Stretching across the lowlands where the Morava and Dyje Rivers intertwine, a vast floodplain forest thrives at the crossroads of Austria, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. This dynamic wetland ecosystem, protected under the Ramsar Convention, is a sanctuary for a rich variety of plant and animal species, shaped by seasonal floods and winding waterways.
In a major step for conservation, the Czech government approved the creation of the Soutok Protected Landscape Area on 15 January 2025. This designation safeguards a large portion of the floodplain, ensuring the protection of 130 specially protected animal species and over 50 rare plant species. Alongside conservation efforts, the plan includes restoring the area’s natural water balance while accommodating traditional land uses such as fishing.
This Copernicus Sentinel-2 image, taken on 21 October 2024, offers a detailed view of the Soutok Protected Landscape Area, highlighting the intricate river networks and forested terrain that define this unique region. Satellite data from the Copernicus Sentinel program continues to play a crucial role in monitoring fragile ecosystems, helping to preserve biodiversity and support sustainable land management.
Featured image credit: European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-2 imagery
