The northern part of the Odra watershed is situated in north eastern Czech Republic, particularly in North Moravia, just at the boundary between two major massifs: the Czech and the West Carpathian. The Poodri Protected Landscape Area extends over 100 km²,  including sites in Ostrava and in Novy Jicin districts and is approximately 250 m high a.s.l.  The area is unique for its conserved waterways where a large part of alluvial plain is flooded regularly every year.

In 1991 the area was declared  a Protected Landscape Area and in 1993 was added to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance.  The most valuable localities are protected via a system of small-scale protected areas, while the designation of some others as such is underway.  Part of the stream has been declared an area under special protection.  Due to the fact that it is well preserved and hosts various fowl species, the region has been included into Natura 2000 Network.

The area is mostly covered by luxuriant vegetation, alluvial forests and mixed oak-hornbeam forests on the terraces of the Odra river, punctuated with a network of ponds. It is also an important ornithological site within the framework of ICBP Project, therefore, Libava and Poodri have been declared as fowl protection areas.  So far, 30 species of endangered plants and 150 animal species have been identified.

The most serious problems of wild life protection in Poodri Landscape Area are the decrease in number of natural and nature closed ecosystems, the decreased biodiversity level, the increase of the river's watershed silt due to overflow of surrounding fields and the water pollution from various waste, agricultural and industrial sources.

The foreseen tools (Context Analysis, Action Plan, and Spatial Planning Reports) will provide policy makers with concrete proposals towards an effective watershed management system.  The WFD principles will be widespread in order to increase the awareness of the local population on such important topics.

Partner 6 - Centre for Community Organizing Middle Moravia
is responsible for Work Package 2:  Pilot Project's Characterization and Solutions.