River Restoration as a Method Towards Harmonization of Natural Habitats in the Context of Ecological Corridors Preservation: A Case Study on the Hron River

Abstract

Natural profile of the streams was conditional to the anthropological intervention, to channelling (canalization) of the watercourses due to the gradual settlement. The mentioned approach was involved because of the flood protection of residential areas, groundwater level adjustment, riverbed stabilization, etc. Corresponding anthropogenic interventions led to the devastation of several ecosystems and ecological corridors and their functions, occurring in the natural landscape environment. Consequently, rivers acquired new hydrological, hydraulic and biological parameters. The necessity of policy reaction led to the establishment of a framework for conservation areas, known as Natura 2000, in order to protect the threatened species and natural habitats. This article presents a case study based on a project aimed at the renewal of the flow-through of the blind river channel of the Hron river (in Slovakia) in its natural, historical channel’s route with the length of 570 m and the width between 10-15 m. The aim of restoration of the river’s arm included the recovery of aquatic habitats and stabilization of the floodplain area in the ecological corridor of the Hron river in the context of the efforts of the European Union (EU) towards strengthening harmonization of the interest of nature and human activities. Restoration of the blind river channel required an integrated approach and cooperation of key stakeholders, Slovak Water Management Enterprise, state owner enterprise and municipality of Rudno nad Hronom. As the areas of the old channels of riverbeds represent an important type of ecosystem, the process of their restoration needs to be planned properly. Planning the process consists of preparing detailed analyses of the current state of the bio-corridor with a focus on analysing the occurrence of vegetation and animal habitats, their combination and interaction. The connection between the ecological landscape and spatial planning leads to maximizing of benefits of the restoration, with the least possible interventions on the natural environment. Such an approach is fundamental regarding the harmonization and ecological connectivity between the natural and anthropogenic environment in the contexts of a sustainable strategy for the management and preservation of ecological corridors. The river’s channels are important ecological corridors of the natural environment of each country not only because of the water supply for adjacent floodplain areas but also because of the slowing down of water outflow from the environment and conservation of the richness of aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Revitalization and maintenance of the river flows are essential for the preservation and reconnection of the existing bio-corridors in accordance with the European Green Deal (2019) and help the natural environment in adaptation to occurring climate change.