Good Practice selected example
Template (to be filled in)
Observations
Country: / Hungary (PP6)
Title of Good Practice selected example: / Branch revitalization projects along the Drava on the Hungarian side (and parlty on the Croatian side)
Link of Good Practice selected example: / - http://www.ddvizig.hu/tartalom/projektek/140
- “Development of branches in the Hungarian side of River Drava”
Issues to which the selected GP is addressed: / Please select from the list :

water quality management ; water quantity management;
flood protection; urban development;;
biodiversity;, agriculture;
transport; energy,
spatial planning others / Environment- and nature conservation
Summary of Good Practice selected example / There are 21 branches of the joint Hungarian-Croatian section of River Dráva that are located either in Hungarian or Hungarian-Croatian territory. The study giving basis for the revitalization of branches got prepared in 2004. Since then the geodesic survey, the environmental and revitalization plans have been prepared continuously. Whilst the revitalization of five branches got completed till the end of 2012, there is one still in progress. The revitalization of branches is financed by programme funds. / If needed
Description of Good Practice selected example / 1.  Integrative: The objective of the revitalization of Dráva branches is to avoid further degradation, which is the consequence of the deepening riverbed and silted-up branches; the renewal of branches, the improvement of environmental and natural values, as well as of habitats. The revitalization creates a complex unit and is in close connection with nature protection (national park), with water management (Water Framework Directive), with shipping (the impact of the quantity of water taken out to the branch on shipping routes), with the Hungarian-Croatian relationship (Permanent Hungarian-Croatian Water Management Committee), indirectly with flood defense (safety of drainage) and tourism (improving natural values).
2.  Harmonization: The revitalization programme of the Dráva branch comes alive in harmony with numerous stakeholders. The most important stakeholders are nature protection, water management, shipping, forestry, the Hungarian-Croatian international relationship and tourism. The harmony of the interests can be found with tenders and bodies representing various expertise during the permitting procedure, including civil organisations and land-owners of the project area.
3.  Crossing sector policy: Nature protection and water management are the two pillars of the branch revitalization programme. One key issue is the way of saving those branches on the edge of dying away, in other words what could be done from the aspect of water management in order to improve natural values. This is why nature protection (WWF Hungary, Duna-Drava National Park Directorate) and water management (South-Transdanubian Water Management Directorate) bodies took part in the preparation of a study in 2004 and set the principles of revitalization ideas. Obviously, during the phase of environment impact assessment and revitalization planning further stakeholders impacted by the revitalization have already been and will be involved during the permitting procedure.
4.  Stakeholder engagement and involvement: During the permitting procedure of the branch revitalization, in the period of the environmental permitting, the permitting authority is obliged to hold a so-called public hearing. At the public hearing all stakeholders, including land owners, inhabitants and stakeholder organizations can express their views on planned works and activities.
5.  Sustainable management: The planning and implementation (construction) of the branch revitalization is financed by programme funds. A condition of the application is the preparation of a feasibility study or justification of the sustainability. It is compulsory to ensure the sustainability of branch revitalization for 5-10 years upon the closure of the project. During the planning phase the revitalization is defined in a way, that on one hand it must be feasible and sustainable; on the other hand it is to fit other specialist fields, e.g. shipping, forestry, society, etc. Providing all of the above is secured during either the application or the permitting procedure.
6.  Transnational or trans-boundary management: The section of River Dráva from its estuary along 236.8 kilometres long belongs to the shared interest of Hungary and Croatia. One can not dispute the trans-boundary impact of the branch revitalization. In other words, any kind of activities can only be carried out upon obtaining the consent of the neighbouring country. In practice, the completed revitalization plans are to be handed over for approval. In addition, during the permitting of certain revitalizations the permitting authority is to judge the value of trans-boundary impact, and gets into contact with the neighbouring country as per instructions of the Espoo Treaty.
7.  Innovative aspects: The necessity of branch revitalization was decided on in a study of 2004. However, the study does not contain principles or details on the way or method of realization. Not only the geodesic survey supports the realization from the aspect of water management, but also the views of the national park from the aspect of nature and environment; beyond that it is also important to pay respect to other environmental elements, such as forestry, shipping, touristic opportunities, etc. All in all, every branch revitalization is a unique and innovative task with the aim of the most efficient improvement of natural values; nevertheless taking into consideration the interests of water management, the habitats, flora and fauna already existing there.
8.  Risk factors: The risk factors are to be considered at different depths during the planning, permitting and realization of Dráva-branch revitalization projects. However, they are linked to the implementation phase in the first place. Risk factors before this stage are to be meant differently. When looking at revitalization, practically there is no risk since the study of 2004 was prepared and approved by nature protection and water management experts. Still there might be a risk in the method of certain revitalizations; though, it can be reduced by conciliating with the experts of the national park directorate, who are primarily concerned during the planning phase. Further risks might appear during the permitting procedure via the authorities, whereas they can mainly be solved by responding to questions and request for completions. A fair consent has evolved with the neighbouring Croatian Party at the consultation sessions of the ‘Duna-Drava’ Sub-Committee. Fortunately, we can proudly say that so far there have been no difficulties or concerns raised against the realization of plans either by the authorities or local inhabitants with regard to branch revitalization. This can be justified due to the fact that the objective of the revitalization is the improvement of environmental and natural values in full compliance with the Water Framework Directive. Another reason is that the planning and realization phases can both be carried out without having a negative impact on any other areas; hence, making a compromise between parties is a simple task. / If needed