Presstrip for selected journalists on the Hron River, which suffers from the fragmentation caused by small hydroelectric power plants. These have an impact not only on native fish species, but also on groundwater levels and floodplain biotopes. Also, the local community is also against the existing small hydroelectric power plants and the construction of new ones. We want to explain to journalists the negative impact of the SHP operation as well as the need to protect the river from the construction of new dams. We look specifically at SHP Želiezovce, which is causing environmental damage, including the fatal damage of the many individuals of northern barbel (Barbus barbus) caused by a malfunctioning fishway.
Additional Details
Name of contact person - Miroslav Očadlík
Country - Slovakia
Organizer
WWF (World Wildlife Fund) is the world’s largest independent conservation organisation. WWF’s origins date back to 1961, when a group of eminent, committed naturalists highlighted the need to protect animals and became known for the iconic panda – a symbol of hope that people and nature can live in harmony. WWF has gradually begun to address conservation and sustainable development in a systematic way, working to protect wildlife, forests, oceans and freshwater ecosystems, and focusing on the root causes of biodiversity loss, including how energy and food are produced, the need to transform the economy, greening investment and sustainable use of natural resources. WWF is active in nearly 100 countries on 6 continents. In the Central and Eastern Europe region, WWF affiliates are represented by WWF-CEE, which is based in Vienna. It coordinates the cooperation of WWF Bulgaria, WWF Romania, WWF Hungary, WWF Slovakia and WWF Ukraine. WWF has been active in Slovakia since 2014 and was established as an independent branch in 2019. The WWF Slovakia team focuses on three priority areas – forest, water and wildlife conservation.
Venue
Rafting down the Hron River in rafts or canooes for selected journalist. Rafting for approximately 3 – 4 hours. Lectures and demonstrations on the impact of dams will be held during the rafting.
