News
On Sunday, 2 February 2025, over 500 participants from Slovenia, Austria, Hungary, Croatia’s Međimurje County and other regions gathered in Mursko Središće for the annual International Walk Along the Mura. Coinciding with World Wetlands Day, this year’s event was held under the theme “Let’s preserve wetlands for our future”, highlighting the critical role of wetland conservation.
The 12-kilometre route introduced walkers to the unique ecosystems of the Mura River, including its wetlands and ancient burial mounds, while showcasing the area’s natural heritage. The walk began and ended at ŠRD “Zalešće” in Mursko Središće, where participants enjoyed refreshments provided by the local organisers. Participants were also able to sample traditional products from local farms and received educational materials on nature conservation.
Speakers at the event included Monika Cindrić, Director of Međimurska Prirode (Public Institution for Nature Protection), Dražen Srpak, Mayor of Mursko Središće, Franc Žižek from the Tabrih Society, and Stanka Dešnik from the Slovenian Goričko Landscape Park. Their remarks underlined the ecological importance of the Mura River and the global significance of wetland conservation.
A highlight was the presentation of the LIFE RESTORE for MDD project, which focuses on the restoration of floodplain habitats along the Mura, Drava and Danube rivers. Lisa Wolf, the LIFE RESTORE for MDD project manager, gave details of the transboundary conservation efforts. Austrian environmentalist Bernard Wieser was also present, along with a spirited group of hikers from his country.
Watch the event recap on YouTube to see participants exploring wetlands, hearing speakers, and enjoying the Mura River’s natural beauty.
A tradition of environmental advocacy
First organised in 1999 to oppose the construction of a hydroelectric dam on the Mura River and protect its biodiversity, the Walk Along the Mura has become a unifying event for regional conservation. As part of World Wetlands Day, it continues to raise awareness of the need to protect rivers and wetlands for future generations.
