Guiding Principles on nature conservation, river rehabilitation, flood prevention and sustainable regional development

The main purpose of these Guiding Principles is to provide proactive guidelines for nature conservation, river and floodplain rehabilitation, climate change adaption and sustainable regional development along the Sava River and its tributaries. They define minimum standards to be acknowledged by ministerial bodies, planning agencies and administration. Furthermore, they provide a framework to harmonize the use of natural resources in and along protected areas of the Sava River and river and floodplain stretches not yet protected.

The Guiding Principles define the joint work priorities of the SavaParks network members:

I. Guiding Principles for Nature Conservation

1. Hydro-morphological dynamics
2. Temporal flooding
3. Traditional and extensive land use practice

II. Guiding Principles for river and floodplain rehabilitation and climate change adaptation and mitigation

1. River and floodplain rehabilitation to halt loss of biodiversity and cultural heritage
2. River and Floodplain Rehabilitation due to climate change adaptation and mitigation and flood risk management

III. Guiding Principles for Sustainable Development

1. Protection of natural, cultural and historical heritage
2. Management and development strategies
3. Traditional land use and related products
4. Responsible nature and culture-based tourism