Ljubljana, 2 October 2019 – Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy, the Managing Authority for ERDF, ESF and Cohesion Fund, has issued grant decisions for two projects promoting conservation of natural and cultural heritage in the Drava River basin, which fall in the scope of the Natura 2000 Management Programme. Both project budgets amount to over EUR 8.2 million; the projects will receive a contribution of EUR 6.5 million from ERDF (European Regional Development Fund).
Project forDrava
The goal of the project forDrava (Drava River – Natura 2002, river for the future: Improvement of the conservation status of riparian and river species and habitats of Drava River) is to help improve the conservation status of certain species and habitat types (green club-tailed dragonfly (Ophiogomphus Cecilia), Italian crested newt (Triturus carnifex), yellow-bellied toad (Bombina variegata), beaver (Castor), European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) in the protected Natura 2000 area. Special attention will also be given to upgrading the interpretive content and approach provided by the visitor centre to enhance the visitor experience, and help the visitors better understand the respective area highlighting the importance of environmental protection and conservation of species dependent on river and riparian habitats.
The project budget stands at nearly EUR 6.2 million, of which EUR 4.9 million will come from ERDF.
The project involves a number of partners working together: Maribor Development Agency, Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Conservation, Slovenian Water Agency, Scientific Research Centre Bistra Ptuj, and municipalities Duplek, Središče ob Dravi and Starše.
For more information, please refer to the Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning
Project Interpretation and information centre of Natura 2000 site – Borl Castle
The project forDrava will be complemented by the activities of the project Interpretation and information centre of Natura 2000 site – Borl Castle which is managed by the Ministry of Culture. Part of the Borl Castle will be reconstructed to accommodate the interpretation and information centre aiming to present the Drava River, which is classified as a Natura 2000 site, in an innovative, modern and visitor-friendly way, building the concept of presentation and interpretation on the natural characteristics of this protected area and underlining the importance of its preservation.
The project budget amounts to EUR 2 million, of which EUR 1.6 will come from ERDF.
For more information, please refer to the Ministry of Culture