From 13. to 16. November 2023, the second meeting of the ReCo project partners “Restoration of degraded ecosystems along the European Green Belt in Central Europe to improve biodiversity and ecological connectivity” (Interreg Central Europe 2021-2027) took place in Škocjanski zatok Nature Reserve. The purpose of the meeting was to review the project activities, assess the achieved results, prepare a timeline for further work and hold the first meeting of the Project Advisory Board (PAB).

On the first day, the project partners closely examined the planned restoration measures that will be implemented as part of two joint pilot activities in six pilot regions along the European Green Belt, from Poland to Italy. These measures are aimed at preserving biodiversity and adapting to climate change by establishing ecological connectivity. In the Kashubian Landscape Park (pl. Kaszubski Park Krajobrazowy) in northwest Poland, measures will be taken to increase the habitat for the European bison (Bison bonasus). In the Thayatal National Park in Austria and Podyjí National Park in the Czech Republic, the focus will be on improving conditions for the migration of the European wildcat (Felis silvestris). In the Fichtel Mountains (de. Fichtelgebirge) in Germany and Karlovy Vary Region (cs. Karlovarský kraj) in the Czech Republic, the connectivity of smaller watercourses in the transboundary Eger River (cs. Ohře) basin will be improved. Meanwhile, the managers of the reserve at the mouth of the Soča River (it. Isonzo) in Italy will implement activities to limit seawater intrusion into freshwater wet meadows by restoring protective dikes.

In Slovenia, two areas are included in these activities; In Upper Carniola (sl. Gorenjska) region, efforts will be focused on the restoration of abandoned alpine pastures through appropriate management. In Škocjanski zatok Nature Reserve, two new muddy islands will be formed in the brackish lagoon, which are important for the preservation of Natura 2000 habitats and species. The first pilot activities in Škocjanski zatok Nature Reserve, have already been carried out, and partners were able to see them on the last day of the meeting.

The second day was dedicated to the first meeting of the members of the Political Advisory Board (PAB), who were invited to the project to monitor, advise, and provide policy support to the project partners. At the meeting, the first steps and goals of their collaboration with the project partners were defined.