Putting education before entertainment

The final workshop of the BESTbelt project "Sustainable Water-based Sport Solutions" highlights the importance of effective communication between project implementers and local stakeholders. Based on the workshops and boating safety training, stakeholders expressed a desire to gain further knowledge.

 

The final workshop of the project was held in Čakovec on 7 February 2025. The workshop brought together representatives of water-based tourism and recreational activities operating on the Mura and Drava rivers. The main focus of the workshop was the sustainability of water sports activities, especially in relation to the preservation of natural resources, with an emphasis on the protection of birds and aquatic ecosystems.

The theme of the workshop was shaped by the wishes of local stakeholders who wanted to learn more about common bird species in water habitats that they encounter during tourist tours or recreational rowing. Participants were introduced to the 20 most common bird species (such as herons, storks and ducks) that inhabit riverine areas. For further self-education, stakeholders were provided with educational materials and shared experiences on how to minimise the negative impact of water sports on water surfaces and wildlife.

The final dialogue of the workshop was marked by the announcement of future cooperation between key partners to further improve sustainable practices and protect natural resources on the Mur and Drava rivers.

 

The project “Sustainable Water-based Sport Solutions” is funded by the BESTbelt project and runs from November 2023 to April 2025.

You can visit the project website to learn more about the project and its activities: https://www.medjimurska-priroda.info/projekti-u-tijeku/

For more information, please contact Sara Srša, Međimurje Nature – Public Institution for Nature Protection, e-mail: srsa@medjimurska-priroda.info