Transformation of the Reclaimed Kotlina Site in Doubrava into a Protected Area

This activity was carried out in Phase 1 of the project

Partners involved in the activity: Moravian-Silesian Investment and Development, University of Mining and Metallurgy - Technical University of Ostrava, DIAMO and Główny Instytut Górnictwa

The Kotlina site near the municipality of Doubrava is a place with exceptional ecological potential that deserves attention and protection. That is why this activity focused on revitalising this valuable area and making it accessible with a nature trail approximately 3 km long. The plans also included a feasibility study for a protection zone to help preserve the natural assets of the site.

In 2022, a naturally valuable area was defined and a geological survey was launched in cooperation with experts from the University of Mining and Metallurgy - Technical University of Ostrava (VŠB-TUO). The results showed that the area was not suitable for a protection zone, which led to a reassessment of the plans. The situation has been further complicated by the intensive and extensive reclamation of part of the wetland, carried out in connection with the planned development near the road, which has significantly degraded the ecological value of the area.

After subsequent negotiations with representatives of the municipality of Doubrava and other partners, it was decided that further field work would be stopped to minimise the impact on the wetland ecosystem. The activity was therefore modified to focus exclusively on the preparation of the planning documentation for the nature trail.

At the end of 2023, work began on a preliminary feasibility study for the nature trail, which was presented and handed over to the municipality of Doubrava in 2024. This activity was successfully completed and further work will be carried out as complementary projects of the municipality of Doubrava.