GREAT WAR ISAND BIG GALIJAS CHANNEL

During fieldwork on the Danube, we talked with students about the Great War Island and we were surprised how little they know about it.

The students wondered how much about this island knows passer-by, and the result was the same. This gave us the idea to interview eighth grade students in our school and see what they know about wetlands in Serbia.

The questionnaire looked like this: 1.Write what is a wetland habitat. _______________________________________________________ 2. Name three wetlands in Serbia. 3. List the documents that protect wetlands . 4. Wright the five types of wild animals that you see on the Danube, then underline those that are protected. 5. Mark with circle protected areas in Serbia. Sar Mountain , Bega , Great Morava , the Great War Island , Fruska Gora

Based on the analysis of the interview, we concluded that sudents know the wetlands in Serbia but have trouble defining this term. As for the documents that protect wetlands small number of students is familiar with international organizations and mainly refer to the law of the Republic of Serbia. Students recognize most animal species seen along the Danube, but generally do not know which of them are protected. Students recognize protected areas in Serbia, but do not know which are protected areas in their city .

We decided to introduce the students with the Great War Island and channel Galijaš. We collected the data and made ​​a billboard to celebrate 2. February –World Wetlands Day that marks the anniversary of the signing of the Ramsar convention.

Belgrade is the only European capital with two international rivers flowing through it – the Danube and the Sava. In their confluence, in the triangle bounded Belgrade, Zemun and the remains of the once vast wetlands and marshes on the left bank of the Danube, the Great War Island is located. It is the last oasis of untouched nature, which is separated by water from the urban core of the city and has the status of landscapes of exceptional quality.

The island has not been there since forever - the experts say it surfaced three centuries ago, in a strange combinationof natural conditions. Since the emergence, the island has changed its look, size and the name. The current name, which dates from the time of the Habsburg Empress Maria Therese, the island was given because during the long history it was an important strategic point for both the invaders and the defenders of Belgrade .

Island has a surface area of about 200 hectares, with altitude of 70 meter below the sea level. At the peak of lapping waters of the Danube, is oval sandbar, Lido, a popular bathing area of Zemun. The largest part of the island is covered by forest, which is in some places almost impassable. The abundant vegetation is comprised of aqueous and marshland communities, as well as alluvial woodlands.

Developed vegetation and large water surfaces have made this a feeding, nesting and mating site for a great many bird species of international importance. During spawning many species of fish enter ponds, either on the island itself or along its shoreline. Isolated from human influence, this area, which is subject to the dynamics of the Danube’s changing water levels, has been designated a natural fish spawning ground.

The main physical feature on the island is the canal of Galijaš The main physical feature on the island is the canal of  Galijaš. Channel Galijaš shared the Great War Island in two. In time, the canal was cut off from the Danube and turned into a lake, and the major natural bird and fish spawning area on the island.

During the droughty years the lake drains out completely causing damage to the eco-system around it. To prevent this a few years ago was redug 300 meters-long canal which reconnected the Great Galijaš with the Danube and set up a pontoon bridge that prevents the build-up of the vessel coats. This has given excellent results. Galijaš has remained one of the most important spawning areas in this part of the Danube.

Great War Island is protected 2005th. For the total area of the Great War Island categorized as a significant natural area - area of ​​exceptional importance, identified three zones with different protection regimes.

The first zone has the character of a special nature reserve The second zone is for recreation The third zone includes the beach tourism

Many species that we can see on the Great War Island are on the IUCN red list or proteced by AEWA Great War Island is a part of European Network of protected natural areas (Emerald Area) and one of Important Bird Areas (IBA)

WWF in Serbia is working intensively to restore wetlands along the Danube, which are a key food source for white-tailed eagle. We hope that it will increase the number of these birds in Serbia. Couple of white-tailed eagles that nested in 2010 on the Great War Island at the end of June last year, got two cubs. Because of the great importance of this rare species of birds place where they are nesting will remain secret for their safety.

Mute Swan nesting on the Great War island to the beginning of the last century. Because of relating the eggs, taking cubs, scaring and killing adults, wild swans have stopped nesting in our country but throughout the winter can be seen on the Danube. On the Great War Island in 2008 flew a dozen swans from central Europe, making a break in the ordinary course of the long journey to south. City authorities have appealed to citizens not to disturb their adaptation to the new environment. Swans loved this oasis of untouched nature and stay in Zemun.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION GREETINGS FROM ZEMUN