On the outskirts of lagoons – natural reserve in formation, owned by DOPPS – there is a larger fragment of preserved riparian flooded forest of priority habitat type 91E0* consisting of species that produce soft wood, mainly willow, alder and ash (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) , which has been included in appendix of the Habitat Directive 1. Purchase of this 6,9 hectare part of forest is of great importance for nature preservation and has been included in project LIVEDRAVA (LIFE11 NAT/SI/882) which has been confirmed by the committee. After signing the contract with the current owner Tovarna sladkorja d.d. v likvidaciji (Sugar factory currently in liquidation proceedings) and receiving approval of legal transaction, the contract of purchase has been verified by a notary on 27th February 2013. By owning this part of the forest we have contributed not only to conservation of birds, but also to sustainable development of the entire forest ecosystem, because all long term forest management will be environmentally friendly only.

Damijan Denac

On the outskirts of lagoons – natural reserve in formation, owned by DOPPS – there is a larger fragment of preserved riparian flooded forest of priority habitat type 91E0* consisting of species that produce soft wood, mainly willow, alder and ash (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) , which has been included in appendix of the Habitat Directive 1. More

On Monday, February 18th and Wednesday, February 20th, we received our first visit from the external supervisor of LIFE projects for Slovenia regarding project LIVEDRAVA (LIFE11 NAT/SI/882).

First day the meeting took place at DOPPS headquarters. Main goal of the visit was overview of the project activities, progress that had been made on the project and solution of potential dilemmas. In addition to the external supervisor Mr Mitja Kaligarič, several others were also present at the meeting, including a representative of the MKO Ms Juliana Lebez Lozej, representatives of the Vodnogospodarski biro Maribor (Bureau of water management), Ms Alenka Kovačič and Mr Smiljan Juvan and representatives of DOPPS, employed on project LIVEDRAVA Damijan Denac, Nataša Šalaja and Polona Pagon. The meeting commenced after the opening statement, presentation of agenda and purpose were given by the external supervisor of the project. Following was a detailed presentation of project actions, which have already been completed, those that were being at the time of the meeting and those that will be carried out in the future. After that we looked at the problems that arose during individual actions as well as the consequences that November floods (November 5th) had on certain actions. Together we tried to find solutions which will enable us to complete the actions and other goals we have planned. In the afternoon we looked more closely into the administrative, financial and technical management of the project.

The second part of the supervisor’s visit took place two days later, on 20th February, in the field. The supervisor accompanied by Damijan Denac and Dominik Bombek inspected what has been done at Ormoške lagune, natural reserve in formation over the past six months. After the initial presentation of the purifying power plant and waste water basins of Former Tovarna sladkorja Ormož (Sugar factory Ormož), the majority of the visit was dedicated to examination of completed work that was necessary for establishment of the temporary office space. The visit of the external supervisor has concluded in Ormoške lagune with a debate about the proposed plans for the erection of the information centre and the vision of natural reserve in formation.

Polona Pagon

Photo: Tilen Basle

On Monday, February 18th and Wednesday, February 20th, we received our first visit from the external supervisor of LIFE projects for Slovenia regarding project LIVEDRAVA (LIFE11 NAT/SI/882).

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A cycle of lectures entitled» The Meaning of Project LIVEDRAVA (LIFE11 NAT/SI/882) for people and nature« is dedicated to informing the general public about the goals of the project. During the lectures various endangered species of birds are presented as well as the importance of the project for preservation of favourable condition for populations of birds, fish, beetles etc.   So far 5 of 10 lectures have already taken place in various towns (Ptuj, Ormož, Maribor, Središče ob Dravi and Obrež) in the project area.

Dominik Bombek

A cycle of lectures entitled» The Meaning of Project LIVEDRAVA (LIFE11 NAT/SI/882) for people and nature« is dedicated to informing the general public about the goals of the project. More

As a part of the project LIVEDRAVA ( LIFFE 11 NAT/SI/882 ) we did a boat trip down Drava river right after the flood (28th November 2012) trying to assess the state of the riverbed and changes that may had occurred as well as their consequences which might affect the execution of actions on river Drava. Because the flow below the dam in Markovci had not normalised by the day of our survey we were only able to examine the part of river between Maribor and Ptuj. We observed formation of new deposits of river gravel, large piles of alluvium as well as uncovered human negligence as river removed the upper layer of soil (only) to unearth many piles of construction and other waste. We have established that morphologic change at this part of Drava will not have any effect on actions planned.

Damijan Denac

As a part of the project LIVEDRAVA ( LIFFE 11 NAT/SI/882 ) we did a boat trip down Drava river right after the flood (28th November 2012) trying to assess the state of the riverbed and changes that may had occurred as well as their consequences which might affect the execution of actions on river Drava. More

Project Reconstruction of river ecosystem of lowland part of Drava in Slovenia (LIFFE 11 NAT/SI/882) began on 1st September 2012. Since then we have managed to carry out several activities in addition, many activities are in the final stage. With the help of volunteers we removed vegetationon artificial nesting islands at Lake Ptuj, we also bought equipment needed such as a boat, chain saws, computers, optics, etc. In addition we fixed up the border of natural reserve in formation Ormoške lagune, finalized the purchase of riparian flooded forest, erected (90 meters in length) protective fence in front of aerating basins and set the solar power plant for the needs of the office. The final work on the office is also nearly done and technical plans for the reconstruction are being prepared. We prepared numerous media announcements regarding the project – an article in Ptujski tednik (Ptuj weekly), press conference in Ormož, contact radio show Vroča linija (Hotline) on Radio Ptuj. In addition we began making the technical plan for the info centre at Ormoške lagune.

Dominik Bombek

Project Reconstruction of river ecosystem of lowland part of Drava in Slovenia (LIFFE 11 NAT/SI/882) began on 1st September 2012. Since then we have managed to carry out several activities in addition, many activities are in the final stage. More