Phase 1

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Cooperation for the protection of our natural assets

Project completed
In Hungary, the total area protected either by national or EU legislation has grown to 22 % of the total territory. The project collects extensive data on protected natural areas of local interest and on Natura 2000 areas. Based on this data, the project organises an important awareness raising campaign (with information events, competitions, webpage) and enhances the protection of natural areas of local interest.

Country/region	Topic	Period	Budget
Hungary	Protecting the environment Biodiversity Biodiversity	01.09.2012 - 31.12.2014	CHF 1’071’296

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	In Hungary, the total area protected either by national or EU legislation has grown to 22 % of the total territory. There is however a remarkable lack of useful information for land users (e.g. farmers) on Natura 2000 areas and very little information available on protected natural areas of local interest – this lack of knowledge is an important risk for the preservation of the areas. Another risk for the naturally valuable areas has arisen with the EU agricultural subsidy system. Farmers in fact try to maximize the agricultural subsidies with measures like drainages to increase the land eligible for subsidies.
Objectives	The goal is to strengthen the protection of Natura 2000 areas and protected natural areas of local interest. For this purpose, data on Natura 2000 areas and on protected natural areas of local interest is collected and provided to stakeholders like farmers, mayors, politicians, but as well younger generations. Thanks to better information and awareness raising measures, there shall be a significant change in nature protection by these groups.
Target groups	Different target groups such as farmers, politicians, mayors, but as well scientists or children and pupils.
Activities	With the help of supporting organisations, extensive data will be collected on protected natural areas of local interest and Natura 2000. The information will be made available mainly for farmers, politicians in a user-friendly way on a webpage, in information events in the counties as well as in publications. These activities are complemented by a nationwide awareness raising campaign on conservation issues targeting especially younger people.
Results	Achieved results: High quality inventory available on 46'000 ha "Natura 2000" areas High quality inventory available for over 1'000 locally protected areas Awareness of protected areas has been raised, reaching hundred thousands of people through Improved webpage on Natura 2000 and protected natural areas of local interest Camapigns, competitions, publications, maps, films, etc. Information events, media appearances, press articles 45 bird species and 45 habitats assessed and measures for their conservation developped
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 1’071’296 Swiss disbursement to date CHF 954’880
Project phases	Phase 1 01.09.2012 - 31.12.2014 (Completed)

Further technical details

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	7F07959