Varaždin
InterACT Green - Green infrastructure InterACTive management and regeneration tested through River Drava Forest Park in Varaždin
Despite its natural and recreational potential, Drava park in the Agglomeration of Varaždin and Ludbreg is neglected and underused. The internationally renowned 95-hectare green area has multiple levels of environmental protection. This project facilitates the site’s complex management with a digital platform to connect citizens, city decision-makers and experts. The platform is designed to support decision-making and stakeholder communication, and provide information on the park and its use. Together with infrastructure and forest regeneration, this will enable the smooth, sustainable development of high quality, inclusive, and safe public spaces.
Our main challenges...
Sustainable management of urban and peri-urban forests requires long-term vision and planning. Plans need to be aligned with other municipal policies and programmes, and developed with the local community to provide ambition and direction.
Drava Forest Park has become neglected and underused, despite its enormous natural and recreational potential. It has provided a recreational area for citizens of Varaždin County since the 19th century.
The Drava forest ecosystem is in poor health. A long-term regeneration programme needs to be developed, taking into account multiple stakeholders and environmental restrictions.
and proposed solutions
New, tailor-made digital infrastructure. The PLATFORM is a framework of digital services answering complex management and user needs. These include an operating system, data services, cloud services, applications and web pages.
Physical infrastructure regeneration, aligned with New European Bauhaus values. Integral and holistic revitalisation based on partnership and InterACTion is vital to enrich the region with an organised urban green public space – River Drava Forest Park.
Investment in the park’s physical regeneration, with the New European Bauhaus values at its core, will make a lasting contribution to the whole region. Forest revitalisation activities will secure the long-term sustainability of the forest ecosystem.
Key figures
Milestones
The digital interdisciplinary management of Drava Park is united under one user interface, known as the PLATFORM
Previously abandoned space is revitalised and ready for visitors
This solution brings new dynamism and contrast to the natural space of the forest
Visitors come to the River Peak area for its special landscape, atmosphere and artwork
Forest regeneration in specifically defined locations in River Drava Forest Park
