On 6 November 2025, the Regional Development Agency for Podravje – Maribor held a presentation of the results of the project Drava Natura 2000, a river for the future – forDrava in Središče ob Dravi. On this occasion, the project partners received a certificate for winning third place in the contest EU Project, My Project.
The event aimed to showcase the key activities and achievements of the project Drava Natura 2000 – a river for the future – ForDrava. The project sought to improve the unfavourable conservation status of indicator animal and plant species and their natural environments along the Drava River. It also focused on raising awareness of the importance of Natura 2000 protected areas among the general public. On this occasion, the project promoters announced the launch of a new project called Natura Mura-Drava that will take conservation efforts further in the wider areas of Drava and Mura Rivers between October 2025 and September 2029.
Toni Jelovica, Mayor of Municipality of Središče ob Dravi delivered opening remarks, commending project partners for their hard work and achievements and underscoring the importance of working together to protect and preserve the environment, raise the quality of life for local communities and foster sustainable and tourism development along the Drava River.
”The project ForDrava was one of the main nature conservation projects aimed at Natura 2000 areas in Slovenia in the previous programming period. It brough together experts in environmental protection, water management, regional development, and tourism who joined forces with local communities. This 6.1 million euro project lasted four years and was funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the Republic of Slovenia,” explained Boris Keuc, project manager and Head of Regional Development Division at the Regional Development Agency for Podravje – Maribor.
A new project called Restoration of river and riparian habitats along the Mura and Drava Rivers was unveiled on this occasion. The project continues efforts to restore nature and improve the conservation status of species and habitats in the wider Natura 2000 area. Project activities kicked off in October 2025 and are scheduled to be completed by September 2025. The 12.2million euro project is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the Republic of Slovenia. It brings together the Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Conservation as lead partner and four other partners.
Photo credit: Karmen Razlag, Regional Development Agency Podravje – Maribor
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