“Protecting Europe's lifeline - The creation of a Transboundary Biosphere Reserve along the Danube, Drava and Mura Rivers" Duska Dimovic, Arno Mohl, Tamas Gruber and Ivana Korn Varga WWF (www.amazon-of-europe.com, [email protected]) Amazon of Europe

Preserving the valuable transboundary living river ecosystems in the Mura-Drava-Danube area Overview (aims, approach/methods, area where project/initiative is undertaken)

Strategy 1: Promote establishment of TBR protection status in five countries  Transboundary UNESCO Biosphere Reserve “Mura-Drava-Danube“ (TBR MDD) established in 5 countries: Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary and Serbia  1.000.000 ha riverine and cultural landscape Strategy 2: Facilitate transboundary cooperation and promotion of the MDD area  Improved common understanding and transboundary cooperation in the management of the TBR between all 5 countries  TBR MDD as a joint trademark for all 5 countries Strategy 3: Promote sustainable river management  Prevent deterioration of the river system  Support river restoration

Transboundary UNESCO Biosphere Reserve “Mura-Drava-Danube“

What are inspiring and innovative solutions for protected areas, arising from the project/initiative?

• The UNESCO TBR MDD will be the first in the world in the five countries and will combine the cluster of thirteen protected areas along the Mura-Drava-Danube region and jointly manage the shared river ecosystem in a sustainable manner while promoting the sustainable economic growth and development in the region.

• The TBR MDD provides an important tool for learning different approaches to floodplain management and wetland restoration  www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXPaUP1nLMY

• Participatory approach in the management of TBR MDD

 The Biosphere Reserve Coordinating Councils Supported by: MAVA Foundation, Asamer Holding and The Coca-Cola Company

What makes the project innovative and effective?

What are key achievements? • A five country Ministerial Declaration for a joint TBR MDD was signed on March 25th 2011 by Ministers responsible for Environmental Protection in Budapest Gödöllő/Hungary • A Coordination Board established in the framework of the Ministerial Declaration • Declaration of the Hungarian and Croatian part of TBR MDD in 2012 is based on the initial initiative of both countries and respective agreement signed in 2009

What are drivers of success ? • With rare large floodplain forests, river islands, gravel banks and oxbows, the declared protected area across all five countries spans about 700 kilometres of the three rivers and about 800,000 hectares of unique natural and cultural landscapes. • The river ecosystem is also vital for the socio-economic well being of this region. It is a major source for good drinking water, natural flood prevention, sustainable forestry, agriculture and fisheries, as well as having an important role in promoting eco-tourism, awareness raising and environmental education in the region. What were enabling factors? • Common objectives and principles for the establishment of management plans for the pentalateral region TBR-MDD • Stimulate nature-friendly development for the local communities • Network of local NGOs working as River Watchers to prevent the major river regulation and sediment extraction projects and plans and potential new hydropower dam projects

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