Local action plans were developed by eight project partners as means of implementing the Guidelines focused on one or more selected topics. These topics were chosen based on the interest and responsibility of their respective institutions. The local action plans were developed in close cooperation with relevant stakeholders, with more than 40 stakeholder workshops, meetings, and study visits organized in 2018 and 2019. By including stakeholders as partners in the development process, we have ensured their support and receptivity of these action plans and reaffirmed their role in their future implementation.

Specific topics covered through these action plans include river restoration, education, implementation of the Guidelines with respect to forestry, hunting and fishing sectors, habitat restoration, bird monitoring, species protection, and oxbow rehabilitation. By focusing on such diverse topics, partners have ensured the widest possible implementation of actions set out in the transboundary documents. To get more information on individual local action plans, please read further. However, note that most of the linked documents are in national languages.

1. Conservation Measures of the Native Floodplain Forest and Visitor Guidance for RIVER'SCOOL (STYRIA)
The Styrian Action Plan is set up as a framework for carrying out concrete actions or solutions in the planned five-country Biosphere Reserve Mura-Drava-Danube (TBR MDD). It is a key strategic and operational framework for preserving, restoring and managing the planned TBR MDD. Through stakeholder engagement, an important issue of the conservation of alluvial forests has been chosen as the focus of the local action plan. An important result is a commitment by stakeholders from the forestry, fishing, hunting, communities and nature conservation sectors to meet once a year to promote good cooperation and ensure a good exchange of information.

2. Action Plan for Habitat Restoration in Natura 2000 Site Mura & Nature Interpretation Concept for the Natura 2000 Site Mura (IRSNC)
The Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Conservation (IRSNC) developed this Action Plan for the Slovenian core and buffer zones of the Transboundary Biosphere Reserve. In the process of development of this Action Plan, the Institute managed to engage all key sectors, defining necessary measures, acceptable to all. This cross-sectoral process increased the understanding of challenges and needs in the protected area and the region.

3. Oxbow Rehabilitation in the Mura Floodplain (BFNPI)
The Action Plan of the Balaton-félvideki National Park Directorate, also responsible for the Mura-Menti Landscape Protected Area that forms part of the Hungarian-Croatian Transboundary Biosphere Reserve Mura-Drava-Danube, deals with the rehabilitation of certain oxbow lakes in the Mura-Menti area and proposes concrete solutions for the restoration of three oxbow lakes in the Hungarian Mura floodplains. The restoration plans have been approved by the relevant licensing authority, making them ready for implementation.

4. Local Action Plan for Education in RIVER'SCOOL Koprivnica-Križevci County (JUZDPKKZ)
Involving local and regional stakeholders, this Action Plan builds on a presentation of biodiversity in the area of the Mura-Drava confluence. This was an important prerequisite for the Guidelines developed with stakeholder involvement – the Action Plan expands on the possibilities of education in the RIVER'SCOOL, adapting it to various groups of visitors interested in learning about the biodiversity and natural features of the TBR MDD in the Koprivnica-Križevci County.

5. Local Action Plan for the European Mudminnow in Virovitica-Podravina County (PINPVPC)
The Action Plan of the Public Institution for Nature Protection of Virovitica-Podravina County focuses on the protection of the European mudminnow (Umbra krameri), an endangered fish species. As part of the development of this Action Plan, inventory and map of habitats were created, enabling the production of recommendations for the improvement of habitat conditions and a baseline for the future monitoring of the species. The Action Plan will be approved at the national level, making it an official document for the management of this part of the TBR MDD.

6. Local Action Plan in Osijek-Baranja County
The Action Plan of the Public Institution for Nature Protection of Osijek-Baranja County focuses on the protection of colonial birds, especially the vulnerable species of the heron family (Ardeidae) at the site of Aljmaški Rit and the county. The Plan includes a vision for the long-term protection of heron species and has five overall conservation goals covering the species and their breeding populations, nesting habitat protection, protection of specific locations, education and promotion, as well as coordination and integration of activities with stakeholders.

7. Biosphere Reserve Mura-Drava-Danube Action Plan for PE Vojvodinašume for Selected Sectors
This Action Plan was prepared by PE Vojvodinašume for the Gornje Podunavlje Special Nature Reserve which forms a part of the Bačko Podunavlje Biosphere Reserve. Its main goal is the implementation of the Guidelines for a Dynamic River Corridor in this location. Its main actions include the implementation of educational programs and the implementation of forestry conversions. These actions will be partially or fully be implemented by Vojvodinašume in the future.

8. Local Action Plan for Karađorđevo Special Nature Reserve (INCVP)
The Institute for Nature Conservation of Vojvodina Province elaborated the Local Action Plan for Karađorđevo Special Nature Reserve with strong involvement of relevant stakeholders. The Action Plan focuses on potential tourism development of the Karađorđevo Special Nature Reserve. The priorities of this Action Plan include the establishment and equipping of the Ecological-Educational Center Mostonga-Felić and the procurement of vehicles for warden service and tourist presentation of the floodplain. 

Photos by: S. Veberič, STYRIA, INPVPC