The area of Laborec – Uh river basins in the Eastern – Slovakian Lowland belonged to the regions of high prevalence of floods. In early 60s, almost all streams were regulated; investments were made in a massive construction of flood protection and water accumulation facilities. However, these engineering works caused negative effects in terms of biodiversity losses and reduced floodplain ecosystem functions.
At present, water levels and its availability for economic uses are entirely artificially managed at a high costs.
To deliver practical example when implementing both EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) and Natura 2000, UNDP/GEF supported the project “Integration of Ecosystem Management Principles and Practices into Land and water Management of Laborec-Uh region”.
This case shows that changes in water management can be made to restore semi-natural floodplain habitats while preserving the flood protection function in the area. Since similar situations have occurred throughout the Danube River catchment floodplains, testing such approach of implementing EU WFD can contribute to developing best practice for future interventions.
The project team, in a close cooperation with stakeholders in the river basin, worked on the development of a River Basin Management (RBM) Plan together with the elaboration of the Integrated Local Development Strategy.
In addition, nature protection authorities and nature conservation-oriented NGOs joined the project team to revise and upgrade the Plan for restoration and management of meadows within the whole project area. The project actions also include restoration and reconstruction of flood protection infrastructure.
It is the first pilot RBM Plan elaborated within Slovakia, that comprise elaboration of RBM Plan as required by the water legislation and elaboration of Local Socio-Economic Development Strategy. This is crucial aspect: the RBMP process is harmonized with the biodiversity protection and socio economic development of the area which are being implemented at the same time.