LIFE INVASAQUA

In 2015, the nature parks of the countries affected by the Sava (Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia) established the Sava Parks Network. The cooperation involves the management authorities and nature conservation organisations of 22 protected areas and aims to preserve the natural values of the Sava.

Due to their connecting nature, rivers often become the main routes for the spread of invasive alien species. The Sava is no exception, where alien invasive species can spread almost uncontrollably, causing negative effects such as the suppression of native species, soil degradation, a reduction in arable land, an increase in flood risk and a deterioration of the rivers’ mediating and connecting role. To address these challenges, the Sava TIES project was implemented between 2018 and 2021 as part of the Interreg Danube Region Programme. All four countries along the Sava River participated in the development and joined forces to develop effective solutions (tools, protocols, monitoring, etc.) for the permanent eradication of invasive alien species, the reduction of habitat fragmentation and the improvement of the river’s role as an ecological corridor.

Cross-border cooperation has led to the establishment of new links between actors from different sectors, representatives of local and regional authorities and local residents, providing an opportunity to apply the most appropriate solutions to the regional needs for the control of invasive species in the Sava river basin. Cooperation is crucial in the region, as this is the first cross-border initiative aimed at protecting the biodiversity of the Sava River.