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Biodiversity assessment in the Carpathian region

Project completed

Surveys on forest and endangered bats, insects and birds in the Natura 2000 areas in the Northern Medium Mountains are carried out and provide the basis for effective measures to protect them. Integrated in forest management and Natura 2000 management plans after project closure, the conservation measures will be taken by stakeholders such as forestry or farmers.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Hungary
Protecting the environment
Biodiversity
Biodiversity
01.04.2012 - 31.03.2017
 CHF  1’735’397

Note: the texts under all the headings, with the exception of 'Results achieved', describe the situation before the start of the project.

The project in brief
Background

The first country report on the implementation of Natura 2000 in Hungary and the situation of species and habitats of community interest highlight that the conservation status of certain water-related and forest habitats is unfavorable or bad in Hungary. The extensive forests of the northern medium mountains are however not sufficiently researched, the sectors (conservation / forestry / specialists) being isolated from each other. Tasks like management of Natura 2000 areas, climate change or the development of forest conservation subsidies are actual tasks which need to be supported by unified strategic decisions based on up-to-date, objective data on forests.
Objectives

The conservation status of the Natura 2000 forest areas in the northern medium mountains is improved. For this purpose, newly elaborated assessment and monitoring methodologies lay a sound basis for an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable management of these Natura 2000 areas. During this process, the cooperation between conservation and forestry sectors is clearly strengthened.
Target groups

Forestry, National Park Directorates, professional conservation organisations, green NGOs, research institutions, politicians, Ministry of Rural Development.
Activities

First, newly developed, detailed assessments of forests and zoological surveys on data deficient species (bats, insects, birds) are carried out. On the basis of this data, management plans for Natura 2000 forest areas are elaborated, ensuring the protection of the forests and species in close cooperation e.g. with forestry or farmers. The new methods and insights obtained in the northern medium mountains are available for replication in whole Hungary.
Results

Achieved results:  

  • 50'000 hectares of Natura 2000 areas have been mapped and quality assured by the end of the project
  • The status of three threatened species improved as a consequence of the project
  • The status of ten animal species and three forest habitats improved as a consequence of the project
  • Around 7000 people raised their environmental awareness through the website
  • 4 methodology protocols for mapping the bat population in Hungary have been developed
Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Credit area Swiss Contribution to the enlarged EU
Project partners Contract partner
Foreign state institution
  • National State Institute North


Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    1’735’397 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    1’696’294
Project phases

Phase 1 01.04.2012 - 31.03.2017   (Completed)

  • Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation Unallocated / Unspecified
    Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation
    Sectors not specified
    Cross-cutting topics The project promotes biodiversity as a priority.
    Aid Type Enlargement contribution
    Project number

    7F07965

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Last update 08.01.2021