News
On 3 February 2026, a community evening was held in Sarvaš to celebrate World Wetlands Day, and to introduce the local residents to the LIFE RESTORE for MDD project and the planned restoration activities at the Bjelobrdska oxbow.
Around forty people attended, including local community members, experts, anglers, hunters, and protected area managers. The programme introduced the project’s objectives and relevance to the wider Mura–Drava–Danube area, emphasising the importance of close cooperation between institutions, experts, and local stakeholders for successful wetland conservation and restoration.
The programme then focused on the restoration works carried out at the Bjelobrdska oxbow, including the restoration of 5.5 km of the water body, improvements to hydrological conditions and floodplain forest habitats across approximately 193 hectares, and the re-establishment of long-term water inflow to the Aljmaški Rit area. Speakers emphasised that these measures would help to restore natural processes, reduce flood risks and improve conditions for nature and the local community.
The evening also showcased the results of biodiversity research which confirmed the high natural value of the Bjelobrdska oxbow, as well as illustrating the positive effects of the implemented measures on plant and animal species.