Volunteers from the GoGreen Team, in collaboration with the Special Nature Reserve “Kovilj-Petrovaradin Marsh” and with the support of Vojvodinašume, conducted a significant cleaning action and freed fish spawning grounds in this natural treasure. The event was held on Saturday, October 14, 2023, bringing together as many as 100 volunteers, including international support from Hungary.

• Location: Special Nature Reserve “Kovilj-Petrovaradin Marsh”
• Participants: 100 volunteers (local and from Hungary)
• Support: Vojvodinašume SNR “Kovilj-Petrovaradin Marsh”

The Kovilj-Petrovaradin Marsh is a complex of wetland and forest ecosystems covering 5,895 hectares in southeastern Bačka. With its exceptional natural values, this reserve has been designated as an internationally important bird habitat, an internationally important plant area, and is also listed under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

Severe weather in July caused serious damage to the Kovilj Marsh. Windthrow knocked down trees and branches, blocking water flow through the marsh’s channels. This particularly affected fish spawning grounds, trapping fish and threatening their reproductive cycle.

Volunteers were divided into two groups working from 11 AM to 3 PM. The first group focused on clearing channels, rescuing trapped fish, and enabling unobstructed spawning. The second group worked on cleaning the most endangered areas in the Kovilj Marsh.

This action has profound ecological significance as it contributes to biodiversity conservation, revitalization of fish habitats, and restoration of natural balance in the reserve. Strong support from Vojvodinašume further enabled the successful implementation of this action.

The ecological action in Kovilj Marsh represents another step in nature conservation, raising awareness about the importance of protecting natural habitats, and promoting volunteer engagement in environmental initiatives.