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Mura-Drava-Danube Biosphere – Largest Protected River Area in Europe

River Drava - Repaski Most

River Drava - Repaski Most

UNESCO “Man & Biosphere” program is helping the creation of biosphere reserves. The Mura-Drava-Danube Biosphere is an example of such a reserve formed in agreement between Croatia & Hungary.
So what’s a Biosphere Reserve? It is an ecological area with 3 key priorities: Protection of natural assets Encourage sustainable ecological development and Stimulate scientific research related to the improvement of the quality of life and sustainable use of natural goods The Mura-Drava-Danube Biosphere covers 500 kilometres of 3 river flows and is located around 630,000 hectares of beautiful natural & cultural landscape comprising very rare but large flood resorts, river islands, pebble & sand coasts and oxbow lakes.

The reserve also serves as the home of several endangered species such as the little tern, black stork, otter or sterlet. This reserve houses the biggest nesting population of the very rare white tailed eagle in Europe and is an extremely important winter habitation for more than 250,000 wading birds every year.
This protected river area is important for the socio-economic development of the surrounding area for the following reasons:
Progress of continental eco-tourism which in turn enhances awareness of the need to protect the natural surroundings & environment of the entire region Agriculture & fishery management. Sustainable forestry. Efficient flood defence system and last but not the least Primary source of drinking water Representatives from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) state that this ecological reserve has the richest biological diversity of species in Europe.
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The Yearbook of Baranja

Kopacki rit

Kopacki rit

The local people of Baranja have come up with a new publication called “Baranjski godišnjak” (Baranja yearbook) where they show all the potential and options to develop tourism in this area. The main aim to come out with this yearbook is to promote tourism in the area and it has many photographs besides a calendar of important events and a map. This yearbook is divided into four different parts. The first part of the publication is called “Moja Baranja” (My Baranja) and it talks of the history of the area and also the organisation of the area presently. It also has important information like the numbers of important places and institutions and also plans the direction in which the book moves after this section. The next part of the book is called “Baranjski kalendar” (Baranja Calendar) has an overview of all the districts and the cultural and tourist events. It also gives the contact details of the organizers and dates of important religious gatherings. The third part of the book is called “Baranjski sveznadar” (Baranja Know-It-All) and it lists all the terms which have traditional importance in the area. These terms are about tools, costumes, furniture, equipment and the accessories. The last part of the book is called Baranja u tanjuru” (Baranja on a plate) where one can find the menu of the area and the speciality dishes offered. It talks of the eating habits of local people and in the past and also talks of the traditional recipes of the area. The area of Banjara at different times has been inhabited by people from different nationalities. Because of this there has been diversity in the eating habits and the specialities made in this area and this topic has been of great interest to the travellers and the tourists. Read more

Baranja- A Blend of Nature and Tradition

Kopacki rit - Baranja

Kopacki rit - Baranja

Baranja is a region on the eastern end of Croatia. It is great tourist destination because of its tradition, rich culinary offering, natural heritage and all possibilities of an active vacation. Another reason because of which Baranja is a favoured tourist destination, is Bijle plus which is an agro-tourist cooperative. This cooperative provides services in rural, health, conference, sports and development of other forms of tourism. Bijle plus has played host to nearly 10,000 visitors till now, most of them being from other countries. The cooperative has five accommodation buildings with a total of fifty accommodation units. The main focus here is given to recreational activities, healthy food and tradition. There is collaboration between members of this cooperative and the local restaurants in order to ensure good quality and authentic tourist services. Read more