The recent training course on river and wetland restoration was hosted by the Elbe River Authority and organised under the Carpathian Wetland Initiative of the Ramsar Convention. It builds on more than thirty years of experience in wetland management training in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Earlier courses began under the International Waterfowl and Wetlands Research Bureau, later known as Wetlands International, and took place in several CEE countries. Since 1997, the Czech Republic has regularly hosted these professional trainings.
From 6–11 October 2024, experts gathered in Hradec Králové at the invitation of the Elbe River Authority (Povodí Labe). The programme focused on practical examples of wetland and river restoration. Participants learned about ongoing projects to restore streams and rivers in the Elbe River Basin. They visited restoration sites such as revitalised oxbow lakes, reconnected dead river arms, restored alluvial pools, and streams improved within urban areas. Presentations highlighted technical solutions and the positive impact of restoration on water flow, water quality, and biodiversity.
The training also addressed restoration of traditional fishponds. These man-made wetlands, established in the Middle Ages for freshwater fish production, form a key part of the Czech landscape. When managed responsibly, fishponds help retain water in the landscape and support high biodiversity, including aquatic plants, insects, amphibians, and water birds.
Sixteen participants from Carpathian region countries joined the course: the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, and Ukraine. A valuable contribution came from Flore Lafaye de Micheaux, Senior Advisor for Europe at the Ramsar Secretariat.
Special thanks go to the course organisers:
- Libuše Vlasáková (Ministry of the Environment of the Czech Republic),
- Martina Eiseltová (Centre for Theoretical Study of Charles University and the Czech Academy of Sciences)
- Michal Vávra (Elbe River Authority, state enterprise).
The Ministry of the Environment of the Czech Republic kindly provided financial support for the event.
