On 2 June 2026, representatives of the LIFE WILDisland project joined a study visit organized by the Slovakian partner BROZ within the framework of the INTERREG Slovakia–Austria project DanubeRest.
The excursion brought together partners from both projects, including BROZ, viadonau and Nationalpark Donau-Auen, highlighting the strong cooperation that connects restoration initiatives across the Slovak-Austrian section of the Danube. While LIFE WILDisland and DanubeRest are separate projects, they share common objectives and several project partners, creating valuable synergies that multiply their overall impact on river and floodplain restoration.
The morning programme focused on Šihot Island, where future restoration measures will reconnect and revitalize several side branches of the Danube. Participants visited one of the water pumping stations, learned about the planned interventions and discussed their expected benefits for river dynamics, biodiversity and habitat connectivity.
In the afternoon, the group visited a completed restoration site along the Rudava River, a tributary of the Morava River. Here, approximately 2.2 kilometres of river habitat have already been restored, providing an inspiring example of how targeted restoration measures can improve ecological conditions and support the recovery of natural processes along the Alp-Carpathian corridor.
The study visit offered an excellent opportunity to exchange experiences, discuss restoration approaches and strengthen cooperation between partners working towards a common goal: restoring healthy and resilient river ecosystems along the Danube and its tributaries.
We would like to thank BROZ for organizing this informative excursion and look forward to continuing our cooperation across borders and projects.
