A wetland covering approximately 2,200 m² has been restored on Veľkolélsky Island, one of the last remaining large Danube islands in Slovakia. The restoration was carried out through the small-scale project “Resurrection of Danube Island Wetland for Floodplain Inhabitants”, implemented by BROZ – conservation association.
The project was funded under the Danube WILDisland Ramsar Regional Initiative pilot measure Category RRI-1: “Identification, Preparation and Implementation of Restoration Actions in the Danube Region”. Financial support was provided by the European Environment Initiative (EURENI) on behalf of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV).
The works included excavation, treatment of the bottom and banks of the water body, and the removal of excess soil and sediments.
During periods of higher water levels, the restored wetland will connect with other wetlands on the island. In addition to improving the habitat as a potential living space for the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis), the measure may benefit a variety of species associated with aquatic and wetland environments, including amphibians, dragonflies, spiders, beetles and molluscs.
The restoration has not only recreated wetland habitat but also improved the hydrological conditions of nearby alluvial meadows. Adjacent riparian forest stands will also benefit from the increased humidity of the site.
As coordinator of the Danube WILDisland Ramsar Regional Initiative, DANUBEPARKS is particularly pleased to see concrete measures being implemented across the Danube Region and to support organisations that are actively improving wetland habitats on the ground. Projects such as this demonstrate the value of regional cooperation and provide practical examples that can inspire further action for wetland conservation throughout the basin.