The city was built close to the river, but far enough not to be compromised by the fickle Drava during floods.
Today the Drava river is not dangerous anymore; in fact, it is the last oasis of peace and vegetation to people in need of rest from the city haste and noise.
The diversity of its flora and fauna is the main treasure of the Drava park-forest and makes it interesting and attractive throughout the year.
The Drava river area has become part of the Republic of Croatia National Ecological Network and is also a potential part of Natura 2000- the European Union ecological network.
The river Drava is also part of the Mura- Drava Regional Park and of the future UNESCO's MAB Danube- Drava- Mura biosphere reserve.