December, 2006
Protection of Drava Wetlands and the Rivers
of Bednja and Plitvica in North-West Croatia
final report
DEF Pilot Campaign in Croatia
AUTHORS
PREPARED BY:
Dora Radosavljevi; "Franjo Koscec" Association
AUTHORS:
Campaign Coordinator: Marko Stancin, "Franjo Koscec" Association
Partner Organisations: Eko-network of the Varazdin County
Franjo
Koscec Association, A. Senoe 10.a,
42 000 Varazdin, Croatia
PREFACE
The inventory of the existing Drava wetlands and especially the confluences of the Bednja and
Plitvica Rivers revealed the great value of these areas for the region's biodiversity.
The Bednja River tributaries and riverbed are habitats for otter, river crab, wild trout and other
rare and protected species.
The Plitvica riverbed has a number of beaver habitats, while rare and protected plant species are
found on the riverbanks.
A number of changes have taken place along the Drava and its floodplains in the last decades.
These changes have had an impact not only on the region's biodiversity but also on local people's
attitudes and activities. The construction of a series of accumulation reservoirs and the release of
very small quantities of water into the old Drava riverbed has put under threat the very existence
of many oxbows, ponds and meanders, which have been cut off or left without adequate water
supply. There has been a continuous fall of groundwater and river water levels leading to drying up
of surrounding forest stands and agricultural lands, and frequent mass deaths of fish.
After the riverbed regulation of the upper streams of the Plitvica and Bednja Rivers, spring floods
started to occur along downstream stretches which had never flooded before. Arable lands turned
into wet meadows where crops could no longer be grown.
Local discontent with the above problems escalated to a series of protest demonstrations and
heated discussions in the spring and summer of 2006. Many local stakeholders were demanding
further hydrological interventions to deal with the consequences of previous ones. If implemented,
such interventions would destroy the still preserved landscape features and biodiversity of the
region.
Urgent measures were needed in order to raise local awareness about the values of local natural
heritage and the opportunities for less damaging solutions to environmental problems; as well as
to initiate a dialogue among key stakeholders toward a sustainable development vision for their
area.
Protection of Drava Wetlands and the Rivers of Bednja and Plitvica in North-West Croatia
page 5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFACE ........................................................................................................................ 3
Table of CONTENTS ......................................................................................................... 5
List of Pictures ................................................................................................................ 5
ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................................................................. 6
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...................................................................................................... 7
1.
Opinion survey among local development actors ...................................................... 8
2.
Workshops for stakeholders................................................................................... 9
2.1.
1st Workshop in Ivanec...................................................................................... 9
2.2.
2nd Workshop in Ludbreg .................................................................................. 9
2.3.
3rd Workshop in Meimurje County in Donja Dubrava......................................... 10
3.
A series of short radio programmes and one TV programme .................................... 11
3.1.
Radio Broadcasts on Radio Varazdin, Radio Ludbreg and Radio Ivanec .................. 11
3.2.
Radio Broadcasts on Radio Novi Marof, Radio Sjeverozapad ................................. 11
3.3.
TV Broadcast ................................................................................................. 11
4.
«Trazilica» ("The Search")................................................................................... 12
5.
Educational workshops and playrooms for the youngest .......................................... 13
5.1.
1st Workshop in Sv.ur.................................................................................. 13
5.2.
2nd Workshop in Varazdin ................................................................................ 13
5.3.
Workshop in Lepoglava ................................................................................... 14
6.
Round Table discussion for stakeholders ............................................................... 15
7.
The results ........................................................................................................ 16
ANNEXES ..................................................................................................................... 18
LIST OF PICTURES
Picture 1 - Preparation of activities
Picture 2 Workshop in Ivanec
Picture 3 Workshop in Donja Dubrava
Picture 4 "The search"
Picture 5 "The search"
Picture 6 Workshop in Sv. ur
Picture 7 Workshop in Varazdin
Picture 8 Workshop in Lepoglava
Picture 9 Round table in Varazdin
UNDP/GEF DANUBE REGIONAL PROJECT
DEF Pilot Campaign in Croatia
page 6
ABBREVIATIONS
DRB
Danube River Basin
DRP
Danube Regional Project
EG Expert
Group
EU European
Union
EU WFD
EU Water Framework Directive
GEF
Global Environment Facility
ICPDR
International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River
UNDP
United Nations Development Programme
WB World
Bank
«FRANJO KOSCEC» ASSOCIATION
Protection of Drava Wetlands and the Rivers of Bednja and Plitvica in North-West Croatia
page 7
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The overall goal of the campaign was to raise the awareness of key local community groups about
the value of river habitats and species, and initiate a stakeholder dialogue towards a sustainable
development vision and framework for the project area.
A survey at the start of the campaign helped us identify a small number of key target groups for
educational and awareness raising activities. The survey and some of the campaign activities
(media outreach, round table discussions, children education) targeted a broader range of
stakeholders:
>
Local communities including local youth (children have been chosen as a target group
in order to address future attitudes; in addition, children are open to learn about life
and nature, and they can bring home messages to their family members who are in
position to influence current decisions)
>
Local and regional authorities
>
Farmers and farmer associations
>
Fishers and hunters
>
Tourism services providers
>
Businesses
All activities have raised awareness among key community groups and in particular among the
youth about the value of river and wetland habitats, plant and animal species.
The primary result of workshops, radio and TV educational activities was the improvement of the
dialogue among all development actors on the local level (business sector, local government, civil
sector). The next achieved result was cooperative work of all target citizens, experts and local
government in one team together.
A vision for local sustainable development in the conditions of preserved natural heritage
developed in cooperation among local stakeholders, and a common agreement on a process
towards joint planning of a sustainable development framework for the region including nature
protection measures, low-impact tourism, business and agriculture.
UNDP/GEF DANUBE REGIONAL PROJECT
DEF Pilot Campaign in Croatia
page 8
1.
OPINION SURVEY AMONG LOCAL DEVELOPMENT ACTORS
Opinion survey among local development actors covered associations, tourist offices, local
authorities and self-government, the chamber of commerce, etc. The objective of the survey was
to identify one or two key stakeholder groups to target through the campaign and their problems
concerning the use and protection of natural resources in the area; determining attitudes and
awareness of sustainable development options; we used these findings to fine-tune the campaign
and facilitate a dialogue among actors on sustainable development of the area.
The NGO "FRANJO KOSCEC" made a questionnaire for the opinion survey and distributed it among
NGOs, tourist offices, local governments and the Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of
Craftsman. Until today we received 72% of the filled-in questionnaires.
Picture 1 - Preparation of activities
Processing the data of the returned questionnaires we noticed a significant difference between rural
areas and small communities in comparison to Varazdin, regarding the level of knowledge,
education and the relation towards natural resources protection and sustainable development.
After processing all received questionnaires we started the workshops with Stakeholder in most
endangered parts of areas near Drava, Bednja and Plitvica rivers.
«FRANJO KOSCEC» ASSOCIATION
Protection of Drava Wetlands and the Rivers of Bednja and Plitvica in North-West Croatia
page 9
2.
WORKSHOPS FOR STAKEHOLDERS
Workshops for stakeholders were held in three problem areas on priority issue/s/ identified through
the opinion survey (Activity 1.)
Based on the questionnaires that were processed, we held the worshops in Ivanec, Ludbreg and
Meimurje County in Donja Dubrava.
2.1. 1st Workshop in Ivanec
The 1st workshop in Ivanec (with PPP "Ljepa nasa grana Ivanec"- member of the EKO-network of
the Varazdin County) was held on the 21 November 2006.
The problem of the frequent flooding of the River Bednja after the regulation of its riverbed has
significantly influenced on the answers of the surveyed persons; therefore we find that a workshop
on their area represented a priority.
On the workshop we discussed about the possibilities of tourism, alternative agriculture, and
sustainable development of this area.
Picture 2 Workshop in Ivanec
2.2. 2nd Workshop in Ludbreg
The 2nd workshop was held in Ludbreg (with "Vidra"- Ludbreg, Association of the Varazdin County)
on the 30 November 2006.
The problem of the river Plitvica draining of wastewater from farms for intensive stock breeding
as well as community wastewaters affect the quality of the water in the river, and the felling of
UNDP/GEF DANUBE REGIONAL PROJECT
DEF Pilot Campaign in Croatia
page 10
surrounding vegetation and the "regulation" of the riverbed additionally deteriorate the water
quality. All this endangers the survival of the beaver, river crabs and autochthonous fish stock, and
it is essential to protect the estuary of the river into the Drava, as it represents an important bird
habitat. The sustainable development of this area, as it was concluded at the workshop, is essential
for the further development of tourism, craftsmanship and whole economy in the city and
surrounding municipalities.
2.3. 3rd Workshop in Meimurje County in Donja Dubrava
The 3rd workshop based on the questionnaires we held in Meimurje County in Donja Dubrava.
The main theme and problem that we discussed was the influence of the accumulation lakes on the
flow of the river Drava and the preservation of on optimal river flow in the riverbed. We concluded
that the determination of the "biological minimum" of the river Drava is essential for all habitats in
this area. As on other workshops we realized the connection of water quantity and water quality
with the situation in the respective river and biodiversity, we decided to prepare and hold a round
table on this topic in December 2006.
Picture 3 Workshop in Donja Dubrava
«FRANJO KOSCEC» ASSOCIATION
Protection of Drava Wetlands and the Rivers of Bednja and Plitvica in North-West Croatia
page 11
3.
A SERIES OF SHORT RADIO PROGRAMMES AND ONE TV
PROGRAMME
A series of short radio programmes and one TV programme was produced about DEF, the
campaign goals, problems, development opportunities and reasons for the protection of this part of
the Danube Basin.
3.1. Radio Broadcasts on Radio Varazdin, Radio Ludbreg and
Radio Ivanec
Till the 15 of November we have made and broadcasted 3 of the 5 planed radio-broadcasts
>
- on Radio Varazdin (11 October 2006),
>
- on Radio Ludbreg (20 October 2006)
>
- on Radio Ivanec (09 November 2006).
In each broadcast we talked about the goals of our Campaign, the DEF, natural resources and why
to protect the marshland and the swamps on the respective areas. We also announced the events
that followed (in Ludbreg the educational workshop for the youth, in Varazdin the educational
workshop for the youth and in Ivanec also an announcement of a workshop for the stakeholders).
3.2. Radio Broadcasts on Radio Novi Marof, Radio Sjeverozapad
The last 2 of the 5 planed radio broadcasts we have made:
> on Radio Novi Marof (20.November 2006), we announced a 3rd workshop for
stakeholders, we talked about the results of our educational workshops and about the
opportunities for sustainable development of this area.
> On Radio Sjeverozapad (07 December 2006) we announced the round table and TV
broadcast, also we answered some interesting questions about drying up of surrounding
forests and changes of agricultural lands. We talked about the goals of Campaign and the
members of EKO-network of Varazdin County briefly explained our common work.
3.3. TV Broadcast
The TV-broadcast was produced in first half of December. The first time the TV-broadcast was on
the program of Regional TV on 11 and second time on 21 December 2006.
This educational-informative broadcast showed the Drava and the river mouth of Bednja and
Plitvica. The participants in the workshops and the round table, recognized experts and
representatives of responsible institutions talked about the value of this area and the reasons for
its protection (attached a DVD with the broadcast).
UNDP/GEF DANUBE REGIONAL PROJECT
DEF Pilot Campaign in Croatia
page 12
4.
«TRAZILICA» ("THE SEARCH")
«Trazilica» ("The Search") was a field educational game for the young: finding a certain plant
or animal and capturing it on the participant's camera.
We planed and finished the production of a poster with photographs made by the children, raising
awareness for the protection of the Drava natural heritage.
This activity was implemented along the River Drava, and along the rivers Bednja and Plitvica. The
poster will be sent to Schools, Kindergartens and other public places.
All the photos are of Wetlands near Drava, Plitvica and Bednja river, making an ask for the
protection of the river area. (Poster attached)
The best pictures were made by children from a School in Varazdin (I osnovna skola), and schools
in Semovec and Ludbreg. The children got awards and educational toys. The poster was completed
on 23 December 2006.
Picture 4 "The search"
Picture 5 "The search"
«FRANJO KOSCEC» ASSOCIATION
Protection of Drava Wetlands and the Rivers of Bednja and Plitvica in North-West Croatia
page 13
5.
EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS AND PLAYROOMS FOR THE
YOUNGEST
The Educational workshops and playrooms for the youngest on two subjects: "Who lives in
wetlands?" and "The role of wetlands in water purification" were very successful. We held the
workshops at sites where the most serious problems have been identified, one along each river.
We held 2 educational workshops in Sv. ur (near Plitvica river) and Varazdin (near Drava river)
in cooperation with NGOs members of the Network.
The workshop and playroom for the youngest we held on 07.December 2006 in Lepoglava (near
Bednja).
5.1. 1st Workshop in Sv.ur
The 1st workshop in Sv.ur (-October 2006.)- "Who lives in wetlands?" -School Sv.ur - with
"Vulinec"-Association whose memberts participated also in workshop
Picture 6 Workshop in Sv. ur
5.2. 2nd Workshop in Varazdin
The 2nd workshop in Varazdin (-November 2006.)- "The role of wetlands in water purification" - IV
Primary School in Varazdin with "Franjo Koscec" Association
In the workshop also participated children from the School´s ecological group
UNDP/GEF DANUBE REGIONAL PROJECT
DEF Pilot Campaign in Croatia
page 14
Picture 7 Workshop in Varazdin
5.3. Workshop in Lepoglava
The 3rd workshop in Lepoglava (- December 2006)-"Who lives in wetlands?" Local Kindergarten -
with PPP"Lijepa nasa" Association
Picture 8 Workshop in Lepoglava
«FRANJO KOSCEC» ASSOCIATION
Protection of Drava Wetlands and the Rivers of Bednja and Plitvica in North-West Croatia
page 15
6.
ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION FOR STAKEHOLDERS
Round Table discussion for stakeholders took place on 11.December 2006. in Varazdin:
>
We discussed the results from the campaign and evaluated all activities
>
We made an expert team for developing a vision for the area's sustainable
development based on biological minimum of water level and quality.
>
We agreed on a further cooperation process toward a local sustainable development
concept and Space plan, and how it can be incorporated into local strategic planning
documents.
>
Symbolic awards were given to the most active young participants in "The Search"
Participants were representatives of local authorities and self-government, institutions, local
associations of farmers, fishers, water authorities, electricity producers, businesses, tourist services
providers, nature protection experts , DEF representatives, other NGOs and the media.
Picture 9 Round table in Varazdin
The expertteam, which is composed by representatives from all interested parts and experts, will
continue with its work also after the End of the Campaign in order to find the best solution for
protection of the rivers and all target area for all stakeholders and citizens. (The list of participants
is attached)
UNDP/GEF DANUBE REGIONAL PROJECT
DEF Pilot Campaign in Croatia
page 16
7.
THE RESULTS
The eco-network of the Varazdin County, whose activities were coordinated by the NGO "Franjo
Koscec" finished till the 30 December 2006 all foreseen activities.
New activities that will evolve from the conclusions of the round table will depend on the work of
the expert team and external experts, and we will continue with them as a part of a new project
that should commence in 2007.
During the campaign we collected and processed existing data from publications, scientific articles,
expert publications, web-sites of relevant ministries, catalogues, registers, analytic lists, graphs
and from photo documentation and other data sources.
All in connection with the campaign, we contacted several authorities, such as: The Croatian water
authority (Hrvatske vode), Public health authority, Environmental protection agency, State agency
for protection of nature, Ministry of agriculture, forestry and water management, Ministry of
culture, Croatian electric power authority Elektroprivreda HE Varazdin, Croatian forest authority
(Hrvatske sume), Sport fishing club Varazdin, The Cadastre of emissions of the Varazdin county,
the city of Varazdin, Varazdin communal organization (Varkom), Museum of the city Varazdin, the
city's tourist board and other stakeholders.
The workshops were realised with partners and stakeholders.
We successfully prepared and held a round table with the presence of representatives of all
partners, invited guests, experts and members of the eco-network (The Croatian water authority,
Croatian electric power authority, Environmental protection agency, State agency for protection of
nature, The Varazdin county, The city of Varazdin, Agency for development, the tourist board of
Varazdin, The public institution for the administration of protected natural values on the area of the
Varazdin county, Eco-monitoring Business company and many NGOs- "The Drava League", PD
Drava Association from Virovitica, Croatian forester's Association - Varazdin, ZEO Nobilis
Association from Cakovec, Vulinec Association from Sv. ur, from The Green action Association
Zagreb a representative of the WWF for Croatia, Sport fishing club Varazdin, Franjo Koscec
Association, and media (radio Varazdin, radio Ludbreg and VTV Varazdin television).
From the institutions that were present experts were selected that will continue the work in an
expert team, because the main goal of the campaign was to preserve the biodiversity and the
natural heritage of the area near the rivers Plitvica, Bednja and Drava.
The material for field investigations - a proposition- was prepared, and the expert team will
complete it. Prof. ph. D. Vesna Dusak prepared on the round table the presentation of the existing
mathematical model and the simulation of possible changes of the water quality in the river Drava,
concerning the fact that water quality and water quantity are important for the biological minimum.
These materials, with the scientific and expert papers, will serve for the preparation of a new
mathematical model. The simulation of the conditions in the river will serve for the determination
of the biological minimum in the monitored area in 2007.
The representatives of the Varazdin County stated that according to the "Space plan of special
features of the river Drava and the river mouth of the rivers Bednja and Plitvica", they would
participate more actively in the making of the planned Strategy.
The representatives of the Development agency and the Council for European integrations from
Varazdin County stated their willingness to continue the work actively after the expert team in
order to obtain financial means for the continuation of the planned activities from the EU-accession
funds.
«FRANJO KOSCEC» ASSOCIATION
Protection of Drava Wetlands and the Rivers of Bednja and Plitvica in North-West Croatia
page 17
Implementing the project, we promoted it on our web-site and the web-sites of the NGO-network,
where we are members. We also made an e-mail list for faster communication among all interested
experts and partners, as well as a little address book of experts and interested subjects.
During the whole campaign, we assured quality media coverage and media support, in order to
inform the interested citizens and the population near the rivers on our activities, the goals we
were trying to achieve, on our partners and co-funding of the project.
In order to do this, we made live-broadcasts on radio stations, and TV-broadcasts on news and a
special show on the regional (whole north western Croatia) TV-network VTV, that can also be
watched in neighbouring countries.
This network also broadcasted some "Green info pages".
When the expert team finishes its work, we can continue the work, making a Strategy for
sustainable development of this area, because this part of Croatia (Drava River and tributaries) is
listed in the Emerald network and is foreseen for protection in the category Natura 2000.
UNDP/GEF DANUBE REGIONAL PROJECT
DEF Pilot Campaign in Croatia
page 18
ANNEXES
ANNEX 1
Campaign Budget Report with all Documents
ANNEX 2
Produced Outcomes (TV broadcast-DVD and Poster)
ANNEX 3
Materials from the round table in Varazdin
«FRANJO KOSCEC» ASSOCIATION
CAMPAIGN BUDGET
ACTIVITIES COSTS,
$
1. Public opinion survey
Planned
Actuals
Telephone, mobile phone and Internet
250
292
Photo copying, mail, office materials
220
229
Questionnaire development, distribution, processing, reporting
530
x530
Site visits travel costs: Vz-Bednja-Vz- 80 km, Vz-M.Bukovec-Vz-90
150 112
km, Vz-D.Dubrava-Vz- 70 km,Vz-Zavr-Ormoz-Vz-60 km = 300 km
Subtotal Activity 1. 1150
1163
2. Three Stakeholder Workshops
Preparation and running of events
900
x900
Travel costs for leaders and participants
200
202
Materials (flip charts, markers etc.)
100
122
Subtotal Activity 2. 1200
1224
3. Series of short radio and one TV information emission
Programmes at the beginning and at the end of the campaign: costs
650 492
of radio programmes (Ludbreg, Ivanec, Novi Marof, Radio
Sjeverozapad, Radio Varazdin 5x130 USD
Varazdin television, one emission 10-15 minutes
1150
1178
Subtotal Activity 3. 1800
1670
4. "Trazilica": "The Search Game"
Field trip: transportation, snacks, photo materials
250
257
Awards
150 151
Poster
1300 1405
Subtotal Activity 4. 1700
1813
5. Three educational workshops and playrooms for the young
3x3 playroom leaders (preparation and running of events)
900
x975
Materials, toys, markers, glue etc.
400
376
Subtotal Activity 5. 1300
1351
6. Round Table discussion
Development of working materials, joint report and media
300 x320
announcements
Travel costs for invited participants (about 25 people)
450
450
Photo copying of working materials (about 100 folders)
320
Meeting room with presentation facilities
260
578
Drinks
100
Subtotal Activity 6. 1430
1358
Campaign Coordination (32 person-days)
1120 1120
Includes coordination of network activities and direct work on project
activities by "Franjo Koscec" Association
Financial management costs (10 person-days)
280
280
TOTAL
9,980
9,979
X only a part of the costs
"FRANJO KOSCEC" ASSOCIATION
