IMPROVE SARNI LIFE: A Day Dedicated to Rivers, Fish and Biodiversity

On the occasion of World Fish Migration Day, Nature Protection Day in the Republic of Croatia, the International Day for Biological Diversity, and European Day of Parks, the public event IMPROVE SARNI LIFE was held at the Sarni stream in Medvednica Nature Park as part of the IMPROVE RIVER LIFE project.
The event was organized by the Institute for Environment and Nature of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition in cooperation with the Public Institution Medvednica Nature Park, with the aim of raising public awareness about the importance of preserving freshwater ecosystems, river connectivity, and biodiversity protection.

The Sarni Stream as an Outdoor Classroom
Visitors of all ages had the opportunity to explore the rich life of Croatian rivers and streams through a variety of educational and interactive activities and to learn more about the challenges faced by freshwater ecosystems.
The programme included guided tours along the Sarni stream, educational workshops, quizzes, creative activities for children, and presentations of methods used to study and monitor watercourses. Special emphasis was placed on the importance of preserving the free flow of rivers and streams and removing barriers that prevent fish migration and disrupt the natural connectivity of river habitats.

Learning Through Exploration and Play
The programme was carried out with the participation of the IMPROVE RIVER LIFE project partners – the Faculty of Science of the University of Zagreb, Hrvatske vode, and the Public Institution Sea and Karst of Split-Dalmatia County – as well as the Public Institution Nature of the City of Zagreb, the Public Institution Green Ring of Zagreb County, and the Public Institution Zagorje Green.
Visitors were able to take part in workshops about river fish and their habitats, learn about methods for measuring and researching rivers, find out more about freshwater species monitoring, and participate in educational games and quizzes designed for both children and adults.
Particular attention was drawn to activities related to fish migration, river connectivity and barriers in watercourses, as well as to the presentation of the stone crayfish, one of the characteristic inhabitants of Medvednica streams.

Rivers That Connect Life
The IMPROVE RIVER LIFE project is focused on improving the conservation status of river habitats and species through the restoration of natural river connectivity and the removal of artificial barriers in rivers. The event at the Sarni stream enabled visitors to learn through practical examples why connected and preserved watercourses are essential for the survival of many plant and animal species.
Through direct contact with nature, conversations with experts, and participation in hands-on activities, visitors were able to discover the fascinating world hidden beneath the surface of our rivers and streams and gain a better understanding of the importance of protecting them for future generations.