„ForestFlow” - flood damage repair
About this good practice
The project "ForestFlow" was launched due to the catastrophic floods that occurred in Croatia and Serbia in May 2014. The aim of this practice is to restore the damaged area within the Spačva-Bosut forest basin and to establish a cross-border flood prevention and protection system. The project involves the restoration of flood protection infrastructure in Vukovar-Srijem County and Srijem District, specifically drainage canals and access roads, to enhance the forests' capacity to absorb floodwaters and improve access for flood response. Another objective is to restore wildlife populations and create associated facilities for the reintroduction of wild species, ensuring the preservation of biodiversity in areas of high ecological and landscape value. A cross-border flood prevention system will be implemented, aiming to raise awareness about floods and enhance the protection of people and natural resources from flood-related risks. The primary beneficiaries of this practice are governmental and non-governmental organizations, government development agencies, as well as civil society. The ultimate beneficiaries of the project are the area's residents, as well-established cross-border projects for preventing natural disasters can contribute to human safety, damage reduction, and the protection of nature and natural resources.
Resources needed
The total value of “ForestFlow” is 1,406,767.66 €, of which 85% are EU funds, and 15% are national funds. The beneficiaries are Croatian Waters and Waters of Vojvodina with partners: Institute for Development and International Relations IRMO and Institute of Lowland Forestry and Environment ILFE.
Evidence of success
The system operates by restoring flood protection infrastructure, including channels and access roads, and reintroducing deer to enhance the natural environment. Solar-powered facilities such as shelters and watering holes further support wildlife populations. While floods have not been completely prevented, the system has significantly mitigated their effects, providing better flood protection and improving ecosystem resilience.
Potential for learning or transfer
Through the implementation of this project, flood protection infrastructure was restored through renovated canals and access roads. The deer population was revived, and shelters, observation points, feeders, and watering holes were built to facilitate the successful return of wildlife to the forest. After adapting to the new habitat, deer movement will be monitored using telemetry collars and field observations to restore the deer population and re-establish vital deer populations. Cross-border cooperation, intervention teams, and flood defense plans were established for more efficient flood defense, along with educating students in six primary and two secondary forestry schools on both sides of the border. Following the catastrophic floods that occurred in May 2014 in Croatia and Serbia, the damaged area of the Spačva-Bosut forest basin was restored. Through all these project activities, the biodiversity of this ecologically and landscape-valuable area has been preserved
Further information
Images
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.