About the Project

Purpose and objectives of the project

The Natura Mura project addresses the key challenges of nature conservation and the provision of ecosystem services in the floodplain of the Mura River, such as the changed hydro-morphological conditions of the Mura River, climate change, intensification of the use of the floodplain, the emergence of non-native invasive species and diseases, abandonment of the use of extensive grasslands, uncontrolled visitation and lack of adequate interpretation infrastructure.

The basic purpose of the Natura Mura project is to improve the conservation status of 3 target habitat types and 12 target species of Natura 2000 sites along the Mura River. The project represents the implementation of the priority part of the measures envisaged in the Natura 2000 Area Management Program (PUN 2000) to achieve the goals of the Natura 2000 POV and POO Mura areas.

The planned activities are designed in such a way that, the achievement of nature conservation goals and the planned measures will also contribute to the achievement of other environmental and economic goals, these achievements depend on the ecological state of the Mura River and its floodplain:

• ensuring and maintaining a good ecological state of waters and thereby achieving the goals of the NUV,
• increasing the retention capacity and flow of high water and thereby improving flood safety,
• reduction of the deepening of the river bed and thus the preservation of the ground water level in the area of water sources of drinking water and agricultural and forest land,
• restoration of the structure and function of floodplain forests, thereby ensuring the conditions for the long-term sustainable use of the natural wood resource,
• restoration and preservation of extensive moist grasslands and thus the production capacity of agricultural land,
• establishing a high-quality interpretation for experiencing nature in the Natura 2000 Mura area and thereby supporting the achievement of the educational and development goals of the Mura Biosphere Reserve,
• new jobs in the region,
• improving the quality of the living environment of local residents.

Project activities

1. Restoration of river dynamics and aquatic habitats:

• restoration of oxbow lakes (Zaton, Podkova) and establishment of a network of ponds in the forest area,
• renewal of river branches (Dokležovje I and II, Lukačeva struga, Besnica II, Srednja Bistrica, Alter graba, Dokležovje),
• measures to enable controlled widening of the Mura river bed (Petanjci, Mota II, Konjišče, Dokležovje)

2. Maintenance and restoration of wetlands:

• restoration of grasslands on overgrown areas and ensuring the sustainable use of grasslands in the area of the Velika Polana municipality.

3. Establishing a comprehensive interpretation of nature in the project area and communication activities:

• establishment of a comprehensive interpretation of nature linked to the locations of habitat restoration activities (interpretation points, educational paths, playgrounds in nature).

4. Maintenance and restoration of floodplain forests:

• restoration of forest habitats by replacing mature plantations of poplar clones and areas with invasive plant species and implementation of trial measures of natural regeneration,
• restoration of the floodplain forest in the area of the dried alder stand in the Banuta area,
• purchase of the most valuable areas of floodplain forests, swamps, and wetlands.
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5. Interpretation of nature along the Mura River:

• As part of the interpretation activities, Natura 2000 in the Mura area was comprehensively explained and presented in connection with the project. The presentation of the UNESCO Mura River Biosphere Reserve was also highlighted.

Project area

The project area is a Natura 2000 area along the entire Slovenian section of the Mura River, which also includes the border sections with the Republic of Austria and the Republic of Croatia. It covers an area of 147.5 km2.

Financing and duration of the project

The restoration project of wetland habitats along the Mura River - Natura Mura.

Financing: The investment is co-financed by the European Union from the European Regional Development Fund and the Republic of Slovenia.

Total value: € 4.571.854,99

Duration: 1 March 2020 – 30 November 2023