Networking and policy recommendations for wetland improvement in the Middle Danube

October 18, 2024 – Poljoprivredna Stručna Služba Sombor (PSSS) hosted a symposium, “Networking and Policy Recommendations for Wetland Improvement in the Middle Danube,” gathering experts and policymakers dedicated to restoring the Danube’s ecosystems.

The event began with a warm welcome from PSSS Director Vladimir Sabadoš, followed by a screening of a 1956 film showing the devastation of the Danube floods—an impactful reminder of the power of water and the urgency of sustainable wetland management.

Experts presented progress in the DaWetRest project, covering areas such as biodiversity monitoring, soil and water analysis, and sustainable tourism. Key speakers, including Dr. Hrvoje Mikulčić and Dr. Filip Jurić (UNIZAG-FSB), detailed project activities aimed at ecological restoration, carbon sequestration, and flood risk management in the Middle Danube.

The symposium included presentations on related initiatives, such as the EcoDaLLi Project and the innovative Green Hatchery, aimed at bolstering fish populations with renewable energy-powered facilities. Additionally, partners from various protected areas, like Carska bara and Obedska bara, shared their efforts in maintaining biodiversity and fostering sustainable tourism.

The day concluded with a field visit to observe restoration sites near Bogojevo, offering attendees a direct view of the impact of ongoing ecological efforts and, the facilities of the cooperative “Agrodunav” Karavukovo. These initiatives promise to foster resilience in local biodiversity and enhance ecosystem services for the communities depending on these wetlands.

The event underscored the importance of cohesive, cross-border strategies for environmental resilience and sustainable local economies, positioning the Middle Danube as a model for wetland preservation.