On 19 September 2026, International Drava Day was celebrated in Bilje, Croatia, bringing together more than 650 participants for a day dedicated to river conservation, environmental education and local traditions.
Organised in cooperation with local associations and partner institutions, the event offered a diverse programme combining educational activities, water sports, rescue demonstrations and traditional cuisine. Representatives of Croatian Waters, the Croatian Red Cross, scouting and firefighting associations, sports and fishing clubs, and other local organisations actively contributed to the celebration.
This year's programme welcomed additional participants, including Horse Club Hercules, the outdoor activities association Slavhala and members of the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service, enriching the event with new opportunities for outdoor learning and recreation.
A particular emphasis was placed on engaging children and young people, encouraging them to discover the ecological importance of rivers and wetlands, learn about water safety and develop a stronger connection with nature.
Visitors also enjoyed traditional regional dishes, including fiš paprikaš (fish stew), grilled carp and locally prepared beans. A fish stew cooking competition was introduced this year, attracting additional visitors and adding to the festive atmosphere.
With more than 650 participants, the celebration successfully combined environmental awareness with community engagement and cultural traditions. Local television, radio and online media covered the event, further promoting the importance of river conservation and highlighting the work of DANUBEPARKS and the Danube WILDisland Ramsar Regional Initiative.
International Drava Day once again demonstrated the value of bringing together local communities, institutions and conservation organisations to raise awareness and encourage shared responsibility for protecting our rivers and wetlands.
The event was financially supported by the Danube WILDisland Ramsar Regional Initiative through the project "Establishing the Danube WILDisland Ramsar Regional Initiative" (EURENI_24_A_038), implemented by DANUBEPARKS with funding from the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN) under the European Environment Initiative (EURENI).