From vision to implementation of river restoration in the UNESCO Five-country Biosphere Reserve Mura-Drava-Danube

Varaždin, Croatia – October 22^nd, 2024 The Final International Symposium of the DRAVA LIFE (DL) project is being held at the Varaždin City Museum, marking the culmination of nearly a decade of dedicated efforts to restore and protect the Drava River. From October 21-24, 2024, experts, policymakers, and environmental advocates from across the UNESCO Five-country Biosphere Reserve Mura-Drava-Danube (TBR MDD) will gather in Varaždin to reflect on the project’s achievements and shape the future of river restoration in the region.

Co-funded by the European Union under the LIFE Programme, the DRAVA LIFE project has been a pioneering initiative in river restoration and sustainable management along the Drava River, part of the UNESCO Mura-Drava-Danube Biosphere Reserve. Launched in 2015, the project has focused on restoring natural habitats, enhancing biodiversity, and promoting integrated water management through cross-border cooperation across the ‘Amazon of Europe.’ Since its launch in 2015, DL has become a leading example of integrated water management and cross-border cooperation in Europe.

Celebrating a major milestone in regional river restoration

The symposium aims to promote knowledge exchange on river restoration within the TBR MDD, involving Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, and Serbia. Project partners, river restoration experts, and stakeholders from all five countries will discuss the current state of river ecosystems and the importance of a healthy river network. Additionally, discussions will explore how river restoration can contribute to the ambitious goals of the EU Nature Restoration Law, with a particular focus on transboundary and basin-wide sediment management. Success stories of reintroducing riverine plants and managing habitats for bird and fish species will also be highlighted.

“Hosting this Symposium in Varaždin, at the heart of the Drava River, is an honor. It serves as a reminder of the importance of local action in global conservation efforts. The City of Varaždin is grateful to all DL who have made significant strides in restoring this vital river, which has been important to our city and its inhabitants for generations and will continue to be in the future,” said Ms. Slađana Miočić, Head of the Department of Economic Affairs, City of Varaždin.

Milan Rezo, director of the Water Management Department for Mura and Upper Drava in Croatian Waters, stated: “Through this project, Croatian Waters has demonstrated its commitment to innovative and sustainable water management practices. The restoration of the Drava River has shown that it is possible to balance the needs of nature with those of local communities. Recent floods have further underscored the critical importance of sustainable river management, and we will continue to integrate these successful practices to protect both the environment and local populations.”

“This project is a shining example of how we can restore nature while ensuring sustainable development. The EU Nature Restoration Law opens new opportunities for the restoration of rivers and floodplain forests across Europe, and we are proud that the DL project sets a precedent for these future initiatives,” highlighted Igor Kreitmayer from the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition, at the opening of the event.

Jasmin Sadiković from the NGO Green Osijek emphasized the collaborative approach as a key strength of the DRAVA LIFE project. By bringing together NGOs, public institutions, and local communities, remarkable progress has been made in restoring the river’s ecosystems and biodiversity.

“WWF has been dedicated to the protection of the Mura-Drava-Danube region for over 20 years. The designation of the 5-Country Biosphere Reserve in 2021 was a monumental achievement, and the DRAVA LIFE project has been pivotal in restoring river ecosystems in Croatia. As we face the ongoing challenge of reversing ecological degradation, river restoration remains critical—not only for biodiversity but also for improved flood protection, water quality, and recreational opportunities for local communities. WWF will continue to support and advocate for these efforts”, remarked Nataša Kalauz, CEO of WWF Adria.

Looking Ahead

Although the DRAVA LIFE project officially concludes in November 2024, its legacy will continue through future restoration initiatives and the ongoing efforts of partners across the TBR MDD. The symposium provides an opportunity to reflect on past successes while setting the stage for the next steps in safeguarding Europe’s rivers.

Participants will also join an excursion to key restoration sites along the Drava River, witnessing firsthand the remarkable progress achieved through the project and the beauty and biodiversity of the Croatian stretch of the river.

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.

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.

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.