, and Zdenko Kereša.

Revital

DRAVA LIFE team members participated in the “Fit for MDD River Restoration” training

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Members of the DRAVA LIFE team joined the ‘Fit for MDD River Restoration’ training organized by REVITAL Integrative Naturraumplanung GmbH in Austria.
The training course aims to be a platform for learning, exchange, and know-how transfer from international and national experience of state-of-the-art integrated river restoration amongst partners and planners.
The first of three certified international river restoration trainings was completed last week. The theoretical part of the lectures was held at the renowned Austrian company Revital, while the practical part and field visit took place near the city of Lienz in South Tyrol, where the Drava River meets the turbulent and dam-free Isel River.
The project “LIFE RESTORE for MDD – Preservin and restoring floodplain forest habitats along the Mura-Drava-Danube rivers” focuses on the conservation and restoration of the largest contiguous floodplain forest habitat system in the TBR MDD for improving its conservation status.
The rivers in the project area (Mura, Drava and Danube) are facing riverbed incision and water level decrease due to bedload deficit and past river regulation.
The goal of river restoration in the MDD area is to implement measures, which will restore and promote natural hydromorphodynamic processes in the river channel and floodplain area and to use synergies between water management and nature conservation as already demonstrated in various projects in the region such as Drava LIFE or WISEDRAVALIFE.
Knjiga "Drava jučer, danas, sutra"

Presentation of the book and the video about Drava

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As part of the celebration of the Day of the Municipality of Đelekovec, a presentation was held for the book and video by Goran Šafarek, created within the DRAVA LIFE project.

After Đelekovec was declared the First Sand Martin Village earlier in the day, the presentation of the book “Drava Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow” was held in the afternoon at the Đelekovec Fire Station. For the first time, the video “DRAVA LIFE – New Life for the Drava,” which showcases the activities of the long-term unique project to revitalize the Drava River, was screened.

Thank you to all the residents of Đelekovec and the surrounding area who attended. Special thanks for the interesting discussion and emotional impressions of what the Drava means to you and life by the river, with all its beauties as well as the threats that come with living by the river.

10.6.2024. Đelekovec, @Marko Horvat

Photos Marko Horvat

Lara Samošćanec Kiš i Jasna Puhar

Đelekovec has been declared the first sand martin village

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Đelekovec, June 10, 2024 – The village of Đelekovec has been declared the first sand martin village in Croatia. Within the same municipality is a steep riverbank on the Drava River called Libanovec, which serves as a home and favorite nesting site for one of the largest colonies of these strictly protected bird species. This recognition highlights the importance of preserving natural habitats and the successful collaboration between the local community, farmers, and ecological experts.

Jasmin Sadiković, Zeleni Osijek

Jasna Puhar

Igor Tošić

 

The sand martin (Riparia riparia) is a small migratory bird that nests in colonies on steep, sandy riverbanks. Its presence is a significant indicator of the health of river ecosystems. About 70% of the Croatian sand martin population nests along the Croatian-Hungarian border, with the Libanovec bank being a crucial habitat for this species.

Sustainable Management and Nature Conservation

The steep riverbank at Libanovec was formed in the 1980s due to significant changes at the mouth of the Mura into the Drava. The municipality of Đelekovec sought to protect the agricultural land along the bank. Various options were considered, and a solution was reached that satisfied all parties involved – water management, nature conservation, the Municipality of Đelekovec, and farmers. The land was leased to the owner of the Puhar family farm. The municipality and Mrs. Puhar will sign an annex to the contract allowing erosion of the agricultural land, which will reduce the rental price. This initiative represents a successful example of cooperation between the local community, farmers, and ecological experts in preserving biodiversity and improving the quality of life.

“Instead of environmentally less acceptable bank reinforcements, so-called cross groins were constructed,” explained Igor Tošić from Hrvatske vode. “An integrated water management approach allowed us to protect this valuable natural habitat, thereby also protecting the area along the bank from erosion.”

“We are proud to declare Đelekovec as the first sand martin village in Croatia today,” said the mayor of the Municipality of Đelekovec, Lara Samošćanec. “I am glad that we will protect the sand martins so that our land remains their favorite summer destination and so that our residents and visitors can continue to enjoy them.”

“We farmers live from and with nature, so we care about preserving it for future generations. We are pleased that we reached a satisfactory agreement with the Municipality and the partners of the DRAVA LIFE project and that we continue to cultivate the land in harmony with these beautiful birds. We hope that this activity will enable their numbers to increase in the future,” said Jasna Puhar (Puhar Family Farm).

The sand martin, a small migratory bird from the swallow family, nests in colonies along sandy riverbanks. It serves as a crucial indicator of river ecosystem health. In your municipality, the steep banks of Libanovec are a vital habitat and breeding ground for one of Croatia’s largest sand martin colonies. Nearly 70% of Croatia’s sand martin population resides near the Croatian-Hungarian border. Globally, this species is declining, making the preservation of the Libanovec coast and its avian visitors critically important.

“We are proud to have protected the steep bank in Libanovec as part of the DRAVALIFE project. This colony has hosted over 1,000 breeding pairs of sand martins in some years”, said Tanja Nikowitz from WWF Austria. 

“At the project’s outset, we explored various ways to protect the steep bank while also addressing the needs for farmland and water protection. Our collaborative solution integrates water management and nature conservation to safeguard the land behind the steep bank. The farmland, already publicly owned and managed by the municipality of Đelekovec, is leased to Mrs. Puhar, a dedicated farmer. Both parties were committed to preserving the sand martin colony for the future. Consequently, they will sign an agreement allowing for farmland erosion, with reduced rent for the farmer. This initiative by the municipality of Đelekovec and Mrs. Puhar is exemplary, not only in Croatia but beyond.”

“Several other endangered and valuable steep banks along the Drava River require similar protection. Natural contractual measures like those in Libanovec, or land purchases, are essential for conserving these habitats and their avian residents. Ensuring the security of the land behind these banks is crucial for effective water management and erosion control. Such integrated river management efforts necessitate joint forces”, concluded Nikowitz.

“This is an exceptional recognition for Đelekovec and the entire Koprivnica-Križevci County. The natural areas of the County, renowned for their beauty and exceptional value for the preservation of biodiversity, are protected as part of the Natura 2000 areas, the Mura-Drava Regional Park, and are part of UNESCO Five-Country Biosphere Reserve Mura-Drava-Danube”, said Željka Kolar, Director of the Public Institution for the Management of Protected Natural Areas in the Koprivnica-Križevci County. 

little terns

Don’t Disturb the Little Tern – Ambassador of the Living Drava

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May 17, 2024 – An educational workshop was held at the premises of the Public Institution for the Management of Protected Natural Areas in the Koprivnica-Križevci County. The workshop gathered nature enthusiasts and regular visitors to the riverbanks. The workshop’s focus was to raise awareness about the sensitivity of the Little Tern’s habitat, and other birds that nest on gravel banks, during the breeding season.

The Little Tern (Sternula albifrons) is one of the rarest breeding birds in Croatia. Its body is slender with narrow wings and a forked tail, perfectly adapted for hunting fish in rivers and seas. The chicks are gray-brown-yellow, perfectly suited for nesting in habitats of gravel and sandy islands, as well as vegetation-free banks and islands. In Croatia, it nests only on the Drava River in the Koprivnica-Križevci County (with an average of 4-7 breeding pairs), while the rest of our population lives by the sea.

This strictly protected species is threatened by river regulation and hydropower plants, gravel and sand extraction, and human disturbances such as rowing, fishing, swimming, and similar activities. The presence of the Little Tern is an indicator of dynamic parts of the river flow with sandy and gravel banks, steep shores, and backwaters that are also home to other endangered river bird species dependent on dynamic habitats, such as the Sand Martin, Kingfisher, Bee-eater, and others. Therefore, the Little Tern has become a symbol of the Drava River and the Mura-Drava-Danube Five-country Biosphere Reserve. Unlike the Common Tern, the Little Tern refuses to nest on artificial platforms and is exclusively tied to the natural river.

To preserve the last breeding pairs of the Little Tern, it is necessary to restore the river’s dynamics and allow the Drava to create new gravel and sandy banks, as well as prevent disturbances to the birds during the nesting season. This is one of the main goals of the DRAVA LIFE project.

Participants received information on responsible practices to minimize disturbances to these protected bird species during the crucial breeding period, emphasizing the need to avoid using gravel banks from April to July to increase the population and ensure these birds become common neighbors on the Drava River again. Željka Kolar, director of the Public Institution, highlighted the importance of protecting the Drava River and provided an overview of the protected areas and species found within the County, emphasizing the Mura-Drava Regional Park, which is part of the Natura 2000 area important for the conservation of birds, species, and habitat types, and part of the Mura-Drava-Danube Five-Country Biosphere Reserve.

“Workshops like this serve as key tools in fostering shared responsibility for the protection of the unique ecosystems of the Drava River and ensuring the continuous well-being of its diverse plant and animal life,” said Ms. Kolar. “This initiative represents a step towards nature conservation and creating harmony between humans and wildlife, inviting everyone to join in protecting the unique habitats and species of our environment.”

 

 

 

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Public Presentations of DRAVA LIFE Project Results in Donja Dubrava and Gola

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Representatives of the Association for Nature and Environment Protection Green Osijek and the Croatian Waters presented progress on the DRAVA LIFE project on Thursday, April 11th, in Donja Dubrava, and on Friday, April 12th, in Gola.

They showcased what has been achieved so far as part of the project, which represents an innovative approach to river management aimed at creating examples of best practices in Croatia and the region. The project aims to improve the ecosystems of the Drava River through activities to restore the river in collaboration with relevant authorities and non-governmental organizations. Restoration activities are of exceptional importance for endangered habitats and species in Natura 2000 areas, as well as for flood protection in inhabited areas along the Drava River, and for increasing recreational value for the local population.

The presentations resulted in an open discussion about nature protection, and the restoration of river habitats in the municipalities of Donja Dubrava and Gola. Thanks to everyone who attended!

Donja Dubrava
Donja Dubrava

Restored branches near Donja Dubrava, Legrad, and Gola were opened

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Donja Dubrava, March 14, 2024 – Activities for the restoration of Drava River branches within the project “DRAVA LIFE – Integrated River Management” have been completed in the areas of the municipalities Donja Dubrava, Legrad (rkm 238.2-241.4), and Gola (rkm 215-217). With the increase in water levels, the restored branches have become flowing again.

Through the opening and creation of new branches, the removal and adaptation of riverbanks and other water structures, as well as the preservation of floodplains and natural steep riverbanks, key natural features of the Drava River ecosystem, one of the last remaining natural European rivers, are restored. Sediments and barriers were removed from existing branch channel routes, ecological ponds and deep pools were constructed, and gabion barriers and transition ramps were reconstructed at several locations.

“After the restoration works, which began at the end of September 2023, the left bank branch near Donja Dubrava will be 1.56 km long, and the right bank branch will be 1.88 km long,” explained Igor Tošić, the project manager from the Croatian Waters. Both branches, which were overgrown and silted before the restoration works, will relieve pressure on existing water structures downstream, especially during flood events, by opening and diverting new inflow from the main river channel, thus protecting embankments and nearby settlements. This will reduce the need for repairs and construction of regulatory structures along those sections of the Drava, and specifically, with the restoration of the left bank branch in Donja Dubrava, it will increase embankment safety for flood protection.

Foto: Goran Šafarek

Additionally, in the left bank inundation from stations rkm 215+000 to 217+000 in the municipality of Gola, near the village of Novačka, works have been completed to open the first 100 meters of an existing non-flowing branch, approximately 1.3 km long.

Drava is known for its highest biological diversity of fish in Croatia and colonies of river birds.

“The habitats on the Drava include some of the most endangered in Europe, such as floodplain forests, wet meadows, gravel bars and sandy shores, branches, steep banks, dead arms, standing branches, abandoned channels, and meanders. Due to various adverse effects, with climate change leading the way, there are changes in hydrological conditions, often causing degradation and disappearance of these habitats, making them increasingly endangered, with their area reduced,” explained Željka Kolar, director of the Public Institution for the Management of Protected Nature Areas in the Koprivnica-Križevci County.

Sand martins and king fishers

In addition to the positive effects on flood defense and Drava’s hydromorphology, branch restoration activities will significantly contribute to increasing biodiversity. New river habitats will intensify along the banks, and new habitats for spawning, feeding, and resting of fish and amphibians will be created within the branches themselves. Drava is known for its highest biological diversity of fish in Croatia. Out of 70 recorded species, five are endemic to the Danube basin: Danube salmon (Hucho hucho), bleak (Rutilus pigus), monkey goby (Gymnocephalus baloni), racer goby (Gymnocephalus schraetser), and streber (Zingel streber)). Out of 70 recorded species, 38 are included in the Red Book of Freshwater Fish of Croatia. Positive effects will also extend to birds nesting on gravel and sandy bars and steep banks, such as the sand martin (Riparia riparia) and the kingfisher (Alcedo atthis).

After the recently opened new branch near Gabajeva Grede and the completion of works in the municipalities of Donja Dubrava, Legrad, and Gola, preparatory work for the branch near the Botovo bridge will continue until the end of March, followed by a break until September to prevent disturbance to river birds, such as sand martins (Riparia riparia), European bee-eaters (Merops apiaster), and kingfishers (Alcedo atthis) during the breeding season.

Intensive educational activities will be carried out during these months. Besides the restoration of the Drava River ecosystem, education on nature protection and Natura 2000 areas in local communities is an important part of the DRAVA LIFE project to increase awareness of the importance of natural and preserved rivers for humans and living beings dependent on them and to prevent human disturbance of birds during the breeding season through recreational activities such as fishing, paddling, and swimming.

In September, restoration works on the Drava will continue at the remaining planned locations in Varaždin and Virovitica-Podravina counties.

 

Božica Trnski

Community Gathering in Hlebine

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At the Social Center in Hlebine on Thursday, March 7th, a presentation of the project “DRAVA LIFE – Integrated River Management” was held. The local population was presented with the achieved results so far, as well as the announced plans and activities for the upcoming period.

 

The Mayor of the municipality, Božica Trnski, received the book “Drava Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow” by author Goran Šafarek. The book, made within the framework of the DRAVA LIFE project, summarizes the most relevant data about the river and illustrates them with beautiful pictures. It provides information on the physical characteristics of the river, its social and cultural importance, species and habitats, threats, and the future of this river landscape, taking into account the restoration projects currently underway on the Drava River. We thank everyone who attended!

This year ahead of us is full of activities, both in the field and in the municipalities and places covered by the DRAVA LIFE project. If you wish to receive our news, we invite you to subscribe to the newsletter on the homepage of our website.