Every year on 2 February, World Wetlands Day aims to raise global awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and our planet. Also, this Day marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar. Wetlands are hotspots of biodiversity and provide a myriad of benefits and services, including flood protection, drinking water, nutrient removal, wood and fibre, biomass, tourism and recreation, food, fish and fowl.
The 2024 theme “Wetlands and Human Wellbeing” focuses on the interconnectedness between wetlands and various aspects of human wellbeing, including physical, mental and environmental health.
Our partners from the Kopacki rit Nature Park, Croatia celebrated the World Wetlands Day with an official publication of number of waterbirds at the wetland site. The results of winter count of birds in Osijek-Baranja county were presented at Education and Visitors center Podravlje.
Employees of the Public institution for Nature Protection of Osijek-Baranja County in cooperation with the Croatian Society for Bird and Nature Protection counted 20.934 birds in the county area.
Biologist Marin Škoro presented results from JUPPKR and area north of the Park with the total number of 35.689 birds and 96 different species determinated.
The LIFE WILDIsland project and the signficance of intact river dynamics and preserved habitats were also presented at the event.
The event in Education and Visitor center Podunavlje was joined by the host Hrvatske šume, Hrvatske vode, Osijek – Baranja County and Faculty of Agrobiotechical Sciences Osijek which presented their project Bioacustic monitoring of birds in JUPPKR area. Speacial guest on the event were our collegues from Vukovar-Srijem County.
The results indicate that the ecosystem of JUPPKR is stable but also point out the importance of preserving this important habitat.
