Restoration activities under the LIFE WILDisland project haveofficially started in the Gornje Podunavlje Special Nature Reserve in Serbia.
The kick-off event took place on 12 December at the Forest Office in Apatin and was hosted by DANUBEPARKS' member Vojvodinašume, the project partner responsible for activities at the site. The event was attended by representatives of the Serbian Ministry, including the State Secretary, highlighting the importance of the project at the national level.
The measure provides for dredging of about 6,5 km along oversedimented channels to restore two former side arms. The restoration works aim to bring water back into floodplain areas and improve natural river dynamics, helping valuable riparian habitats recover and thrive. These measures will support wildlife, strengthen the resilience of the landscape, and contribute to the long-term protection of the Danube floodplains.
To carry out the restoration works, Vojvodinašume purchased earlier its own long-reach excavator dedicated to the WILDisland project. This specialised machine allows restoration works to be carried out efficiently with its own equipment while reducing disturbance to nature and tendering external contractors.
The start of activities in Gornje Podunavlje marks an important step for the LIFE WILDisland project in the Middle Danube.
More updates from the Serbian project sites will follow as the works continue.
Photo credit: Darko i Srećko