In 2024, the Obedska Bara Special Nature Reserve, one of Serbia’s most important and unique ecological treasures, celebrates its 150th anniversary. Nestled in the Pannonian Basin, this remarkable wetland area has long been recognized for its unparalleled biodiversity, rich history, and critical role in conservation. This anniversary marks not only a milestone in the reserve’s preservation but also serves as a reminder of the continued importance of wetland ecosystems in safeguarding global biodiversity.
As a Ramsar site, Obedska Bara is an internationally recognized wetland of importance, contributing significantly to biodiversity conservation. Its protection under the Ramsar Convention helps safeguard not only its unique ecosystem but also the broader environmental health of the region. DANUBEPARKS Association is currently managing the Danube WILDisland Ramsar Regional Initiative and emphasises the importance of collaboration between Ramsar sites with focus on preserving wetland ecosystems, promoting biodiversity, and enhancing sustainable management practices for protected areas in the Danube River Basin.
The DANUBEPARKS exhibition "Welcome to the Empire of the Endangered Water Dragons", which was design within Horizon Europe DANUBE4all project, took part in this celebration. The main goal of the exhibition is to present the charismatic and endangered "Danube Dragon" - Danube crested Newt (Triturus dobrogicus) - as a flagship species for habitat restoration and ecological connectivity.
DANUBEPARKS was honoured to take part in this remarkable celebration.
*Photo credit: photo archive JP Vojvodinašume