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: Natuurmonumenten from the Netherlands, Natuurpunt from Belgium, NABU from Germany, WWF Hungary, Krkonoše National Park from the Czech Republic, Floron from the Netherlands, Wetlands International, the Austrian Environment Agency, the Schleswig-Holstein Nature Conservation Foundation, and Elytron.
We guided our guests over 4 days across several sites where we have been active in nature conservation for many years and where we have carried out restoration measures. On Monday we visited Devínska Kobyla, on Tuesday a salt marsh in Kamenín – where we previously launched grey steppe cattle grazing in cooperation with the municipality —- and the sites of Parížske močiare and Žitavský luh, where we were accompanied by representatives of SOS Birdlife Slovakia.
On Wednesday we explored the Danube side-arm system and the restored Vojčianske side arm, the Istragov site, and discussed the context of simulated flooding of the area. The following day was dedicated to both water and land excursions on Veľkolélsky Island, where we also treated our guests to lunch and refreshments made from local produce.
Study Tour 2026 was thematically focused on nature-based solutions. We showcased a wide range of inspiring sites and activities, and received very positive feedback from this pan-European conservation consortium. We believe that our conservation approaches, as well as our relationships with stakeholders, can serve as inspiration for these organizations and their home countries across Europe.
Thank you for the visit, and we look forward to the next gathering of all Eurosite member organizations.
