Lead partner:
Mecsekerdő Zrt. (Mecsekerdő Plc.)
Project partners:
- Hrvatske šume d.o.o. (Croatian Forests Ltd.)
Project implementation area:
The project is carried out in the cross-border area of Hungary and Croatia, in the buffer and transition zones of the Mura-Drava-Danube Biosphere Reserve and in priority Natura 2000 areas. On the Croatian side, the key implementation location is the Lisičine Arboretum, while project activities are also carried out at locations in Hungary (including the Lakócsa area and Nagymáté Arboretum).
Project objective:
The FORWARD project aims to strengthen climate change adaptation and resilience and reduce the risk of droughts and floods in the cross-border area through nature-based solutions, improving water management and expanding the cross-border monitoring system (groundwater, soil and meteorological parameters), while preserving biodiversity in the Lisičine and Nagymáté arboretums and in lowland forest ecosystems.
Planned activities:
- Establishment and expansion of monitoring systems (new boreholes, meteorological stations, piezometers, soil probes) and data collection and analysis
- Application of advanced remote sensing technologies (e.g. drones, LIDAR) and cross-border exchange of experience in data processing
- Pilot activities on water management and water retention, including creation of new water bodies and development of canal systems
- Development and implementation of water management measures in the Lisičine Arboretum (reservoir, ditches, rain gardens) and preparation of a technical water management plan
- Protection and restoration of biodiversity in the Lisičine Arboretum and the Nagymáté Arboretum, including removal of invasive species, planting and reduction of damage by wildlife
- Development of joint technical documents (Management and Conservation Plan, Arboretum Species Atlas) and digital databases
- Education and awareness-raising through cross-border workshops and events for experts and the public, and project communication activities
Expected results:
- New water bodies and water retention systems created: 17.2 ha of new water bodies, more than 4.5 km of canal system, planned recharge of 25,000 m³ of water and retention of 85,000 m³ of water (pilot in the Lakócs area)
- Extended monitoring system: a total of 7 new monitoring boreholes and 3 new meteorological stations (including installations in the Lisičine Arboretum)
- Aerial observations and surveys (drone and LIDAR) carried out for the Lisičine Arboretum and the Nagymáté Arboretum
- Biodiversity conservation on more than 30 ha, including fencing of 22.5 ha in the Lisičine Arboretum to protect against wildlife damage and unauthorized access
- Joint documents and tools developed: joint Arboretum Species Atlas, management and conservation plans and a digital database for monitoring and biodiversity
- Public and thematic activities (including opening and closing conferences) and cross-border workshops carried out, with awareness-raising on climate change adaptation changes
The project contributes to long-term cross-border cooperation and the application of nature-based solutions in the management of forest ecosystems.
The amount of grants from the Interreg Ipa Programme Hungary – Croatia :
1.001.307,56 EUR
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