On 17 September 2009 the two countries have committed to establish a Trans-Boundary UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that will protect their shared biodiversity hotspot along the Mura, Drava and Danube Rivers. This paves the way to create Europe's largest river protection area. WWF has highlighted the leading role of the Governments of Croatia and Hungary with a “Leaders for a Living Planet” award.

The photo shows the signing ceremony in Barcs/Hungary:
(from left to right back to front)

Jadranka Kosor, Prime Minister/HR
Gordon Bajnaj, Prime Minister/H
Bozo Biskupic, Minister of Culture/HR
Imre Szabo, Minister of Environment and Water/H

See International Press Release

The future of the Drava and the Mura Rivers could be very bright, following a recent study published by WWF and EuroNatur. The study, which is supported by various NGO partners in the countries is promoting the establishment of a transboundary Biosphere Reserve and the development and implementation of a transboundary river restoration programme. As a first step eight spots are being proposed for restoration activities. The benefits would include biodiversity protection as well as better flood protection, drinking water supply, sustainable forestry and recreation.

Let´s work together for a better future of the Lifeline Drava-Mura, for nature and people in the region.

You can Download the Drava Vision 2009 - 2020

On 27 and 28 of January 2009 the EU-Commission has started an investigation on the Drava River in Croatia. Major goal: Investigation of the planned regulation works of Croatian Waters on the Lower Drava by two independent experts and the EC. First findings proved that the project is outdated and doesn´t fulfill international standards.

The experts recommended:
- not to go on with the project as it stands now due to its big deficits.
- to start an integrated planning approach which should target several issues incl. nature protection, water management and navigation on a equal basis and in line with international standards and EU law. An expert report will be issued soon.

The mission resulted from the recent NGO complaints to the EC about the regulation and extraction projects of Croatian Waters along the Drava and Mura Rivers.

See NGO complaint from 2008

Photo credit (Lower Drava River): Darko Grlica

An International Drava River Vision Symposium will take place from 23rd to 25th September 2008 in Maribor, Slovenia.

It´s overall goal is to improve transboundary cooperation in the field of water management and nature conservation with the perspective to secure the values and ecological functions of the Drava River.

Read more online

PRIOPĆENJE ZA MEDIJE

Ministar Božo Biškupić stvara europsko najveće riječno zaštićeno područje uz Dunav, Dravu i Muru.

Zagreb, 21. ožujak 2008. – U veljači 2008. godine ministar kulture, g. Božo Biškupić, potpisao je odluku o proglašenju preliminarne zaštite jednog od europski najvažnijih riječnih ekosustava: poplavna područja Dunava, Drave i Mure, koja čine područje veće od 150 000 ha, a predstavljaju jedinstveno prirodno i kulturno naslijeđe Republike Hrvatske.

“WWF snažno pozdravlja ovu odluku o zaštiti europskih prirodnih bogatstava” kaže g. Mike Baltzer, direktor Dunavsko karpatskog programa Svjetskog fonda za prirodu (WWF). Ovime je Ministarstvo osnovalo najveći jedinstveni riječni rezervat u cijeloj Europi.