An aim of the project is to create a native, semi-natural woodland and a field protection tree line.Continue reading
The Őrség National Park Directorate has been awarded a grant of HUF 535 million (EUR 1.3 million) to restore wetlands, hay meadows, and areas along streams. The aim of the project is to protect biodiversity and strengthen the adaptation of habitats to climate change, reads the statement issued on Tuesday by the Ministry of Agriculture.
At the project’s opening event in Őriszentpéter (in Őrség, an ethnographic region in western Hungary), State Secretary for Nature Conservation András Rácz emphasized that a total of 59 projects will be launched at the 10 national park directorates under the KEHOP Plus program to improve the state of Hungary’s natural environment over the years. The total value of the 59 investments is HUF 41.1 billion (EUR 103.5 million), and the intervention affects nearly 100,000 hectares, whether it be habitat reconstruction, infrastructure development, or raising nature conservation awareness.
The Őrség National Park Directorate’s seven projects will receive HUF 4.3 billion (EUR 10.8 million) in funding, which will improve the conditions for the preservation of natural values on a total of over 1,100 hectares.
This new investment now covers 128 hectares, and will be implemented at four locations. Among these, the restoration of the natural riverbed of the Kerca stream stands out, where water can return to its natural bed during low and medium water periods, as well as the reconstruction of slow-flowing, shallow water habitats along the Gyöngyös stream that have been missing from the ecological palette of the area until now.
According to the announcement, the State Secretary said that habitat reconstruction is not only important from an ecological point of view, but also from an economic and social point of view: “Along with nature conservation investments, ecotourism is developing, environmental education is strengthening, and local communities’ commitment to natural values is also growing.”
András Rácz emphasized that nature conservation is not only about preserving values, but can also be a tool for community building and economic revitalization, especially in areas where proximity to nature is the greatest treasure. The government continues to support the work of national park authorities so that future generations can also learn about Hungary’s outstanding natural heritage, the statement concluded.
Via MTI, Featured image: Facebook/Őrségi Nemzeti Park Igazgatóság