In a truly collaborative manner, coop MDD project joined Amazon of Europe Bike Trail project in organizing a partner meeting and a special kick-off event in Velika Polana, Slovenia. From 8th to 11th November 2018, project partners gathered in Velika Polana to show support for the recently started Amazon of Europe Bike Trail project, but also to discuss future collaboration and possibilities of a follow-up project to coop MDD.

All participants from both projects visited the location of the RIVER’SCOOL in Velika Polana, where hosts presented all possibilities of developing such a project in their area. The Velika Polana RIVER’SCOOL is imagined as a complex where visitors will not only learn about riverine habitats and species, but also about traditional farming, customs and way of life near the river.

Apart from project meetings, the event in Velika Polana was a great opportunity to show possibilities for sustainable development of the Mura-Drava-Danube region through involving local communities, and small, sustainable, family-owned businesses and producers. Many of them gathered for the St. Martin's Day celebration where they presented their products, including producers from Croatia and Serbia. Judging by the interest of the locals and the positive feedback from project partners, this four-day event was a success and a display of all possibilities that the future 5-country Biosphere Reserve Mura-Drava-Danube could bring.

* Group photo by Z. Šinkovec