The association for the preservation of the river and sustainable development “Moja Mura” organised an open air event along the Mura’s bank in Krog, Slovenia yesterday to inform the public about the planned Transboundary Biosphere reserve, to enable people along the river to promote their local culture and warn people about the threats from new hydropower plants along their river.

The planned Transboundary Biosphere Reserve “Mura-Drava-Danube” will cover a length of about 700 river kilometres, connecting the three rivers and the five countries they flow through. The reserve will create a synergy between local people and nature, creating a win-win situation, which enables people to live in unison with nature while using it in a sustainable way.

Local opinion leaders and experts answered questions during a 45 minute question and answer session which was moderated by Stojan Habjanic, president of "Moja Mura".

Mr Alexander Jevšek, mayor of Murska Sobota, Ms Olga Karba, mayor of Ljutomer, Mr Franc Pižmoht, mayor of Apače, as well as Mr Damian Jaklin, mayor of Velika Polana were present, which underlines the great support for the reserve through municipalities along the Slovenian Mura.
"The inclusion of the entire Slovenian Mura in the planned UNESCO Transboundary Biosphere Reserve “Mura-Drava-Danube” (TBR MDD) is far better than the exploitation of the river through hydropower. In the long-term, the protection of the river and its surrounding area is so much more beneficial for local people and we noticed that the Biosphere Reserve would enable great development opportunities in our municipality" said the mayor of Velika Polana, Damjan Jaklin at yesterday’s event.

Moreover, the Director General for Environment at the Ministry of Environment, Ms Tanja Bolte, mentioned that the Slovenian state supports the Biosphere Reserve Project and that the preparation work for the proposal is already in the final phase. Right now, the proposal is published on the Ministry of Environment’s website, which can be commented on by the public till the middle of September.

Arno Mohl, leader of the WWF TBR MDD project, adds that “the nomination of Slovenia would, together with the other participating countries, greatly support the conservation of the unique natural and cultural heritage of the region. Moreover, the Transboundary Biosphere Reserve “Mura-Drava-Danube” would show that it is possible to use nature in a sustainable way and therefore preserving it for future generations”.

Next to local politicians and NGOs, local artists showed their support for the conservation of an undeveloped and natural Mura through their performances, which ranged from poem recitals, folklore dancing and singing. Great local musicians, such as Vlado Kreslin, Regina and Alma Merklin were also amongst the supporters. Visitors could enjoy locally sourced food & beverages and despite the chilly autumn weather many people turned up to event.