The River Network of Mura-Drava-Danube represents an important ecological reserve that was the core for biodiversity protection, nature-based restoration and flood risk management projects. Maribor, the European capital of culture 2012, is the main city of the region and it is part of the Covenant of Mayor for Climate and Energy. The municipality established the Energy Agency of Podravje (ENERGAP) that aims to develop an effective energy strategy in the Podravje Region.