Project name:
Restoring Wetlands: A Pathway to Biodiversity and Ecosystem Resilience
Project duration: 1.4.2025 – 31.3.2028
Total project budget:
657.248€ (Donor’s Initiative for Mediterranean Freshwater Ecosystems: 348.608€)
Association Biom budget: 442,317€
- Donor’s Initiative for Mediterranean Freshwater Ecosystems: 269.266€
- Own contribution: 173.050€
Lead beneficiary: Udruga Biom
Project partners: Public institution Nature park Vrana lake
Contact:
Zdravko Budimir, zdravko.budimir[at]biom.hr, project manager
Project goals
Recognition of the wetland habitats within the project area with the highest priority for restoration to preserve the biodiversity and the ecosystem services of the area
Wetlands ecosystem services, their conservation and restoration are recognized among experts, local communities and the general public as important for the biodiversity conservation and ecosystem resilience
Restoration activities performed and implemented in a way to be sustainable even after the project ends
All important stakeholders capacities for the conservation and restoration of wetlands are raised enabling the upscaling of the conservation efforts in the future
Project summary
Project Restoring Wetlands: A Pathway to Biodiversity and Ecosystem Resilience is located on the Eastern Adriatic coast of Croatia, focusing on the wetland habitats of the Mediterranean karst. It will take place in one of most important wetland biodiversity hot-spots in Croatia, Vrana Lake and the surrounding area of Ravni Kotari. The Vrana Lake is Croatia’s largest natural lake, a Nature Park since 1999, a Ramsar site since 2014 and a Special Ornithological Reserve.
Key challenges for wetland habitats include the abandonment of traditional grazing, agricultural intensification, shrub encroachment, and biodiversity loss. Human disturbance further exacerbates these issues. The Nature Park’s public institution has recognized the need for strategic wetland ecosystem restoration, integrating this into a 10-year management plan. This project will help implement the plan, bringing together stakeholders and experts to support restoration efforts. It will also raise awareness to ensure long-term sustainability. Conservation actions will include assessing the current state, prioritizing conservation efforts, removing invasive species, and fostering cooperation with local communities and key beneficiaries for the sustainable use of these vital wetland areas.
Materials and Publications
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This project was carried out with the financial support of the Donors Initiative for Mediterranean Freshwater Ecosystems (DIMFE). The content of this page is the sole responsibility of Association Biom and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the views of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation or the Donors Initiative for Mediterranean Freshwater Ecosystems.