Every year, on February 2nd, it is celebrated World Wetlands Day which are essential for mitigating climate change and preserving biodiversity. They are the basis of a sustainable future for people and nature.
Wetlands were once considered wet and smelly areas that needed to be drained in order to obtain fertile land. But today it is different, because awareness has developed of how important wetlands are. Among other things, these areas help neutralize various toxins, drain water reserves and control floods. And let's not forget: if you want to visit a place inhabited by birds, invertebrates, fish and insects, swamps are an ideal place, because they are a real paradise for many animal species.
Below is a list of well-known wetlands in Croatia that are on the list of protected sites under the Ramsar Convention and are of great importance for the environment.
Lonjsko polje
Lonjsko polje includes a swampy area where the rivers Sava, Kupa, Una, Strug and Lonja meet. 16 species of amphibians live there, as well as pond turtles, white-eared turtles, spoonbills and other animal species, and it is especially interesting because of the large number of white storks, which outnumber the inhabitants of the village of Čigoč.
The pastures in the area of Lonjsko polje are the last examples of a cultural landscape that once spread throughout Central Europe until the end of the 19th century. This is where we find the highest concentration of autochthonous breeds - Croatian posavac, Turopolska pig and Slavonian-Srijem gray cattle.
///Lonjsko polje is beautiful at any time of the year
Black Mlaka
In the central part of Croatia in the valley of the river Kupa there is another swamp - Black Mlaka. This special ornithological reserve is a wetland area where many plant and animal species live. The area has been preserved in almost its original form. Crna Mlaka is a large flat wooded expanse rich in oak groves. Due to its unique hydrographic and vegetation characteristics and the wealth of bird species, it is of exceptional European and world value. During most of the year, protected and rare birds such as the bald eagle, cormorant, black stork, grebe, heron and various types of ducks stay here. Ornithologists have noticed as many as 230 species of birds on Crna Mlaka.
In Crna Mlaka, we also find plant communities of water lilies and water lilies, common oak and common hornbeam, and a large number of different types of plants such as hellebore and red lily. In addition, there are numerous types of fish that are bred in ponds. The mentioned ponds are one of the richest otter habitats in Europe, which is also the rarest and most endangered mammal in our climate.
Neretva Delta
Neretva Delta it is located in the very south and is a marshy area where the remains of Mediterranean marshes are located. Today, the area is largely drained for agricultural production. Once upon a time, in that area one could see vast expanses overgrown with aquatic plants and with the presence of many different species of birds and fish. The Neretva Delta is especially important for birds, as it serves as a resting place for them during their migration to Africa, but also as a wintering place for groups from North-Eastern and Central Europe.
The Neretva estuary with shallows and shoals is most important for the migration of terns, terns and seagulls. Marsh areas with reeds are important for the migration and wintering of ducks and coots. In the reserve there is also a small colony of little herons and a group of little crows, which are an endangered species in our country.
Lake Vrana
Lake Vrana is the largest natural lake in Croatia. The northwestern part of the lake has been declared a special ornithological reserve with almost intact natural habitats of waterfowl, a rare wetland system, great biodiversity, and exceptional scientific and ecological value. As such, it has been included in the list of important ornithological areas in Europe, and since 2013 has been a protected wetland area.
Around 235 bird species have been recorded in the area so far, of which 102 are nesting. For the rest, the lake serves as a resting place during migration or as a wintering ground. According to estimates, between 20.000 and 200.000 birds stay there daily during the autumn migration.
///We highlight interesting things that you will discover in the Vrana Lake Nature Park
Velebit Nature Park
Crets, on the other hand, are special water habitats. Although there is a small number of species and a small area, specific vegetation grows in them, which is quite different from the rest of the vegetation in Croatia. Therefore, we find some of the very rare species in the Croatian flora on them.
In the area of the Nature Park Velebit there are three creta. In terms of area, the largest cret is near Klepina Duliba, a special reserve of forest vegetation. Crets are characterized by specific vegetation and on them we find some very rare plant species. Among them is Carex lepidocarpa (yellow sedge), which is on the list of endangered and strictly protected species.
///On Velebit you can enjoy mountain peaks, caves and one of the most beautiful bays in one day
Kopački rit
The oldest Croatian nature park is another famous wetland area - Kopački rit, which is located in the northeastern part of Croatia, between the Danube and Drava rivers. Kopački rit is known for its zoological reserve, which is home to a population of buzzard eagles, wild ducks and beautiful crows.
The greatest importance of Kopački rit is in the large number of birds. to date, 293 species of birds have been recorded there. Among mammals, you can meet wild boar, European beaver, European otter and magnificent red deer here.
///You haven't visited Kopački rit yet? Correct that mistake and experience the European Amazon
Due to climate change and human influence, these wet natural habitats continue to deteriorate and slowly disappear. However, in order to end this article on a more optimistic note, the world organization for nature protection - WWF - took care.
Restoration of the European Amazon
Why are we celebrating International Wetlands Day? Simply put, wetlands are home to more than 40% of all plant and animal species. These centers of biodiversity are the biggest fighters against climate change. For example, peatlands, a type of wetland, make up only three percent of the Earth's surface, yet they absorb twice as much carbon dioxide as all the forests on the planet combined.
Unfortunately, according to the latest WWF Report on the state of the planet, in the last 50 years, a worrying 85% decline in species populations has been recorded. By destroying seemingly ordinary wetlands or floodplain forests, we are destroying perfect ecosystems that provide us with drinking water, clean air, and a wealth of plant and animal life.
Aware of this, the world nature conservation organization WWF is working on restoring a natural channel within our largest wetland protected area – the Kopački rit Nature Park.
– Through the project 'Rebuilding the European Amazon', we have finalized plans for the restoration of the Nadjhat canal, which connects the Vemeljski Dunavac with Kopački Lake, after which the nature park was named. A detailed restoration plan has been drawn up, all necessary permits have been obtained, and the necessary equipment for the restoration is being procured. The works themselves should begin in mid-August., he points out Marina Petrić from WWF-Adria.
In the Nadjhat Canal, which is crucial for the transfer of water into the interior of Kopački Rit, driftwood has accumulated, making the flow of water more difficult and causing sediment to settle. This is a major problem during floods on the Danube, as it reduces the possibility of water flowing towards Kopački Rit. This is part of a regional plan within the framework of the “Restoration of the European Amazon” project, which is being implemented in Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia, where the planting of 30.000 seedlings of black and white poplar, oak and willow has just begun in the Gornje Podunavlje Special Nature Reserve.
– Quality protection and management of wetlands provide numerous socio-economic opportunities for development. One such opportunity is the integration of wetlands into urban planning instead of their destruction in favor of infrastructure. By implementing these practices, we not only improve water quality in urban areas but also reduce the consequences of floods. This implies inclusion of wetland habitats in urban development plans, protecting existing wetlands from human intervention and restoring those that have been degraded. Good examples of such practices are New York and Singapore, which have successfully integrated wetlands into their urban landscapes, demonstrating how development and conservation can coexist., says WWF Adria.
