Historical development of the river March and its floodplains in the WWF-floodplain reservat Marchegg

Like many rivers, the river March and its floodplains have been used for centuries. This was accompanied by changes in abiotic and biotic processes. Human influence on the river-floodplain ecosystem increased since industrialization in the 19th century. Despite this, valuable floodplain zones with high biodiversity have been preserved in several sections of the March river. Such a section can be found in the area of the WWF floodplain reserve Marchegg. Here, renaturation projects have been implemented for many years to ensure the survival of animal and plant populations in the 21st century. The aim of this project is to investigate the ecological development of the Morava and the Morava floodplains as well as their social use in the area of the WWF floodplain reserve since the 18th century and to prepare it graphically as well as textually. The results will show how much the river March and its floodplains have been changed in and around the commune Marchegg. They will serve as a basis for an exhibition, but also for the planning of future management measures.