Project name: Feasibility Study for the removal of the invasive alien plant species twoleaf watermilfoil and dense waterweed in the Neretva River Delta
Client: Hrvatske vode
Period: 04/2025 – 4/2026
Location: Croatia
As the lead partner, Oikon, together with VPB and Bioinstitut, is implementing a project for Hrvatske vode (the national water management authority) from April 2025 to April 2026: a Feasibility Study for the removal of two invasive alien plant species in the Neretva River Delta. These species, twoleaf watermilfoil (Myriophyllum heterophyllum) and dense waterweed (Egeria densa), cause problems in watercourses by overgrowing, displacing native species, and worsening the ecological status of water bodies.
Due to their rapid spread, high resilience, and significant harmful impacts, it is necessary to stop the further expansion of both invasive alien species and ensure their effective management in the Delta area.
The project includes the development of a solution concept, collection of baseline data, field surveys, elaboration of management variants, selection of priority locations and the most suitable solution, assessment of the intervention’s acceptability for the Natura 2000 ecological network, preparation of technical documentation for the procurement of services, works and equipment for species removal, and the development of a project concept for co-financing from European Union funds.
The expert team consists of specialists in aquatic ecosystems, invasive alien species, GIS, water chemistry, economics, and water management interventions and project management. In addition to Hrvatske vode as the contracting authority, the implementation monitoring committee includes the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition, Dubrovnik-Neretva County, the Public Institution for the Management of Protected Natural Areas of Dubrovnik-Neretva County, and representatives of local self-government units.
