Management challenges in special nature reserve 'Gornje Podunavlje' and preparations for its proclamation of biosphere reserve

Abstract

Management of protected natural wetland habitats and flooded plains is a real challenge in nature pro­tection. Such areas consist mainly of mosaic ecosystems, highly sensitive to all natural changes, espe­cially to those of anthropogenic origin. Special nature reserve 'Gornje Podunavlje' is one of the larg­est and most important wetland habitats in this part of Europe. The area is under protection, but for centuries it has been influenced by numerous economic activities. The institutions for nature protec­tion and protected area management face numerous challenges regarding this issue. The paper focus­es on the research of the landscape changes in 'Gornje Podunavlje' and its surroundings. They have be­come a sensitive issue under the circumstances when 'Gornje Podunavlje' and its broader areas have been nominated for biosphere reserve status.

Keywords

• protected area
• landscape changes
• 'Gornje Podunavlje'
• management
• biosphere reserve
• Mura - Drava - Danube