Thanks to the development, the largest contiguous wetland in the Hortobágy can preserve its unique natural values.Continue reading
An outstanding ecotourism investment will start at Lake Nagyszéksós (Mórahalom, southern Hungary) with 1.4 billion forints (3.4 million euros) of EU support, the Ministry of Agriculture announced.
András Rácz, State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, stressed at the project opening event held on Wednesday at the Mayor’s Office in Mórahalom, that the development is exemplary as it creates new jobs, contributes to sustainable economic growth, and sets an example of how to coordinate the interests of nature conservation, tourism, and local communities.
The project is a consortium between the Kiskunság National Park Directorate and the Mórahalom Municipality. Thanks to the development, an 800 square meter modern stork shelter and visitor center will be built on the outskirts of Mórahalom, with interactive exhibitions, nature films, community spaces, an herb garden, and a playground.
The project will also include the construction of five new lookouts, offering unique panoramas of the salt lakes and the surrounding wildlife, and the Ecological Lookout will be made accessible by boat.
Nature walkers and families will also find nature trails, including an interactive trail and a playground, where even the youngest children can playfully learn about the wildlife of Kiskunság.
As part of the development, the existing animal shelter and its surroundings will be transformed so that visitors can observe the animals of the region up close,
the ministry said in a statement.
The accommodation facilities in Lake Nagyszéksós will also be upgraded in terms of energy efficiency and landscaping to provide guests with the most comfortable environment possible. The development will be accompanied by themed tours, conservation programs, as well as photo tours and community events. The new ecotourism upgrade will offer experiences and recreation for all ages, and lovers of nature, active recreation, and community experience will now have even more exciting programs and attractions to choose from, they explained.
The State Secretary said the development will contribute to ensuring a healthy and sustainable environment, and improving the visibility of Hungary’s natural heritage and the Natura 2000 network in Hungary.
Although the Kiskunság National Park fenced off the buffalo reserve in 2022 to protect the animals, access is free of charge. It is important to note, however, that the reserve is currently temporarily closed due to the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.
Via MTI, Featured image: Wikipedia/Jazzvakond