On 4-5 March 2026, our partners from the Plant Science and Biodiversity Centre SAS (PSBCSAS) had the opportunity to present the LIFE Resistance project at an important international gathering, the conference Invasive Alien Species in the Danube Region: IAS of Regional Concern, held in Hungary.

The event brought together competent ministries, the European Commission, international organisations, nature conservation authorities, research institutes and NGOs from across the Danube region. Our partners took to the floor to introduce LIFE Resistance to an audience of regional and European decision-makers and experts. They presented the project’s core objectives, reducing the spread and impact of invasive alien species in border areas, and walked attendees through the innovative methods and approaches that set our project apart. Early findings from the field were also shared, offering a first glimpse into the real-world results our teams are achieving on the ground. Invasive species don’t respect borders, and neither should the solutions. Being part of this conversation helps amplify our work, connect us with potential future partners, and contribute to the broader EU strategy for managing biological invasions.

We’re proud of our partners at the Plant Science and Biodiversity Centre SAS for representing the project so effectively, and we look forward to more opportunities to share our progress on the regional and European stage.

Education does not have to take place between the four walls, the classroom can be the wetlands themselves.

Our projects are focused on the protection of rare species and habitats, as well as on education and bringing nature closer to the people. As part of the project Restoration of habitats for root vole *Microtus oeconomus mehelyi, we are gradually creating various opportunities for educating the public.

In Hungary, our project partner Pisztráng Kör Egyesület uses the so-called Microtus minibus. A minibus converted into a mobile laboratory helps with teaching the children about secrets of the wetlands. Little researchers learn to take samples in the forest and from the water, identify various invertebrates, even calculate specific ecological indices, and thus describe the state of the local ecosystem.

The wetlands are home not only to the Pannonian root vole, but also to many water birds. The Microtus minibus gives children the opportunity to observe these birds with professional binoculars. Education in the field of ornithology is also enriched by the analysis of owl pellets (undigested bones of prey that the owl refutes). From the bones, it is possible to identify the species that owls have consumed. The owls hunt mostly on small mammals, such as the Pannonian root vole. These analyzes represent a very effective and non-invasive way of detecting the presence of small mammals in the localities. It is due to such activities that children get closer to nature, learn the natural laws and acquire scientific methods.

Our Austrian partners in the Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park have also created conditions for public education. In the wetlands of the village of Illmitz, a wooden platform was built directly above the water. It will serve the general public for observing aquatic animals and plants. It offers better access to the water and people can use it to board in boats without wetting themselves. Neusiedler See-Seewinkel offers the opportunity to sail among the reeds and enjoy the undisturbed charm of the wetlands.

Restoration of pastures on Zádielská plain

The species richness of our country is linked to non-forest habitats – they include thermophilic and xerophilous meadows and pastures, which we can admire in Slovenský Kras. These habitats depend on traditional management – extensive grazing and mowing. Unfortunately, most cities have not been farming traditionally for over 30 years. As a result, pastures are overgrown with aerial trees and expansive grasses.

Decrease of pastures on Zádielská plain since 1950. Source: https://mapy.tuzvo.sk/HOFM/Default2.aspx

Rare species such as Thlaspi jankae, a unique endemic growing only in Zobor, in Slovenský Kras and karst areas of the Hungarian Aggtelek, can no longer live in such conditions.

Fortunately, thanks to the excellent cooperation with the National Park Slovenský Kras, we can restore these habitats within the LIFE SUB-PANNONIC project. This year we restored 21 ha of rare xerothermic habitats on the Zádielská plain, with the help of local farmers from Turna nad Bodvou.

Don’t be afraid – although the restoration looks drastic, within a few years, with the help of sheep, the pastures will be restored to their original beauty! Photo: Róbert Šuvada

Thlaspi jankae has suitable conditions for the existence and in spring it will surely please us with its delicate white flowers.

Thlaspi jankae has one of the largest populations in Slovakia on Zádielská plain. Photo: Róbert Šuvada

Traditional sheep grazing on Zádielská plain helps to restore and maintain grass-herb habitats. Photo: Karolína Gelatičová

Together we a local stakeholder Arnold Docs we started grazing at SCI Veľký Kopec in eastern Slovakia. The grazing will help restore rare steppe habitats including oak pastures which are full of life especially the insect and floral type. At the same time the grazing will open up the view over Latorica and the Tokaj landscape which has an aesthetic value for human visitors.