We invite you to take a virtual tour of the River Mura, the Slovenian pilot area within the IDES project “Improving water quality in the River Danube and its tributaries through integrated floodplain management based on ecosystem services”.

The pilot area is situated in the eastern part of the country and is a jewel of the Danube river system. It forms part of a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve, characterised by a high level of local and national awareness of the importance of biodiversity.

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The importance of conserving the River Mura lies in the numerous ecosystem services it provides. The fundamental idea behind the ecosystem services approach is to link human needs with nature and their mutual influences. Human activities have a direct or indirect impact on nature. Conversely, natural events can affect society, and intact ecosystems contribute to human well-being.

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The aim of the ecosystem services approach is to illustrate the ecosystem, health or even psychological benefits – or the value – of ecosystems to society, thereby raising awareness of the need for healthy ecosystems and encouraging their sustainable management.

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Find out more about the project and the Mura pilot area on the project website:

http://www.interreg-danube.eu/news-and-events/project-news/6017

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Photo: Simon Lendvaj, Slovenian Forest Service

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