engleski

SUSTAINING BIODIVERSITY OF THE KOPAČKI RIT NATURE PARK (DANUBIAN FLOODPLAIN IN CROATIA, EUROPE)

The floodplains of the European rivers have almost all been altered by man and, as a result, natural floodplains are among the most threatened ecosystems in Europe. A notable exception to this is the area of Kopački Rit Nature Park which remained largely undisturbed. Kopački Rit, a Ramsar site (No.: 3HR002), is a fluvial floodplain along the Danube River (1410 - 1383 r. km), located in Northeast Croatia. It is one of the largest riverine wetlands in Europe, covering more then 23 km2. The environment of the area of overlap between land and water offers conditions for existence of a great diversity in numbers and kinds of species. A great diversity of plant (phytoplankton, vascular plants) and animal organisms (invertebrates, fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals) is a proof of the ecological importance of Kopački Rit (more than 2000 species registrated till now). Many of those species are endangered in Europe and worldwide. There was a total lack of protection and management in the period 1991-1997 when the area of Kopački Rit was a war zone. Within GEF (Global Environmental Facility) Grant for Kopački Rit Wetlands Management Project investments in the nature protection were done to repair damaged infrastructure and to ensure sustainable management and provide long-term environmental protection of the area. The measures for protection of significant biodiversity of Nature Park Kopački Rit were analyzed, as key aspects of management and sustainable use of this highly threatened regional and global ecosystem.

NP Kopački Rit; Danubian floodplain; biodiversity

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