EN
A substantive introduction to 15 papers contained in the present publication dealing with the valley of the Upper Narew river. The research objective is defined as determining the manner of reconciling requirements of nature protection with economic activity in a marshy valley area. Two principal questions had to be resolved: - how to - mindful of the valley’s diversity of conditions - ensure flooding and the appropriate level of site hydration in the face of a mounting water deficit, training of the river channel in the river’s lower course and dehydration of some valley sections, - how to implement the priority goal - nature conservation - without impeding the development of agriculture of private farm holdings in the valley. The valley’s distinct character is discussed including its primary differentiation into three segments: I - between the state boundary and the town of Suraż - marshland with flowing water, II - between Suraż and the confluence with Supraśl - marshland with standing water, III - between the confluence with Supraśl to the junction with the Biebrza river - marshland with flowing water with local stretches of standing water.