NaturaVita
Demining, Restoration & Protection of Forests and Natura 2000 Areas in the Danube–Drava Region, Croatia
General Description
NaturaVita is one of the largest nature conservation projects in Croatia, financed by European Structural and Investment Funds. It is a strategic project aimed at demining, biological reconstruction, and protection of forests, forestland, and water resources in mine-contaminated Natura 2000 areas along the Drava and Danube rivers.
Long-term mine contamination prevented safe access and blocked the implementation of forest and Natura 2000 management plans in Kopački rit Nature Park and Mura-Drava Regional Park. The project cleared 25.3 km² of land and removed 5,611 explosive remnants, enabling full ecological restoration and public access.
Innovative Aspects
- Integrated demining and ecological restoration – combining conflict legacy clearance with Natura 2000 habitat restoration in a single strategic framework.
- Renovation of the Podravlje Forest House into an energy-independent educational centre.
- Development of educational programs for schools, students and local communities.
- Construction and reconstruction of 107 ha of fire breaks and 33 km of fire roads improving long-term forest management.
- Long-term management plan for the Education-Visitor Center "Podravlje" ensuring institutional sustainability.
Environmental / Social / Economic Aspects
Environmental:
- Biological restoration of 1,021 ha of forest and forestland
- Replacement of alien species with native species on 441 ha (white willow, black poplar, pedunculate oak, plain ash)
- Restoration of 100 ha of rare wetland lawns
- Definition of retention capacities and revitalization study for wetlands in Kopački rit
- Firefighting infrastructure improved: 33 km of fire roads, 92 ha of firebreaks, bridge over Barbara channel
Social: Educational trails, renovation of visitor centres, public awareness raising about biodiversity and mine contamination risks; direct community engagement.
Economic: Volunteer engagement and creation of sustainable tourism and educational infrastructure.
Other: Demining of 25.3 km² – 5,611 explosive remnants removed, opening areas for safe ecological and public use.
Link to Spatial Policy
The project is directly linked to national and EU Natura 2000 land management plans. By demining and restoring 25.3 km², the project has made land safe for spatial planning, ecological restoration, and public use. It aligns with the EU Habitats Directive and Biodiversity Strategy through habitat restoration and native species reintroduction.
Συμμετοχή των ενδιαφερόμενων μερών
- Local Communities: Public awareness campaigns, workshops, and educational programs for schools visiting the Podravlje Forest House.
- Environmental & Forestry Experts: Consultation with scientists and conservationists for native species selection and restoration guidance.
- National & Regional Authorities: Coordination with environmental ministries, forest management agencies, and local governments.
- International Organizations: Collaboration with the EU for funding and alignment with conservation goals.
- Multi-Sector Partnerships: Stakeholders from tourism, education, and agriculture integrated into the project.
- Feedback Mechanisms: Community feedback incorporated to adapt activities to local livelihoods.
Key Takeaways for Replication
- Integrating conflict legacy clearance with ecological restoration creates significant added value in post-conflict regions.
- With continuation of work, the project will ensure hydrological conditions with natural flooding and wave entry in the area.
- Energy-independent educational infrastructure is a replicable model for other Natura 2000 areas.