Wetlands for life and well-being: Morava river alluvium ramsar site restoration (Acronym: WARRIOR)

About this project

<p><span style="font-size: 11pt"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif">The project restores degraded wetland ecosystem belonging to the Ramsar area of ​​the Gajar alluvium of the Morava River in the cadastral area of ​​Malé Leváre, Southern-Western Slovakia.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif">Project will transform former wetland (about 210,000 m²) used extensively as agricultural land into species-rich, periodically flooded alluvial meadows with the occurrence of protected plant species. The local microclimate will become wetter and colder, the area will be better able to withstand extreme droughts and heat. Compared to the current intensively used agricultural land, species-rich alluvial meadows and wetland vegetation will have a significantly higher carbon sequestration capacity, which is key to slowing down climate change. NINA – Norwegian partner will cooperate with and contribute to the expertise of local specialists on monitoring of ecosystems services.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif">Project target group is general public and environment. Project will support public awareness raising on the importance of restored local wetlands in the context of climate change by construction of a 3 km long nature trail facilitated also for people with autistic spectre disorders and physical disabilities.</span></span></p>

Bilateral cooperation results

The bilateral partner, the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), participated in a number of field trips to wetland sites and provided its expertise in the monitoring of wetlands and wetland habitats, including the monitoring of ecosystem services and CO2. The Norwegian partner contributed to the development of skills in the monitoring and protection of degraded wetland ecosystems. The results achieved were published as scientific studies and are available free of charge to other experts for further use. Bilateral cooperation was strengthened through co-organized training and information activities that presented the project's results to local communities and stakeholders. The bilateral collaboration had a wider impact beyond the project itself. The Norwegian Partner successfully promoted the project's "story-map" as a finalist in the prestigious international ArcGIS competition in 2023.

Project partners

• The Norwegian Institute for Nature Research Donor project partner· Norway
• Bratislava Regional Conservation Association Project partner· Slovakia