Umwelt und Infrastruktur
Biologische Vielfalt und Naturschutz

Local communities, local public authorities, education institutions as well as tourists

Under natural conditions, oxbows are part of a dynamic process, with old oxbows being slowly overgrown and new oxbows being created. However, as a consequence of river flow regulation and flood protection measures in the past, this natural process is no longer possible and no new oxbows are created any more. Many of the existing oxbows of the Vistula River suffer from deteriorating conditions. Regulations carried out in the 20th century made the Upper Vistula River Valley losing its natural character. The river bed was straightened out, meanders were crossed by levees.
Undeniably, the lack of public awareness of nature values and importance of oxbows (for some of the Vistula communes they are the last "oases of biodiversity") contributes to their destruction. Only in the last two years in Oświęcim district three oxbows were destroyed (dumped/buried), including one with habitat of water chestnut Trapa natans (endangered species in Poland). In order to maintain their important role in the functioning of the local eco-systems, numerous oxbows need to be revitalized.

The goals of the project are to maintain and increase biodiversity of the Vistula oxbows, promote popularization of oxbows natural values by increasing the interests in the Vistula River valley as a recreation place and at the same time increasing the awareness of the necessity of its protection.

The project will finance revitalization of 15 oxbows and some water engineering related measures, such as deepening of the reservoir, mud removal and renovation of the water sluice, reconstruction of the culverts, tree planting and remove of litter. The project will finance also a detailed nature inventory in the Vistula River valley and awareness building activities directed at local inhabitants and the general public.

The expected results are:

• 15 oxbows revitalized
• Detailed nature inventory in the Vistula river valley
• River revitalisation programme
• Educational paths, touristic boat and guide for cycling trail
• Workshop, lectures and publications for the public
• Creation of protected environment use areas