Conservational and hydrological problems of Lake Riha

Abstract

Incoming water resources resulted in various, sensitive habitats at Beda-Karapancsa Region. People lived there from ancient land-use (flood plain-farming/‘fok’-farming) until the 18th century. Due to the water of the river and the high level of ground water nice fruit tree gardens, pastures and meadows were sustained; sustainable fishing was also in practice. Problems emerged 150 years ago at the time of large-scale river-regulations, when the balance of natural ecosystems and everyday life of people changed. Being a water ecosystem, also oxbow Lake Riha has become endangered as a result of the dry periods of the last years — its water level decreased dramatically, the succession of the lake has also been getting faster. Today the experts of Danube Drava National Park are making efforts to save this nice oxbow lake. There were several projects in 2003 and 2005 so as to reach the proper water level and to create a good habitat for the flora and fauna.