THE ROLE OF WETLANDS IN FLOOD PROTECTION

Šperac Marija, Rabi Anamarija, Faculty of Civil Engineering Osijek, Croatia

Abstract

It is a known significant natural heritage importance of wetlands. Wetlands are generally part of the riparian areas along the river. One of the most important benefits of wetlands is a natural defense against   flooding. Floodplain wetlands successful "absorb" the excess water - water is poured slowly and controlled, and the river loses its force. This area of the river may be wide, only a few tens of meters, but when you consider the miles of the belt, then the amount of water that can soak up huge.  In Croatia, the basin of the Danube there are two natural wetlands  Kopački rit and Lonjsko polje They are a good indicator  how safe natural wetlands receiving high water, and does not threaten human property. Kopački Rit is a flooded area in the northeast Croatian in the confluence of the rivers Danube and Drava. One of the largest alluvial areas in Europe. This area during the year significantly changes its appearance depending on the intensity of flooding, mainly from the Danube and the Drava much less. Due to its preservation as rare wetland ecosystems of great biodiversity and outstanding scientific and ecological value, Kopacki Rit in 1967 is  protected status of Managed nature reserve area of 17 730 hectares the Nature Park and Special Zoological Reserve were assigned as an area of international importance being part of the “Natura 2000 Networking Program. Nature Park Lonjsko polje is the largest protected area, not only in Croatia but also in the Danube River basin, which is included in Ramsar List of Wetlands on the 3rd February 1993. Rivers Sava, Una, Kupa, Lonja and Struga meet on the area of Nature Park. The Dynamics of these rivers are very complex; therefore, in this area floodings are unpredictable and may occur at any time of year. It is among the most vulnerable parts of the swamp in the world. Wetlands are cheap and efficient flood protect.