Saving the unique Morava-Dyje floodplains
27 August 2010. WWF Austria is currently working to ensure long-ranging protection of the Morava-Dyje floodplains – the “Green Heart” between Vienna and Bratislava, one the most species-rich river basins in Austria. The action by WWF promotes a future-oriented development of the region.
The Morava-Dyje floodplains are situated in the trilateral area of Austria, Slovakia and the Czech Republic and were declared Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar site) in 2007. They cover an area of approximately 60,000 hectares of extraordinary beauty, forming an unmatched mosaic of extended floodplain forest, lush grasslands and a narrow network of floodplain waters. These are ideal conditions for more than 500 endangered species such as the White-tailed and Imperial Eagle which find retreat and shelter in one of Austria’s last natural treasures.
For decades the trilateral border area was shielded from human impact by the iron curtain. The area is not sufficiently protected, in spite of its acknowledged importance. While the trilateral site was declared a biosphere reserve in the Czech Republic and a managed nature reserve in Slovakia, the protection status of the territory in Austria is particularly weak. Moreover, it is seriously threatened. River development, road construction, commercial centres and the planned conversion of the Morava River into a dead shipping channel will irretrievably destroy the precious floodplains of Eastern Austria.
This is why WWF Austria is working towards securing the development of a future-oriented master plan that will ensure the economic revival of the region without putting ecological treasures in danger. Only protection according to the IUCN II Category National Park or the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve are appropriate instruments to preserve the unique floodplain landscape. WWF is involving the local population and authorities to jointly preserve the exceptional diversity of the Morava-Dyje floodplains for future generations. You can also help WWF Austria’s efforts by signing the “Morava-Dyje floodplains manifest” (in German): www.die-au.at.
