Funder: The Embassy of Sweden and the European Investment Bank (EIB)

Project leaders: Aleksandar Drobnjak, MSc. Forestry, Srbijavode, Directorate, Technical Sector

Period: 2025-2026

Team members from IBISS:
Dr. Bojana Tubić, Department of Hydroecology and Water Protection, IBISS
Dr. Maja Raković, Department of Hydroecology and Water Protection, IBISS
Dr. Nataša Popović, Department of Hydroecology and Water Protection, IBISS
Dr. Jelena Đuknić, Department of Hydroecology and Water Protection, IBISS
Dr. Nikola Marinković, Department of Hydroecology and Water Protection, IBISS

External advisors:
Nikola Jovanović, MSc. Forestry – Deputy Coordinator (Srbijavode, VPC “Sava-Danube,” Department for Protection from External Waters, Erosion, and Torrential Floods)
Nevena Antanasijević, BSc. Forestry – team member (Srbijavode, Directorate, Sector for Public Relations and International Cooperation)
Tamara Čokić, BSc. Biology – team member (Srbijavode, VPC “Sava-Danube,” Department for River Regulation, Use, and Water Protection).

Abstract

The Public Water Management Company „Srbijavode“ will perform ecological restoration and conservation of the Gradac River's protected landscape, thus addressing the damage incurred to the ecosystem in the aftermath of the 2014 floods. The project will deepen the riverbed, remove sediments, stabilize riverbank slopes and prevent soil erosion, thereby enhancing resilience to climate change and improving biodiversity and ecosystem balance through nature-based solutions.

The goal is to improve wetland habitat quality, increase biodiversity, reduce flood risks and improve the quality of life of the local community, while engaging multi-sector collaboration and stakeholder involvement. The Gradac River Gorge is an area of exceptional natural value, characterized by rich biodiversity, specific ecosystems, and well-preserved wetland habitats, formally protected as an Outstanding Natural Landscape. This protected area is known for its clean water, the presence of rare and protected plant and animal species, as well as its natural beauty, which includes pristine karst landscapes, clear streams, and forested areas. The Gradac River plays a significant role in maintaining ecosystem balance but is threatened by the effects of climate change and intense soil erosion, leading to reduced water flow and deterioration of habitat quality, which impose the need for special attention in the preservation of natural ecosystems. The 2014 floods caused significant damage to the Gradac River watershed, resulting in the felling of many trees, erosion of riverbanks, and accumulation of a large amount of sediment in the canyon.

To address these issues the project will remove natural obstacles and other physical barriers that hinder river flow, including accumulated sediment from the riverbed, and restore the riverbed to its pre-2014 flood state. Deepening the riverbed will increase water depth during the dry season, helping to preserve the water regime and biodiversity. Additionally, a section of the riverbank slopes will be stabilized with natural materials (willow wattle), integrating traditional knowledge and nature-based solutions into the project. The expected effects of this project include the improvement of wetland habitat quality, improved erosion control, and reduced surface water runoff, contributing to the ecosystem’s stability and flood risk reduction. In addition, biological measures such as afforestation and the restoration of forested areas in the watershed will increase organic matter content in the soil and improve water infiltration contributing to the conservation of natural resources and sustainable water management. This project represents a comprehensive approach to biodiversity conservation in protected areas, through collaboration across sectors and the involvement of all relevant stakeholders.