Imagine walking through the Slovak lowlands, hundreds of kilometers from the nearest sea, and coming across plants underfoot that belong on coastal beaches. Sounds impossible? The answer to this mystery lies in inland salt marshes (slaniská) – some of the most extraordinary and, at the same time, most endangered habitats in Slovakia and across Europe.
Clearing meadows of encroaching woody vegetation, raking mown grass or helping plant protected plant species – these are just some of the tasks where an extra pair of enthusiastic hands always comes in handy.
Organising a children’s camp was another milestone we reached as part of the LIFE Resistance project. In July we welcomed children to the very first edition of the Nature Conservationist Camp at Ecofarm Ostrov, and we can happily say: it was a beautiful week full of discoveries and fun.
One of the most effective ways to ensure environmental protection is to foster a positive human relationship with nature. Numerous studies in environmental psychology confirm that people who feel an emotional and cognitive bond with nature are far more likely to protect it, and childhood is the key period for forming this positive relationship.
If clogged side arms of the Danube need to be cleared of sediment and accumulated debris (massive trunks, branches, plants, trash, etc.), simply ordering an excavator and starting to dig isn’t enough. Preparation for this type of restoration measure takes months – ranging from identifying problematic locations, geodetic surveying of elevation profiles and topography, and modeling/predicting the impact of clearing on water flow dynamics, to administrative and permitting processes, securing funding, contractor procurement, and the actual field work.
We would like to share with you what we managed to achieve last year in terms of water revitalization, restoration of meadows and pastures, floodplain forests, and protection of ground squirrels and turtles. If you look at the report, you will see how much work, volunteer help, and support from you, individuals, or companies, is behind it.
Every record counts. Whether you are an experienced naturalist or simply walking along the river with your phone, you can help us track the spread of invasive alien species in protected areas along the Danube. All you need is the iNaturalist app and a curiosity for the natural world.
In April 2026, part of our team travelled to the Netherlands for a three-day study trip, visiting partners, experts and projects that left us with a set of fresh ideas and inspiration to carry into our future work.
As part of the project Improving the water regime of the Danube river branches, under the Swiss-Slovak Cooperation Programme, 6,400 saplings of native tree species (white poplar, black poplar, black alder) were planted in the spring of 2026.
Last week we co-organized and hosted the Study Tour 2026 of the European nature conservation network Eurosite at our sites. This week-long study visit was attended by representatives of Eurosite member organizations as well as individual supporters — 21 participants in total from ten organizations across Europe.