Date of label : 29/10/2024
A group of people in a grassy outdoor setting, likely participating in a nature-related activity or educational excursion.
Summary
This practice, Transforming wastewater basins into a biodiversity hotspot, powered a remarkable shift from industrial land-use to nature conservation. The Ormož Basins (SI) were restored to create a thriving nature reserve, through the dedicated efforts of the Bird Watching and Bird Study Association of Slovenia (DOPPS-BirdLife Slovenia). The area now supports more than 20 breeding waterbird species and serves as a crucial breeding site and migration stop for waterbirds in Slovenia. Key initiatives include habitat management, grazing with water buffalos, and extensive community engagement. The reserve not only preserves rich biodiversity but also provides educational opportunities and boosts local tourism.
The solutions offered by the Good Practice
After the closure of the Ormož Sugar Factory in 2006 and the drainage of the wastewater ponds, the Ormož Basins became an area of limited biodiversity and degraded habitats.
DOPPS-BirdLife Slovenia immediately started working with factory management to begin preservation efforts. This included gaining ownership rights and restoring wetland habitats through an European Union LIFE+ project.
In 2014, the Decree on the Municipal Detailed Spatial Plan for the architectural, landscape, and design arrangement of the Ormož Basins Nature Reserve was adopted.
DOPPS provided education for schools and the public, including establishing educational trails and interpretive infrastructure. The Government of Slovenia protected the Ormož Basins wetland by adopting the Regulation on the Ormož Basins Nature Reserve declaring its national importance in 2017. From 2022, a Visitor Information Centre in the Ormož Basins Nature Reserve is under development.
Building on the sustainable and integrated urban approach
The practice of transforming former industrial areas like the Ormož Basins into nature reserves uses an integrated approach to address urban challenges by simultaneously tackling environmental, economic, and social dimensions.
Environmentally, it restores degraded ecosystems, enhances biodiversity, and contributes to climate resilience through the creation of wetlands.
Economically, it stimulates local economies by creating new opportunities for ecotourism, education, and recreational activities, which attract visitors and generate revenue. This practice also promotes green jobs related to reserve management, reserve maintenance and nature tourism services.
Socially, the project engages local communities, fostering a sense of ownership and stewardship for the natural environment. It provides educational programmes and recreational spaces, improving the quality of life and social wellbeing for residents. By involving various stakeholders, including local governments, NGOs, businesses and the community, the practice ensures that diverse perspectives and needs are considered, promoting inclusive and sustainable development.
Based on a participatory approach
The transformation of the Ormož Basins into a nature reserve is a prime example of a participatory approach in both project development and implementation. This approach is evident through the active involvement of multiple stakeholders, including local communities, NGOs, government bodies and businesses.
DOPPS played a leading role by initiating conservation efforts and managing the reserve. Their expertise and leadership were crucial in guiding the project's direction and ensuring its success. Local communities were actively engaged in the planning process, contributing valuable local knowledge and participating in various activities. This involvement fostered a sense of ownership and stewardship among the residents, ensuring that the project met their needs and expectations. Collaboration between the private and non-profit sectors included the wetland area’s transfer to DOPPS on a no-fee basis. This transfer was instrumental in securing the necessary land for the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity in the Ormož Basins area, and illustrated how private entities can support conservation efforts.
Government bodies provided essential regulatory support, formalising the protection of the area. The European Union's LIFE+ Programme offered financial support, which was instrumental in enabling large-scale habitat restoration and educational projects.
What difference has it made?
Since this project enabled the restoration of the Ormož Sugar Factory site, bird populations have significantly increased and the area has become a key stopover for migratory birds.
Organic farming has been established, with water buffalo managing the vegetation in the wetland. The wetland's transformation is also making a difference to the local microclimate by mitigating temperature extremes.
The reserve attracts over 10 000 visitors annually, including organised school tours, which bring in 1 500-2 000 people per year.
The restoration, involving numerous companies as external contractors, was financed by the LIFE programme and significantly co-financed nationally by the state and private sector.
More than EUR 1 000 000 was paid to local companies for habitat preparation services and establishment of the management system. Over 10 companies participated in the process, benefitting from this significant financial source. Local workers are employed in the reserve, and an external contractor with at least three employees also assists.
Why this Good Practice should be transferred to other cities
Transforming former industrial areas, such as the Ormož Basins, into nature reserves is an important practice for other European cities because it contributes to multiple sustainability goals. It enables the restoration of ecosystems and the conservation of biodiversity, aligning in particular with the Sustainable Development Goals: 15 - Life on Land, and 13 - Climate Action. By increasing green and blue infrastructure, the practice also enhances quality of life for residents, offering new opportunities for education, raising awareness of biodiversity protection, recreation, and encouraging tourism and climate change adaptation. This contributes to the Urban Agenda for the EU, supporting sustainable urban development. Involving local communities and businesses also strengthens social cohesion and economic development, which aligns with the objectives of the Territorial Agenda of the EU.
The practice is tied to a management plan and legislative framework, with a government protected area decree providing an important legal framework to enable the site’s protection and management.
The model can be adapted and transferred to other cities with degraded areas that could be turned into nature conservation areas, such as forests, wetlands or grasslands. It can be tailored to different urban environments. To adopt the practice successfully, key steps include preparing a management plan and appointing a manager. The project should be presented to municipal authorities and involve the local community, with education and training provided for main stakeholders.
The Ormož Basins restoration has been recognised as an outstanding conservation achievement, and was listed among the finalists for the European Commission’s Natura 2000 Award in 2020. Many projects and organisations have transferred the practice to their own areas. These include the LIFE projects Ticino Biosource in Italy, Vindel River in Sweden, and Life Oroklini in Cyprus.