Paddling the Thaya: A Journey on the European Green Belt

Background & Location

Where a border once divided people, a river now connects them. During the European Green Belt Days, an international group of people from across Europe explored the Thaya River and its surroundings by canoe. Accompanied by partners from the Czech nature conservation NGO ČSOP Kněžice and river ecology and restoration experts from Via Donau, the participants paddled along the border between the Czech Republic and Austria, from Břeclav to Rabensburg. As they crossed beautiful riverine habitats and reconnected side arms, the participants experienced a flourishing exchange across borders. The journey was made special by discovering how a river can bring people together rather than divide them. 

Objective

The main objective was to raise awareness of the European Green Belt as shared natural and cultural heritage, and as an ecological corridor that connects people and nature across borders. During the canoe tour along the Thaya, participants experienced the riverine landscape first-hand and gained a deeper understanding of its value, including the importance of river restoration and the variety of habitats that support different species. The celebration also aimed to promote cross-border exchange and connections between people and nature by bringing together young people from across Europe, local partners from the Czech Republic and Austria, and experts in river ecology and restoration. By combining outdoor experiences with knowledge exchange among an international group, the celebration aimed to inspire participants and promote the European Green Belt. 

Approach & Results

The canoe tour combined nature experience, knowledge transfer and cross-border exchange. 21 participants from 13 countries and 3 continents explored the Czech-Austrian border by paddling along the Thaya River. Passing through reconnected side arms, they learned about nature-based solutions in river engineering and the ecological value of river restoration for species dispersal and habitat use. Expert talks from via donau, which carried out the restoration work, together with experiencing the effects first-hand, deepened everyones understanding of the value of free-flowing rivers. Swimming in the river and a lunch break on a small island offered many opportunities to connect across borders.

A highlight was paddling through the former border landscape, seeing how a place that once separated people has become a space for cooperation and nature conservation. Navigating the free-flowing river and the festive celebration at the Thaya made the tour a memorable and inspiring experience for everyone involved.

Click here to see more photos.

Click here for reading a short report about the celebration in German.