National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

IX. Collection of Resolutions

Parliament Resolution 27/2015 of 17 June on the Hungarian National Environmental Programme for 2015−2020*

1. Pursuant to Section 39 b) of Act LIII of 1995 on the General Rules of the Protection of the Environment Parliament approves the Hungarian National Environmental Programme for 2015−2020 as stated in Annex 1 of this Resolution. 2. Parliament requested the government to implement the Hungarian National Environmental Programme for 2015−2020. 3. Parliament revokes a) Parliament Resolution 83/1997 of 26 September on the National Environmental Programme, b) Parliament resolution 132/2003 of 11 December on the Hungarian National Environmental Programme for 2003-2008 c) Parliament resolution 96/2009 of 9 December on the Hungarian National Environmental Programme for 2009-2014 4. This resolution shall come into force on the first day following its promulgation.

Signed by Kövér László Speaker of Parliament,

Signed by Nándor Gúr, Signed by Dr. Lajos Szűcs, Clerk of Parliament Clerk of Parliament

* Parliament approved the resolution at its session on 9 June 2015. 1 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

Annex of the 4th National Environmental Programme

NATIONAL NATURE CONSERVATION MASTER PLAN IV.

Nature Conservation Policy Strategy 2015-2020

2015

2 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents ...... 3 About the National Nature Conservation Master Plan ...... 6 1. Introduction ...... 6 2. Key overall strategic goals to be achieved during the implementation of NNCMP-IV ...... 7 2.1. Following up on the execution of the NNCMP ...... 9 3. Nature Conservation in Hungary ...... 9 3.1. Extent, data of areas protected by individual legislation, grating of protected status...... 9 3.2. Natura 2000 sites ...... 12 3.3. Cave, geological and morphology values, minerals, karstic areas ...... 16 3.5. Internationally designated areas ...... 20 3.5.1 Ramsar sites ...... 20 3.5.2 European Diploma Sites ...... 22 3.5.3 Biosphere reserves ...... 23 3.5.4 Geoparks ...... 25 3.5.5 World heritage areas ...... 25 3.5.6 Dark Sky Parks ...... 26 3.6. Nature parks ...... 27 3.7. Species protection ...... 28 3.8. Landscape structure, type and potential protection, preservation of individual landscape values. 28 4. Management, maintenance and guarding of areas and natural values under nature conservation protection ...... 32 4.1. Asset management with a focus on nature conservation ...... 32 4.2. Guarding ...... 33 4.3. Restoration of the level of protection ...... 35 4.4. Forestry asset management ...... 36 4.5 Wildlife management ...... 39 4.6 Fishery management ...... 40 4.7 Habitat preservation ...... 41 4.7.1 Habitat restoration ...... 41 4.7.2 Ecosystem services ...... 42 4.7.3 Green Infrastructure ...... 43 4.8. Measures against invasive alien species ...... 44 4.9. Preservation and management of species ...... 45 4.10. Water management ...... 47 5 Collection of nature conservation related data, Nature Conservation Information System ...... 49 5.1 NCIS and its modules, functions ...... 49 5.2 Nature conservation monitoring programmes ...... 50 5.2.1 National Biodiversity-Monitoring System ...... 50 3 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

5.2.2 Other monitoring systems ...... 52 5.3 Authentic cave records ...... 53 6 Nature conservation planning ...... 54 6.1 Integration of nature and landscape conservation objectives in to the plans / strategies of other sectors ...... 54 6.2 Nature conservation management plans for protected conservation areas of national importance ...... 55 6.3 Maintenance plans of the Natura 2000 sites (hectares) ...... 56 6.4 National prioritised action framework for Natura 2000 ...... 57 6.5 Spatial development plans and physical planning instruments...... 58 6.6 National Ecological Network ...... 59 6.7 District forest plans ...... 60 6.8 Cave management plans ...... 61 7 Social relations, awareness building, presentation ...... 62 7.1 Knowledge base, professional relations ...... 62 7.2 Vocational training presentation, awareness building, ecotourism ...... 63 7.3 Websites, social media portals, social relations ...... 65 7.4 Research & development, training ...... 66 8 International cooperation ...... 68 8.1 EU policies, strategies and obligations ...... 68 8.2 Ramsar Convention ...... 69 8.3 Convention on biodiversity, Cartagena Protocol ...... 69 8.3.1 Convention on biodiversity ...... 69 8.3.2 Cartagena Protocol and organisations modified with gene technology ...... 70 8.4 CITES ...... 71 8.5 Bonn Convention ...... 72 8.6 Bern Convention ...... 73 8.7 European Landscape Convention ...... 74 8.8 Carpathian Convention ...... 75 8.9 Other international initiatives ...... 75 8.9.1 Bilateral cross border relations ...... 75 8.9.2 Other bilateral relations ...... 76 9 Financing of the tasks defined for the NNCMP-IV ...... 78 9.1 Financing of nature conservation developments (EU funds) ...... 78 9.2 Sectoral financing of nature conservation, Hungarian budget resources ...... 80 10 Legal and institutional background of nature conservation ...... 82 10.1 Legal regulation ...... 82 10.1.1 Changes in the legal background governing the nature conservation sector ...... 82 10.1.2 Results of nature conservation legislation ...... 82 10.2 Institutional system ...... 83 10.2.1 National park directorates ...... 84

4 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

10.2.2 Environmental and nature conservation authorities ...... 85 List of tables and figures ...... 87 Annexes to the 4th National Nature Conservation Master Plan ...... 88 Map annex 1 - Protected natural areas of national importance and Natura 2000 sites in Hungary ...... 89 Map annex 2 - Areas of the national spatial development plan requiring outstanding treatment in terms of landscape protection in Hungary ...... 90 Annex 1 - Achievements of nature conservation legislation concerning chapter 10 ...... 91 Annex 2 – Ecotourism facilities built during the NNCMP-III planning period ...... 95 Annex 3 - Natura 2000 Prioritised Action Plan ...... 98

5 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

About the National Nature Conservation Master Plan

The National Nature Conservation Master Plan (hereinafter referred to as NNCMP, NNCMP-IV) is a Strategic Plan of Hungary, a policy strategy that defines the priority objectives concerning Nature Conservation to be pursued as a separate, but integral part of, the National Environmental Programme, sets out the lines of action not only for nature conservation administrative bodies, but for every public agency. The NNCMP was prepared on the basis of the legislative authorisation granted in Section 40 of Act LIII of 1995 on the General Rules of the Protection of the Environment, as a nature conservation strategy document for the 4th planning cycle between 2015 and 2020. The NNCMP-IV presents the changes taking place during the 3rd planning period, the changes in the most important areas of the nature conservation sector, the current situation, and on the basis of these, defines the professional goals to be pursued and implemented between 2015-2020. The document was compiled and edited by the staff of the Department of Nature Conservation, Department of National Park and Landscape Protection and the Strategic Department of the Ministry of Agriculture. The NNCMP-IV as a policy strategy was elaborated in compliance with the provisions of Government Decree 38/2012 of 12 March on government strategy control, with a view to the requirements laid down in Section 35 of the Government Decree for policy strategies. During the compilation of the NNCMP-IV, the authors proceeded in accordance with the principles of conceptual and strategy building supplementary materials issued in the framework of the Magyary programme in connection with the renewal of government strategy. During the elaboration of the NNCMP-IV, the aim of the staff preparing the professional draft was to ensure, beyond the mandatory professional discussions, that the broadest possible group of stakeholders could form an opinion and that the opinions were incorporated into the adopted parliamentary resolution. The NNCMP-IV impact assessment was prepared in compliance with the Decree of the Ministry of Public Administration and Justice 24/2011 of 9 August on preliminary and ex-post impact assessment, the impact assessment form prepared for the policy strategy presents in sufficient detail the estimated impact of the implementation of NNCMP-IV. During the elaboration of the NNCMP-IV, specific indicators have been identified for or within the respective chapters, based on which the achievement of the goals can be measured and evaluated. During the implementation of the NNCMP-IV the results achieved in relation to each task can be continuously monitored on the official nature conservation website of the Hungarian Statewww.termeszetvedelem.hu.

1. Introduction

Regarding the geographical features of Hungary, we can say that we have a unique ecological unit in the Carpathian Basin. Although the Pannonian Biogeographical Region (Pannonicum) in the European Union is shared by Hungary and three other countries, the largest area is in Hungary. Unlike other countries, Hungary, in its entirety, belongs to the Pannonian biogeographical region, which entails a huge responsibility for us to preserve the natural assets. Climate change causes unexpected effects, climatic extremes in our immediate environment, bringing to us unwanted alien species. Social needs have changed considerably over the last ten years. It is a widely accepted and expected 6 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020. requirement that we preserve our joint heritage together. The Fundamental Law states the following: “Natural resources, in particular arable land, forests and the reserves of water, biodiversity, in particular native plant and animal species, as well as cultural assets shall form the common heritage of the nation; it shall be the obligation of the State and everyone to protect and maintain them, and to preserve them for future generations.” (The Fundamental Law of Hungary, Foundation, Article P). It is part of good social welfare that the state, the churches, the local governments, the various social organizations and the citizens themselves should ensure their own healthy environment and high quality foods and this can only be guaranteed in the long term if the good state and favourable nature conservation status of the natural values are preserved or improved as and when required. The gifts of nature (e.g., clean drinking water, productive soil, diverse, food-producing wildlife, live wood stock of forests), so-called ecosystem services, must be more economically deployed, even if for now we are still abundant in them. The national ecological network, the green backbone of Hungary, that is, the extent of the areas close to nature habitats, still covers more than 36% in our country (Figure 11). The Hungarian situation of the wildlife habitat is well illustrated by the fact that considering the 46 habitats of Community interest listed in Annex I to the Habitats Directive in Hungary, in 2007 the state of 10.9% of them was favourable, of 19.6% was unsatisfactory, and of 67.4% was bad. Although the conservation status of 208 species of Community interest in our country was more favourable compared to habitats (25% favourable, 46.6% unsatisfactory and 11.5% poor in 2007), we can also say that by 2013 we not only learnt more of many of these species and habitats, but the nature conservation status of the species also improved due to different projects and conservation programmes, (Figure 3). It is still to be pursued that the conservation programmes for each species should, as far as possible, be carried out in such a way as to protect more endangered species and habitats comprehensively and simultaneously. The ancient past of Hungary's nature of millions of years and the memories of the prehistoric environment and climate changes and the evolution of the wildlife are preserved in the associated geological structures and formations inanimate elements of our natural heritage. The occurrences of the types of rocks created during the various geological periods and formation conditions, the mineral and ancestral rarities, immobile monuments of inanimate nature, and the unique forms, shapes and caves formed by the surface shaping forces represent a significant natural value. The common feature of our inanimate natural assets is that they are not renewed and cannot be renewed. Their long-term conservation is ensured primarily for protected areas and values protected by nature conservation schemes.

2. Key overall strategic goals to be achieved during the implementation of NNCMP-IV

The following list is an overview of the overall objectives of the National Nature Conservation Master Plan as a policy document. The detailed explanations of the objectives, together with the relevant assessment of the situation, lines of action and indicators, are included in the further chapters of the Master Plan.

- Conservation of biodiversity (implementation of the EU biodiversity strategy in Hungary) aims to: - halt the loss of biological diversity and further decline of ecosystem services by 2020 and to

7 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

improve their status as much as possible; - mapping and evaluating national ecosystems and their services; - continuation of habitat rehabilitation and restoration works, restoration of at least 15% degraded habitats and their monitoring; - managing biological invasion. - Operating the Natura 2000 network: - extending the financing; - preparing maintenance plans, supervising the sites; - development of monitoring; - strengthening communication. - Improving the conservation status of caves and geological natural values. - Establishing conditions for the complex protection of our country's heritage and landscape diversity based on sectoral cooperation and review of its legal environment. - Strengthening nature conservation planning, announcing the zonation of national parks. - Improving the legal, institutional, personal and budgetary background of nature conservation. - Improving the overall financing of nature conservation: - supply of the financial resources necessary for the implementation of the Act on the Restoration of Protection Level and the own funds for EU tenders; - the most efficient use of the financing of nature conservation projects from EU sources. - Fulfilment of international nature conservation and landscape protection obligations. - Increasing the staff of and supply of appropriate technical equipment to the state park ranger service. - Development of social relations: - informing the public about the protected natural and Natura 2000 sites and the introduction of regulations on protected natural values; - achieving greater environmental consciousness, in order to improve acceptance of nature conservation. - Development of the range and level of ecotourism facilities and services of nature conservation. - Support for nature conservation research and development: - improving the quality of nature conservation expert training, introducing the current good practice into higher education; - encouraging and strengthening applied nature conservation (practical) research in national parks. - Further development of Nature Conservation Information System: - integration of monitoring data; - ensuring external data connectivity of the system, aligning public records; - continuous operation of monitoring programs for the collection of nature conservation biotic

8 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

data, ensuring the institutional and financial background.

2.1. Following up on the execution of the NNCMP

For the realisation of the vision valid until 2020, it is of paramount importance that the execution of the National Nature Conservation Master Plan should start immediately. It is primarily the government that will provide the institutional and personnel requirements for the implementation of the NNCMP and the required interventions, by sharing the work amongst ministries. The Government will manage the execution of state tasks related to nature conservation, as well as define and coordinated the related activities of ministries and other organisations directly reporting to the Government. But if the objectives are to be achieved, it is crucial to involve all social stakeholders – and specifically local municipalities, the economic sector, and residents – in the work. The personnel necessary for the realisation of the NNCMP is mostly available. In order to execute the Plan, ensure continuous follow-up, and provide the information bases necessary for evaluation, the following factors are vital: satisfactory cooperation with the government’s policy institutions; strengthening the base of experts in background institutions of ministries; and closer connections with experts. Providing the personnel required for the NNCMP is closely related to the Magyary Zoltán Public Administration Development Program. The execution of the Plan, the effectiveness of the objectives and measures, and the related professional performances must be continuously evaluated, and the adequacy of the measures must be reviewed as necessary. The realisation of the NNCMP will be followed up via indicators defined for each objective within the framework of the National Environmental Programme, which necessitates data and information collection as well as analysis. An interim evaluation of the realisation of the NNCMP must be prepared in 2017, to be followed by ex-ante evaluation in 2021, within one year from the end of the execution period. These reports must be published on the Hungarian homepage of the nature conservation (http://www.termeszetvedelem.hu). The personnel required for the evaluation and follow-up of execution is provided by the Ministry responsible for nature conservation, in cooperation with other affected ministries and institutions.

3. Nature Conservation in Hungary

3.1. Extent, data of areas protected by individual legislation, grating of protected status

Current status: The period of grating protected status with a major increase in area has already ended, particularly after the designation of significant Natura 2000 sites. During the previous NNCMP planning periods, the number of protected designations was consistent, but during the last two planning periods the size of protected areas has fallen to a fraction of the value of the NNCMP-I period. From the planning period of the NNCMP-II, the size of the protected areas has slightly increased. From then on a large number of protected natural areas, small in size or aimed at the protection of a special natural asset was established. During the NNCMP-III period, two landscape protection areas, Körös-éri TK (2012) and Western Mecsek TK (2009) were established, jointly representing 70% of the new areas that were

9 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020. granted a protected status. In the NNCMP-III period the number of protected natural sites of local significance increased by 81 for nature conservation areas and 269 for natural monuments. A review of the Register of protected natural sites of local importance was carried out in 2011-2012, as a result of which there are currently 2014 protected natural sites in the Nature Conservation Register (Table 2, Figure 2). The table presents only sites and monuments granted a protected status with legislation in compliance with the provisions of Act LIII of 1996 on Nature Conservation (hereinafter: Nature Conservation Act). The protected status of a number of local protected natural sites had to be changed, as they were only listed in the local building code and the separate local government bylaw on protected designation is missing. During the NNCMP-III period (2009-2014), the size of protected natural sites of national importance (Table 1) increased by 13,760 hectares. 12 new protected natural sites were established 7 already protected natural sites were extended (Table 1). The volume of protected designations and trends are presented by area data that also include the extensions of existing protected natural sites (Tables 1 and 2). The situation of the sites is illustrated in Figure 1.: Table 1 Changes in the number of protected natural sites of national importance between 1997 and 2013 Establishment of protected natural sites of national importance during the first three NNCMP periods*

Nature Increase compared Planning Landscape Natural National park conservation Total to the total size of period protection area monument area protected natural sites of national importance number ha number ha number ha number ha number ha

NNCMP-I 4 95,657 5 40,913 13 1,186 0 0 22 137,756 17.0% (1997-2002) NNCMP-I 0 7 1 8,866 21 3,361 0 0 22 12,234 1.5% (2003-2008)

NNCMP-III 0 463 2 12,004 10 1,385 0 0 12 13,760 1.6% (2009-2013)

*The numbers relate to newly established protected natural sites, the area data also include extensions of existing protected natural sites

Main lines of action: - Further extension of the network of protected natural sites of national importance based on the provisions Act LIII of 1996 on Nature Conservation (hereinafter: Nature Conservation Act) in order to ensure that the conditions of territorial protection to preserve the landscape and natural values of Hungary are in place. - Priority should be given to the designation of protected status to areas whose natural status has deteriorated in the last period because of lack of protected designation, their survival may be

10 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020. endangered or are habitats of species endangered globally or nationally. They include primarily: - the currently endangered natural areas; - state-owned natural sites designed for protection and management in nature conservation. - Updating the current status of effective decrees on the designation and continuation of protected status. - Planned protected designation of smaller areas with special (mainly geological) natural value and establishment of natural monuments. - Professional preparation for the conservation of natural assets of outstanding geological importance. Table 2 - Size of protected natural sites (2013)

Area (ha) Nature conservation category National parks 480,698 Landscape protection area 336,875 Nature conservation site of national importance 30,567 Natural monument of national importance 0 Total protected natural sites of national importance protected by 848,140 individual legislation Protected natural sites of local importance 46,139 Protected natural monuments of local importance 0 Grand total of protected natural sites 894,279

Figure 1 – Protected nature conservation sites of national importance in Hungary

11 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

Figure 2 – The number of the protected nature conservation sites of local importance in Hungary

3.2. Natura 2000 sites

Current status: The main component of Hungary’s nature conservation policy is the implementation of the two EU Nature Conservation Directives (Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds (hereinafter referred to as the "Birds Directive"), which is the recast version of Directive 79/409/EEC - and Council Directive 1992/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (hereinafter referred to as 'the Habitats Directive'), mainly through the establishment, protection, maintenance and development of the Natura 2000 network. The significant result of the 2009-2013 period is that the designation of the Natura 2000 network was completed as the European Commission concluded in 2011 that no other Natura 2000 sites needed to be designated in Hungary for any habitat or species. In addition to the areas protected by special legislation in Hungary, there are 1.2 million ha Natura 2000 sites (Attached map 1). The full extent of the Natura 2000 network in total 1.99 million ha. (Table 3). Pursuant to Section 17 of the Habitats Directive, Member States shall report every 6 years on the nature conservation status of species and habitat of Community interest. Our country first submitted country report in 2007 and then in 2013 (Figure 3). In respect of habitats the 2007 report results show a rather unfavourable picture of the situation of habitat types in the Pannonian bio-geographical region compared to the EU25 average. This was

12 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020. partly due to unfavourable processes and partly to the strict methodology. The European Commission has set itself the objective of improving unfavourable species and habitat types in the EU Biodiversity Strategy and expects from Member States to decrease the number of "unknown" data-deficient species and habitat types.

Table 3 - Extension of the Natura 2000 network in Hungary Natura 2000 sites As a percentage of our Description number area country number 1,000 hectares % Special Protection Areas 56 1,374.57 14.77 Special Areas of Conservation 479 1,444.36 15.51 Overlap between the two types of areas 823.95

Total Natura 2000 sites 525 1,994.98 21.39

Figure 3 – Nature conversation status of species and habitat of Community interest (2007, 2013)

In the report submitted in 2013, partly the slightly changed methodology (e.g., the trend of the nature conservation status had to be shorter than in 2007) and partly the significantly expanding knowledge, gives a more realistic picture of habitat types and species. If we consider a comprehensive assessment of the nature conservation status without taking into account the index numbers, the conservation status of 24 habitat types improved, which represents 52% of the habitat types, and the conservation status of 21 habitat types remained unchanged, which represents 46% of habitat types and a negative

13 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020. change occurred in the case of only one habitat type (active raised bogs). There were no changes in the conservation status of species of Community interest in the case of 137 species, representing 66% of species, 59 species improved, representing 28% of species and 12 species conservation status deteriorated, which represents only 6% of species. It is still true that some species and habitats will require serious and long-term measures to move towards a favourable conservation status, but there is no doubt that there is already a favourable shift in the conservation status of a number of habitat types and species, to which active conservation measures, habitat restoration interventions and conservation activities have contributed significantly (Figure 3). The operation and maintenance of the Natura 2000 network is largely promoted by the legislation governing the rules of farming and the compensatory compensation. In the case of Natura 2000 grasslands, such legislation already exists since 2007 (Government Decree 269/2007 of 18 October on land use rules for Natura 2000 grassland management and the Decree of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development 128/2007 of 31 October on the detailed rules for compensation for farming in Natura 2000 grassland from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development). During the NNCMP-III period, a major step forward was made by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development under Decree of the Minister of Rural Development 41/2012 of 27 April on the detailed rules for compensation for the management of Natura 2000 forests. Accordingly, besides the Natura 2000 grasslands, the Natura 2000 forest area support system was also implemented. The management frameworks, as well as the specific management guidelines for each of the Natura 2000 sites, have also made significant progress since the publication of the Decree of the Minister of Rural Development 43/2012 of 3 May on the detailed rules for mobilizing support for Natura 2000 sites from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development on the basis of which, until May 2015, a maintenance plan will be prepared for 243 Natura 2000 sites, covering a total of 480,000 hectares. To preserve the Natura 2000 sites, it is necessary to extend the support for farmers in the Natura 2000 site beyond existing grassland and private forest areas, as far as possible, for further areas. Keeping the structure of the support system for the financing of the Natura 2000 sites, nature conservation actions should aim at extending the scope of payments and increasing the amount of subsidies as well as the approximation of nature conservation land use regulations to local conditions. It is time to review of the support titles for which farming or non-profit budgetary organisations (e.g., National Park Directorates) have been excluded from the subsidised group. The inclusion of budgetary organisations in the beneficiaries should be ensured through the revision of the existing support titles (Natura 2000 compensation, less favoured areas, etc.) and the adequate forming of the rural development programme for the European Union budget period between 2014 and 2020. The current monitoring programmes need to be expanded so that Hungary can comply with EU reporting obligations. To do so, it is absolutely necessary to make surveys qualifying species and habitats for Natura 2000 sites, and to determine the nature conservation status of species and habitat types about which inadequate data are available through targeted data collection. Further maintenance plans need to be developed for Natura 2000 sites where coordination of the conservation and management objectives of the sites makes it necessary. The coordination of all management objectives is important, but the coordination of water management and natural resources should be particularly emphasized, which can be achieved, among others, through the preparation of high-water bed management plans and natural management plans.

14 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

Main lines of action: - The main objective is to operate the Natura 2000 network in accordance with the Habitats and Birds Directive objectives. - Conservation, maintenance and restoration of natural habitats and habitats that are the basis of the designation of the areas, as well as the natural condition which is the basis for delineating Natura 2000 sites and the conditions for maintaining farming. - Establishment of a system known and accepted by the society, local communities, farmers and land users for the Natura 2000 network and the adoption of a system of support proportional to the obligations imposed by the European Union. Operation of the Natura 2000 network - Increased involvement of measures effectively promoting the achievement of the Natura 2000 objectives in the agricultural policy, which has a key role in the financing of the Natura 2000 network. - Supply of relevant data available on Natura 2000 sites and the delivery of Natura 2000 maintenance plans to the forestry authority responsible for forest planning for consideration. - Registration of the Natura 2000 legal status on the properties concerned in the land register and the updating of the 2010 borderline adjustments in Natura 2000 legal status records. - Maintaining and possibly expanding Natura 2000 support systems and their approximation to local conditions, incorporating budget organisations into the beneficiaries. - Extending the current monitoring programmes to make surveys qualifying species and habitats for Natura 2000 sites, and to determine the nature conservation status of data deficiency species and habitat types through targeted data collection. - Development of further maintenance plans. - Providing an occasional opportunity to intervene (weather extremes, emergency, etc.) for the nature conservation administrator. - Increasing the number of people working in Nature Conservation Bodies on Natura 2000 professional issues and applying the examples of "good practice" in education and vocational training, involving experts who work with hands-on experience (national park directorates), due to the considerable increase in the number of tasks related to the conservation, management and reporting of Natura 2000 sites. - Continuous contact with the local population, farmers and interest representation bodies in handling Natura 2000 sites. Extending the information on both the natural values of the Natura 2000 sites and on the other hand, the legislation that is in line with the directives and the presentation of subsidies available to farmers. - Increase the proportion of Natura 2000 sites designated also with the official signs. - Providing detailed information on Natura 2000 sites in the Nature Conservation Information System to the National Park Directorates and authorities (see Chapter 5.1). - Publishing public data on the website (this requires detailed habitat maps and species occurrence data). - Maintaining the ownership integrity of the Natura 2000 sites, if necessary maintaining or accessing state ownership. - Preparation of guidelines for the interpretation of habitats of Community interest (Natura 2000) adapted to national conditions (deviations from EU interpretation, national specialties).

15 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

3.3. Cave, geological and morphology values, minerals, karstic areas

Current status: The known number of caves owned by the Hungarian State and ex lege protected caves has slightly increased over the last 5 years, but the combined length of their passages has increased significantly by 37 km (Table 4). Table 4 - Ex lege protected caves strictly protected cave requiring special total length of total caves caves protection passage (km)

2008 (year-end status) 4,079 147 302 236.378

2014 (September) 4,139 145 260 278.980

The decrease in the number of strictly protected caves can only be numerically seen by the cave connections. There are also fewer caves requiring special protection, which is partly due to the cave connections and the technical review of the existing data. A major step forward in the protection of caves is the fact that in 2009 the Ministry of Defence promulgated the surface protection areas of the caves outside the settlement boundary, and with the amendment of the regulation in 2012, they supplemented the surface protection zones of caves inside the settlement boundary. The entry of real estate registration of cave surface protection zones announced in the decree has begun. As of September 2014, approximately 92% of the protection zones appear in the Land Registry. In order to protect and preserve these natural values, during the NNCMP-III planning period, nature conservation restoration works, were carried out in nearly 60 caves using EU funds (e.g., EEOP). The protection of other elements of inanimate nature, and geological natural values, can be ensured only with protected designation in many cases. The professional preparation of the protected designation of artificial hollows from the point of view of nature conservation was completed in 2013. In that regard, 27 artificial hollows have been incorporated into the scope of nature conservation so far, partly due to the geological and partly the importance of bat protection. The Stratigraphy Sub-Committee under the Geological Commission of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences currently records about 500 rock explorations that are considered as geological bases for the events of a geological age and the geographic history necessary for their development as outstanding and worthy professionally processed representations. Some of these geological bases (nearly 220) are protected as nationally protected natural areas. The outstanding protection of the other geological bases can be ensured with the protected designation as a natural monument. In the field of mineral protection, since 2007 about 11 of the 500 mineral species in Hungary are protected by nature conservation, which exceeds a certain size range. However, this does not fully satisfy the requirements for the protection of minerals and their deposits. Apart from minerals and some special exceptions, for fossil remains, neither the species nor individual specimens, but the protection of the sites can be achieved.

16 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

Main lines of action: - Full legal protection of caves, a complete record in the Land Register of cave surface protection zones. - It is also necessary to create the legal conditions for the preservation and conservation of other inanimate natural values (artificial hollows, geological bases, mineral and fossil remains significant in terms of nature conservation). - Regulation of mineral collection. - To further strengthen the practical protection of caves and other endangered inanimate natural values, to continue restoration and conservation works.

3.4. Ex lege protected mires and bogs and salt lakes, springs, sink-holes, tumuli, earthen fortifications

Current status: Ex lege protected marshes and sale lakes The Nature Conservation Act has created the possibility of ex lege protection for certain land with significant conservation value without any special legal regulation. In 2011 a comprehensive review of the ex lege mires and bogs and salt lakes was completed. In this context, we took action in the past years to abolish regulatory decisions that have violated the protection of such areas and to restore the conditions required by law. As a result of the review, in January 2012, we announced a MRD ministerial brief on law enforcement for the list of ex lege protected mires and bogs and salt lakes outside protected natural areas. During the review 1,229 smaller and larger mires and bogs (Table 5) and 415 salt lakes were surveyed and published in the information leaflet (Table 6). The information leaflet reflects an instant state, it promotes enforcement, but has no legal binding force. Table 5 – Ex lege protected mires and bogs National park directorate Ex lege mires and bogs (number) Aggtelek NPD 76 Balaton-felvidék NPD 228 Bükk NPD 48 Duna-Dráva NPD 199 Duna-Ipoly NPD 122 Fertő-Hanság NPD 28 Hortobágy NPD 277 Kiskunság NPD 144 Körös-Maros NPD 0 Őrség NPD 107 TOTAL 1,229 Outside the protected nature conservation areas of national importance

17 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

Table 6 - Ex lege protected salt lakes National Park Directorate Ex lege salt lakes (number) Aggtelek NPD 0 Balaton-felvidék NPD 0 Bükk NPD 0 Duna-Dráva NPD 0 Duna-Ipoly NPD 54 Fertő-Hanság NPD 0 Hortobágy NPD 110 Kiskunság NPD 241 Körös-Maros NPD 10 Őrség NPD 0 TOTAL 415 Outside the protected nature conservation areas of national importance

Ex lege protected tumuli In the previous planning period as a result of conservation of the tumuli approx. 1,000 tumuli were entered into the Cross-Compliance system required by the European Union as "landscape" elements to be preserved. This means that their conservation has become part of the Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions which the Agricultural and Rural Development Agency checks within its own procedure. According to the national tumulus database, in addition to the protected natural areas, a total of 1,496 tumuli comply with the criteria defined in the law (Table 7). Table 7 – Ex lege protected tumuli National Park Directorate Ex lege protected tumuli (number)* Aggtelek NPD 11 Balaton-felvidék NPD 5 Bükk NPD 91 Duna-Dráva NPD 199 Duna-Ipoly NPD 22 Fertő-Hanság NPD 18 Hortobágy NPD 441 Kiskunság NPD 129 Körös-Maros NPD 578 Őrség NPD 2 TOTAL 1,496 Outside the protected nature conservation areas of national importance * the barrows are considered as one object

Ex lege protected earthen fortifications In 2009, the data on the locations of the 221 known earthen fortifications were completed in a nationwide review, so in the nature conservation register there is at least a point spatial representation for each fortifications (Table 8).

18 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

Table 8 – Ex lege protected earthen fortifications National Park Directorate Ex lege protected earthen fortification (number) Aggtelek NPD 16 Balaton-felvidék NPD 25 Bükk NPD 19 Duna-Dráva NPD 32 Duna-Ipoly NPD 57 Fertő-Hanság NPD 3 Hortobágy NPD 38 Kiskunság NPD 4 Körös-Maros NPD 1 Őrség NPD 26 TOTAL 221 outside the protected nature conservation areas of national importance

Ex lege protected springs and sink-holes During the national survey of springs so far 6,505 water spring sources were inspected on site, of which 2732 meet the ex lege conservation criteria, which shows a significant increase since 2479 were known during the NNCMP-III preparation (Table 9). At present, there are data available for only four national park directorates in the national register of sink-holes, with a total of 795 objects. Of these, 429 sink-holes are located outside nationally protected natural areas, so they are considered ex lege protected (Table 10).

Table 9 – Ex lege protected springs National Park Directorate Ex lege protected springs (number) Aggtelek NPD 135 Balaton-felvidék NPD 1,599 Bükk NPD 450 Duna-Dráva NPD 312 Duna-Ipoly NPD 185 Fertő-Hanság NPD 0 Hortobágy NPD 0 Kiskunság NPD 0 Körös-Maros NPD 0 Őrség NPD 51 TOTAL 2,732 outside the protected nature conservation areas of national importance

In the case of ex lege protected natural areas it is a general problem - as the report of the Parliamentary Commissioner's for Future Generations pointed out - that the 2003 decision of the Constitutional Court and the legal framework created subsequently defined conditions and further measures for the enforcement or enforceability of ex lege protection which the organizational structure of nature conservation cannot fulfil with its available resources. Unfortunately, this vacated the concept of ex lege protection.

19 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

Table 10 – Ex lege protected sink-holes National Park Directorate Ex lege protected sink-holes (number) Aggtelek NPD 7 Balaton-felvidék NPD 389 Bükk NPD 0 Duna-Dráva NPD 0 Duna-Ipoly NPD 33 Fertő-Hanság NPD 0 Hortobágy NPD 0 Kiskunság NPD 0 Körös-Maros NPD 0 Őrség NPD 0 TOTAL 429 outside the protected nature conservation areas of national importance Main lines of action: - The general objectives of the Water Framework Directive (Directive 2000/60/ EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy, hereinafter: WFD"), should be achieved through the planning of water catchment area management (hereinafter “WCAM"), and leaving a required free buffer area (within the framework of cross-compliance) around the wet habitats. - Continuation of a nationwide survey of ex lege protected natural areas, arrangements for national records, establishment of register books and publishing data. Ensuring the administrative and operational conditions necessary to enforce ex lege protection. - Designation of the land portions classified as ex lege protected march, salt lakes or tumulus and earthwork not yet clearly defined. - In the case of ex lege protected tumuli and earthen fortification, strengthening cooperation with the cultural heritage protection area. Completion of the range of tumuli to be preserved under "Cross- Compliance", elaboration of support (agricultural, forestry) schemes in the case of tumuli and earthen fortification (grassland, grassland maintenance). - Simultaneous national status review and data collection in the case of tumuli and earthen fortification, use of the results to ensure the conditions for enforcing ex lege protection. Designation of ex lege protection by an official decision for the most endangered tumuli. - Continuation of the field survey of springs and sink-holes by defining the fulfilment of the criteria of 'ex lege' protection, and by deciding on them with an administrative decision and recording them in the real estate records.

3.5. Internationally designated areas

3.5.1 Ramsar sites Current status: In the context of the implementation of the Ramsar Convention, Hungary reported one new area of more than 9400 hectares for the list of wetland habitats of international importance since 2009. Thus the number of Ramsar sites in Hungary increased to 29, and their total area grew to approximately 260 thousand hectares (Table 11, Figure 4), which is more than 2% of the country's territory. 20 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

Table 11 - Wetland habitats of international interest in Hungary Description Area (ha) Falling within the scope of the Convention (extension) 1. Szaporca Ó-Dráva-riverbed 290 1979 2. Dinnyés Fertő and Velence Bird Reserve 946 1979 3. Kardoskút 492 1979 4. Mártély 2,247 1979 5. Upper Kiskunság salt plains 7,394 1979 (2003) 6. Pusztaszer 5,088 1979 7. Hortobágy 31,839 1979 (1997) 8. Kis-Balaton 14,974 1979 (1989) 9. Tata lakes (Before the extension: Tatai Öreg-tó [Tata Old Lake]) 1,898 1989 (2006) 10. Fertő Lake 8,436 1979 (1997) 11. Balaton (between 1 October and 30 April) 59,528 1989 12. Bodrogzug 4,220 1989 13. Ócsa 1,145 1989 14. Pacsmag fishing ponds 439 1997 15. Rétszilas fishing ponds 1,494 1997 16. Biharugra fishing ponds 2,781 1997 17. Gemenc 19,768 1997 18. Béda-Karapancsa 8,718 1997 19. Izsáki Kolon Lake 3,059 1997 20. Baradla 2,056 2001 21. Ipoly Valley 2,303 2001 22. Upper Tisza 26,935 2003 23. Csongrád Bokros Sós-tó 867 2003 24. Upper Kiskunság salt plains 12,849 2006 25. Rába Valley 9,552 2006 26. Nyirkai-Hany 419 2006 27. Borsod-Mezőség 18,471 2008 28. Montág Plain 2,187 2008 29. South Balaton fishing ponds and groves 9,510 2011 TOTAL 259,905 In the future implementation of the Convention, priority will be given to the development of existing Ramsar site for nature conservation purposes. The areas must be protected by using the legal possibilities provided by the protected natural area and the Natura 2000 network status, the EU and national support systems, and the means of communication, information dissemination and environmental education. In order to improve the nature conservation status of vulnerable water and floodplain habitats and species related to them, first of all habitat restoration interventions are needed to improve the water supply of the affected areas and to restore the original natural waterways. Additionally, other conditions that prevent the improvement of the naturalness and nature conservation status of habitats (e.g., invasive alien species, accelerated succession to human impact) must be eliminated. Main lines of action: - Restoration of affected habitats, continuation of restorations, long-term treatment conditions, creation of buffer areas where necessary by subtraction from intensive agro-production. - Launch of special, zonal target programmes (to protect wild geese and small game, reduce water run-offs/loads, protect boundaries and hiding spots, support the maintenance and operation of wet 21 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020. habitats), for better competitiveness of different land use modes and acceptance and as compensation for wild gees damage. - Improvement of the natural features of the salt lakes and their adequate management. - Detailed reports as required by the Ramsar Convention (every 3 years) and revision of the data sheets (every 6 years) of the areas designated as wet habitats of international importance under the Convention.

Figure 4 – Ramsar sites in Hungary

3.5.2 European Diploma Sites Current status: The Europe Diploma is awarded under the Berne Convention as the highest award for protected areas for the recognition of protected areas with biological, geological and/or landscape values of European importance. The award was created in 1965 and is awarded by the Council of Europe. At present 70 sites of 26 countries (including three in Hungary) have already been granted this award. In Hungary, the Ipolytarnóc Fossils Nature Conservation Area, the Szénás Hills and volcanic formation of the Tihany Peninsula gained the European Diploma (Table 12).

22 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

Table 12 - European Diploma Sites in Hungary Description Date of Next revision date Area (ha) registration

1. Ipolytarnóc fossils 1995 2020 509.51 2. Szénás Hills 1995 2015 1,383.93 3. Volcanic formation of the Tihany 2003 2013 671.25 Peninsula TOTAL 2,564.70 A comprehensive review of the records of the European Diploma Sites was carried out in 2012. The European Diploma Sites were re-announced in the Rural Development Bulletin on 13 January 2013 as a communication from the Minister of Rural Development. Main lines of action: - Full compliance with the management requirements and recommendations formulated by the Council of Europe, proper management of the areas and retention of the designated status. - Compilation of annual country reports on the status of the European Diploma Sites and on the fulfilment of the recommendations of the Council of Europe on the basis of the report of the National Park Directorate responsible for Nature Conservation.

3.5.3 Biosphere reserves Current status: The Biosphere Reserve Network has been developing since 1976 under the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Programme (MAB). In Hungary until the end of the 1980s five biosphere reserves were designated: Aggtelek, Fertő Lake, Hortobágy, Kiskunság and Pilis biosphere reserves (Table 13). After a long pause, vibrant international diplomacy actions have taken place again in the protection of biosphere reserves. Our old professional plan was achieved on 11 July 2012, when the 23rd session of the UNESCO MAB International Council for the Coordination of Biosphere Reserves (ICC) granted the Hungarian-Croatian Mura-Drava-Danube Cross-Border Biosphere Reserve title, so now Hungary boasts six biosphere reserves (Figure 5). Prior to that, one of the outstanding achievements of the Hungarian EU Presidency in the first half of 2011 was that the Ministers of Environment of Austria, Croatia, Hungary, Serbia and Slovenia signed a pentalateral Declaration on the intention to create a cross-border biosphere reserve along the Mura, Drava and Danube, so the bilateral reserve may continue to expand. The first meeting of the member states was organized by Hungary. The Hungarian Representation of UNESCO and the Ministry of Agriculture have reorganized the MAB National Commission. Based on the reports of the national park directorates managing the reserves and the contribution of the Ministry of Rural Development, the periodic report on the reserves (a country report is prepared every 10 years) and submitted to UNESCO in 2013.

23 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

Figure 5 - Biosphere reserves in Hungary

Table 13- Biosphere reserves in Hungary Description Biosphere reserve Core area Year of (thousand hectares) (thousand hectares) approval 1. Aggtelek biosphere reserve 20.2 1.2 1979 2. Fertő Lake biosphere reserve 12.6 4.1 1979 3. Hortobágy biosphere reserve 55.1 5.1 1979 4. Kiskunság biosphere reserve 12.5 2.3 1979 5. Pilis biosphere reserve 25.2 9.8 1980 6. Mura-Dráva-Duna cross-border 57.4 30.6 2012 biosphere reserve TOTAL 183.7 49.6

Main lines of action: - Extending the Hungarian-Croatian cooperation in the operation of the common biosphere reserve. Supporting the designation of the bilateral Hungarian initiative as a pentalateral effort, preserving our role and activity as the leading country. - Modernisation our first-generation biosphere reserves in accordance with the new zoning and management aspects submitted to the UNESCO Scientific Board and preserving the biosphere reserve title. - Further strengthening the coexistence of the “man and biosphere" of the biosphere reserve with

24 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020. regard to various actions and social acceptance.

3.5.4 Geoparks Current status: The UNESCO Geoscience Section proclaimed its geopark programme in 1997, and the European Geopark Network (hereinafter referred to as EGN) was established in 2000, aiming to protect geodiversity, promote our geosciences heritage, and develop geotourism. It is important that this should be done in partnership with local communities. There are two geo parks in Hungary that are recognised by the EGN and the Global Geopark Network (hereinafter: GGN) (Table 14.) Table 14 - Geoparks in Hungary Description Year of approval Novohrad – Nógrád Geopark (cross border) 2010 Bakony-Balaton Geopark 2012

Geoparks, though not territorial or organisationally, are considered as an official nature conservation category, play an important role in the Hungarian geological nature conservation. Main lines of action: - To maintain the geopark title and thus the membership of European (EGN) and international (GGN) network, to strengthen the relationship between the geopark organizations and the national park directorates involved in their area of operation, as necessary.

3.5.5 World heritage areas Current status: The Act LXXVII of 2011 on the World Heritage (hereinafter: World Heritage) defines tasks for the natural park directorate whenever Hungarian World Heritage Sites are affected in terms of nature conservation (overlapping with a protected natural area or Natura 2000 site). As a result of this law, the National Park Directorate is considered a World Heritage Site Manager or it must cooperate with the World Heritage Management in landscape and nature conservation matters. Landscape and nature conservation are represented in the UNESCO Hungarian National Commission, World Heritage Sub- Commission with Ministry delegates and delegates of the national park directorates concerned. Of the 8 World Heritage Site in Hungary 5 are extremely important in terms of landscape and nature conservation (table 15.) During the review of the candidate Wold Heritage Sites required under the World Heritage Act Hungary proposed maintaining the candidate World Heritage status for the Buda Thermal Karst Cave systems and the Ipolytarnóc Fossils, nominated earlier in the category of nature by Nature Conservation officials. Main lines of action: - Maintaining the World Heritage titles and successful mandatory cooperation. - Cooperation with cultural heritage protection in order to obtain the World Heritage title for the candidate World Heritage sites nominated in the category of Nature.

25 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

Table 15 - World Heritage Sites in Hungary Description Date of addition to the Character World Heritage List 1. Budapest Danube bank landscape, Buda Castle 1987 cultural district, Andrassy út and its historic environment. 2. Hollókő old village and its surrounding 1987 cultural landscape* 3. Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst Caves* 1995 natural 4. The one thousand year old Pannonhalma 1996 cultural Benedictine Abbey and its direct natural surroundings. 5. Hortobágy National Park-Puszta (Plain) 1999 cultural – cultural landscape 6. Pécs ancient Christian chambers 2000 cultural 7. Fertő / Neusiedlersee cultural landscape* 2001 cultural – cultural landscape 8. Tokaj historic wine region* 2002 cultural – cultural landscape * World Heritage Site of outstanding importance in terms of landscape and nature conservation.

3.5.6 Dark Sky Parks Current status: The International Dark Sky Association (hereinafter IDA) founded the title of „International Dark Sky Park” in 2006. The primary objective of establishing this network is to maintain the view of the dark sky for the future generations. Another important objective is to draw attention to the undesirable effects of light pollution on wildlife and landscape. Those areas may apply for this title where light pollution at night is negligible and where the natural specificities may be maintained. The two Hungarian dark sky parks are illustrated in table 16. Table 16 - Dark Sky Parks in Hungary Name Year of Maintaining organisation foundation Zselic Dry Sky Park 2009 Duna-Dráva National Park Directorate, Hungarian Astronomy Association Hortobágy Dark Sky Park 2011 Hortobágy National Park Directorate

26 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

Main lines of action: - Establishing a professional body for effective and coordinated activities in protection against light pollution and for awareness building. - The requirements on light pollution and light load should be integrated into the legal regulations on nature conservation and on other, non nature conservation aspects (e.g., nature conservation management plans). - Identification of new dark sky sites acceptable to IDA (dark sky communities, parks or reserves, nature parks).

3.6. Nature parks

Current status: A nature park is a regional development cooperation of local governments NGOs and the population based on the preservation of natural values which contributes to the preservation of nature and landscape values, job creation and improvement of the quality of life of the population through the development of eco-tourism and presentation of local attractions, natural assets, folk culture and traditions. The use of the nature park title requires the consent of the minister responsible for nature conservation pursuant to Section 29/A of the Nature Conservation Act. Nature preservation protection for the particular site is not a prerequisite for using the title. At the moment there are 8 nature parks in the country, recognised by the minister (table 17.). At present the nature parks extend to 3.9% of the territory of Hungary. Table 17 - Nature Parks in Hungary Nature parks recognised by the Year of Area (ha) minister foundation Vértes Nature Park 2005 35,838 Írottkő Nature Park 2006 20,119 Sokoró-Pannontáj Nature Park 2006 62,670 Cserhát Nature Park 2009 38,260 Szatmár-Bereg Nature Park 2010 103,802 Hét Patak Gyöngye Nature Park 2011 10,177 Gerecse Nature Park 2013 79,611 Koppánymente Nature Park 2014 16,421

In addition to the nature parks entitled to use the title there are further 13 proposals for the nature park title, as indicated below: Bakonyalja Nature Park, Ipolymente-Börzsöny Nature Park, Budakörnyék Nature Park Dél-Heves Nature Park, Kerka-Mente Nature Park, Körösök Völgye Nature Park, Nagyberek Nature Park, Nagykanizsa Nature Park, Nagy-Milic Nature Park, Őrség- Vendvidék Nature Park, Pinkamenti Nature Park, Ráckeve Kis-Duna Nature Park, Sopron- Hegység Nature Park.

27 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

Main lines of action: - Development of a new nature park concept - definition of the future of nature parks and their role in nature conservation and rural development. - Development and entry into force of legal norm with detailed rules on the conditions of establishment a nature park (according to the terms and conditions developed and accepted in international practice) and on the mould of granting and withdrawal of the title and control of operation.

3.7. Species protection

Current status: The amendments of the Decree of the Minister of Environmental Protection 13/2001 of 9 May on the protected and strictly protected plant and animal species were published in 2012 and 2013 (in Decrees of the Minister of Rural Development 100/2012 of 28 September and 83/2013 of 25 September). The agreement signed by the public and civil representatives of the nature conservation and game management sector in February 2012 constituted one of the important pillars of the modifications. In addition to the obligation arising from the accession to the EU by Croatia, the other main pillar of the modification included full compliance with the list of protected species with the EU nature conservation directives and the review of the species of the basis of their actual endangered status and new scientific results (partly related to classification). As a result of the revision between 2009-2013 the number of protected and strictly protected plant species increased by 13, that of fungi and lichen species grew by 32 and the number of animal species rose by 173. The number of increasing protected species increased by 49 (Table 18.).

Main lines of action: - Regular monitoring of the nature conservation status of endangered species and species requiring protection for other aspects and granting protected designation if required. - Extending the information about the species.

3.8. Landscape structure, type and potential protection, preservation of individual landscape values.

Current status: The main responsibility of landscape protection is to preserve the valuable elements of the landscape character (landscape), the traditional landscape structure in line with the natural characteristics the performing capacity (potential) of the landscape and its favourable aesthetic characteristics and thereby maintain the diversity of the landscape. In the current legal environment the public tasks of landscape protection relate primarily to the protection of natural and semi-natural state of landscapes, the aesthetic characteristics and type of landscapes and the natural systems and individual landscape values and are also limited to those aspects. The expansion of the settlement areas did not stop during the NNCMP-III period. The reduction of biologically active surfaces affecting the environmental status of settlements and the local climate conditions continued and, simultaneously, there was no improvement in the unfavourable ratio of

28 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020. biologically inactive surfaces. During the NNCMP-III planning period the nature conservation and the landscape protection tasks were extended to the reduction of light pollution and the preservation of the view of the dark sky, but the visibility of dark sky continued to decrease further apart from the interventions related to the dark sky parks.

Table 18 - Number of protected and strictly protected species in Hungary 2009 2013 Description protected species of which strictly protected species of which strictly (no.) protected (no.) protected Fungi 35 – 58 – Lichens 8 – 17 – Plants Mosses 79 – 77 – Ferns 45 2 44 7 Gymnosperms 1 1 1 1 Angiosperms 595 68 611 79 Total plants 720 71 733 87 Animals invertebrates 513 32 692 57 vertebrates 482 105 476 129 cyclostomes 2 2 3 3 fish 31 5 31 7 amphibians 18 – 18 1 reptiles 15 3 15 5 birds 361 81 352 95 mammals 55 14 57 18 Total animal 995 137 1,168 186 Anthills 6 – 6 –

At present the landscape character and landscape potential can be protected through the regulatory requirements of spatial planning and physical planning instruments, individual administrative proceeding and nature conservation authority position statements. Due to the gaps in the legal environment there were many spontaneous landscape transformation processes, often driven by investor intentions totally neglecting ecological aspects, which must be reduced due to the processes indicated above. The initiatives received from the investors must be directed in a physical planning or spatial planning document through a review and they must be directed to areas suitable for the particular investment. Such a practice could be professionally and transparently based on the landscape character type classification system of landscapes and the national landscape inventory prepared accordingly, which has been the objective of landscape protection for a long time but has not yet been prepared. The variation in landscape diversity could also be monitored in the national landscape inventory. The individual landscape values are important components of the landscape heritage. The method of assessing individual landscape values are described in the MSZ 20381:2009 Nature Conservation 29 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

Standard. Individual Landscape Value cadastre. The assessment and registration of individual landscape values are the responsibility of the national park directorates, yet the physical planning documents must contain a list of individual landscape values available in the planning area. The central record contain the individual landscape value assessment of the total administrative area of 901 settlements, so in the whole country the degree of processing is 28.5% (Table 19.). Of the 901 settlements 356 settlements were assessed during the NNCMP-III planning period. The landscape value cadastre (EVCA) programme within the framework of which the assessment of 486 settlements was reviewed and the individual landscape values of 210 settlements were assessed gave a huge momentum to the survey. In spring 2013 the records contained detailed descriptions of 20,920 individual landscape values. The individual landscape value module of the nature conservation information system was prepared in 2011 on the basis of the contents of the data form included in the MSZ 20381:2009 Standard. From 2012 the module has also contained data about the degree of protection and status of the recorded landscape values. According to the completed analyses approximately 10% of the assessed landscape values are in a bad shape and approximately 50% are endangered. The bad condition is most frequently the result of lack care and maintenance.

Table 19 - Number of settlements assessed within the framework of individual landscape value cadastre (status as at 1 October 2014) Number of Number of Number of assessed National Park all assessed settlements as a percentage Directorate settlements settlements of all settlements (%) (number) (number) Aggtelek NPD 242 234 96.7 Balaton-felvidék 544 66 12.1 NPD Bükk NPD 365 152 41.6 Duna–Dráva NPD 593 88 14.8 Duna–Ipoly NPD 394 82 20.8 Fertő–Hanság NPD 176 96 54.5 Hortobágy NPD 390 89 22.8 Kiskunság NPD 142 47 33 Körös-Maros NPD 106 40 37.7 Őrség NPD 221 49 22.1 TOTAL 3,173 943 29.7

Main lines of action: - Integration of the individual landscape value registration into the physical planning processes, review of the nature conservation laws and MSZ 20381:2009 standard and its alignment with the electronic records. 30 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

- Assessment of the individual landscape values by settlements and individual landscape value types, with more intensive involvement of local communities. - Updating the NCIS individual landscape module. - Preservation and improvement of the visibility of dark sky free of any light pollution. - Further directions in Chapter 8.7. Indicators of the measures included in chapter 3: - Number of areas and values under nature conservation protection. - Number of areas affected by nature conservation interventions and habitat restoration. - Ratio of entering legal aspects with nature conservation content into the authentic property records. - Number of completed maintenance plans. - Ratio of species in a favourable improving and unknown nature conservation situation based on the current assessment of the nature conservation situation of species of community interest. - Ratio of legal nature records and cancellation in percentage within all records. - Changes in the ratio of the areas classified as grassland on the Natura 2000 sites. - Size of areas eligible for Natura 2000 compensation (hectare) and increase in the payments (by branch of cultivation). - Preservation of the classifications and titles in areas with international designations, changes in the ratio of areas with international designations. - Number of individual landscape values. - Other nature conservation indicators are included in Chapter 8.7.

31 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

4. Management, maintenance and guarding of areas and natural values under nature conservation protection

4.1. Asset management with a focus on nature conservation

Current status: The primary objective of asset management with a focus on nature conservation is to achieve nature conservation public objectives on state-owned areas, to protect live and inanimate natural values, landscape and cultural historic values, the condition and value of natural assets and to increase their value in a sustainable manner. According to the situation on 31 December 2013 the total size of protected natural areas and areas planned to be protected, managed by the natural park directorates (herein after directorates) was 294,212.7 hectares, of which 61% was grassland 10% was arable land and 29% belonged to other ranches of cultivation (Table 20). The directorates involve farmers for nature conservation management on almost 53% of the areas managed by them, i.e. 155,979.4 hectares, through concluded lease agreements. The animal stock consisting of indigenous and endangered animal species (Hungarian grey cattle, Hungarian Simmental cattle, Hungarian buffalo, cikta, tsigai etc.) protected by the directorates, grazing on the grassland with adequate animal density and animal species has a key role in the asset management activities with a focus on nature conservation and in nature conservation management. The number of animals managed by the directorate is continuously increasing yet at a slower pace, and has by now exceeded 10,000. The nature conservation interests may be enforced most effectively by exercising the asset management rights, according to which an increase in the protected natural areas protected by the directorates continues to be and objective. The establishment and development of a sustainable environmentally friendly pool of equipment and infrastructure required for the nature conservation management tasks of the directorates and improvement of the conditions of animal farming are also important tasks. Establishing and maintaining an animal stock for the nature conservation and maintenance of the areas managed by the directorates is fundamentally important in order to maintain the favourable natural condition of the areas. The directorates must appear in front of the actors of the region with exemplary practical semi- natural management activities, further enhancing their currently fulfilled roles and momentary gains can never be given preference against ecological objectives. When the 10-year long conservation asset management plans approved in 2007 expire, arrangements must be made for the review of the achievement of the set objectives and elaboration of new plans for all areas managed by the directorates, defining the ideal target situation and assessing the activities required for achieving the goal and also specifying a schedule for action. The directorates keep their asset management records and supply asset management data by using the NCIS asset management module, the development of which is a continuous task.

32 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

Table 20 - Size of protected natural areas and areas proposed for protection, managed by the natural park directorates (as at 31 December 2013) National Park Directorate Area (ha)

Aggtelek National Park Directorate 13,143.4

Balaton-felvidék National Park Directorate 13,286.5 Bükk National Park Directorate 30,664.5 Duna-Dráva National Park Directorate 18,114.7 Duna-Ipoly National Park Directorate 15,292.9 Fertő-Hansági National Park Directorate 12,266.3 Hortobágy National Park Directorate 101,859.0 Kiskunság National Park Directorate 53,105.1 Körös-Maros National Park Directorate 32,745.9 Őrség National Park Directorate 3,734.4

TOTAL 2942.7

Main lines of action: - Increasing the protected natural areas managed by the directorates, keeping a staff proportionate in size with the managed area and maintaining a sustainable and environmentally friendly infrastructure. - Establishment and maintenance of an animal stock required for continued nature conservation on land managed by the directorates. - Integration of activities relating to the maintenance of land managed by the directorate, not related to the grazing or fodder supply of the animal stock but mostly performed with asset management instruments into the nature conservation asset management plans (elimination of shrubs, grooming, reduction of invasive species in another ways etc.). - Updating the 10-year nature conservation asset management plans of the directorates. Indicators: - Size of protected natural areas and natural areas proposed for protection managed by the natural park directorates. - Degree of improvement/ increase in the ecological condition and the stock of protected species on the area managed by the natural park directorates. - Number of animals in the animal stock managed by the natural park directorates.

4.2. Guarding

Current status The main responsibility of the state park ranger service is to guard, protect and prevent damages on the approximately 850,000 hectares of protected natural areas of national

33 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020. importance, more than 1,2 million hectares of Natura 2000 sites outside the protected natural areas, the ex lege protected areas and the approximately 1900 plant and animal species as well as to guard and prevent damages on 45,000 archaeological sites, registered outside the settlement territories (Table 21). At the moment the national park directorates employ 245 public nature conservation rangers, who wear uniforms and are equipped with hand guns while they are in service and can act with sufficient administrative authorisations. Thus each nature conservation ranger is responsible on average for 372 km2 area of operation, including 3,400 hectares of protected natural area of natural importance and 4,600 hectares of Natura 2000 sites outside of the protected natural areas of national importance as well as 180 archaeological sites. Consequently, each nature conservation ranger performs specific guarding tasks on approximately 8,000 hectares.

Table 21 - Data of the state park ranger service of the national park directorates (March 2013) National Park Area of Protected Natura Number of Area of Protected natural Natura 2000 Directorate operation nature 2000 area rangers operation/person area/person site/person (hectares) conservation (ha) (number) (hectare/person) (hectare/person) (hectare/person) areas (ha) * area (ha/person) Aggtelek 433,739 54,455 181,303 16 27,109 3,403 11,331 Balaton- felvidék 1,003,400 74,021 252,193 21 47,781 3,525 12,009 Bükk 893,761 124,234 255,799 34 26,287 3,654 7,524 Duna-Dráva 1,284,100 97,273 202,449 32 40,128 3,040 6,327 Duna-Ipoly 1,353,600 124,508 267,608 35 38,674 3,557 7,646 Fertő-Hanság 408,700 47,191 88,206 13 31,438 3,630 6,785 Hortobágy 1,776,300 144,128 358,809 40 44,408 3,603 8,970 Kiskunság 1,004,300 82,038 168,142 26 38,627 3,155 6,467 Körös-Maros 801,200 51,410 146,952 19 42,168 2,706 7,734 Őrség 343,900 48,882 73,505 9 38,211 5,431 8,167 TOTAL / average 9,303,000 848,140 1,994,966 245 37,971 3,462 8,143 * without the “ex lege” protected natural areas

Since 2005 the administrative guarding of archaeological sites and finds has been a legislative obligation of the nature conservation ranger service. That is a considerable additional task. Due to lack of funding no good practice could be developed to perform this task over the past few years, and therefore adequate financial and personal conditions are required in order to protect our county’s archaeological heritage. The tasks of the ranger service are increasing continuously, while their staff is not changing and the funding from the budge from the employing directorates is also gradually being cut. They must also face new challenges in the nature conservation guarding service, which include illegal waste dumping on protected natural areas, arson, poisoning protected animals, collection of protected plants without authorisation, illegal terrain biking and quad use, or tree felling without authorisation. The protection of Natura 2000 sites is another extraordinary obligation, in relation to which Hungary must report to the European Union. In the current situation the activities of the nature conservation ranger service include nature conservation management and other activities and the performance of the tasks of the directorates in the field.

34 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

The modification of the legal regulation concerning the activities of individuals performing certain law enforcement tasks adopted on 1 January 2013 fundamentally changed of the administrative activities of nature conservation rangers as well, which should be reviewed again in the context of nature conservation safeguarding services and nature conservation management. Citizens can assist the activities of ranger voluntarily, without any remuneration, as civil rangers. The natural values can be preserved successfully only if society takes part in it in a greater extent than today. At the moment 700 civil rangers operate in the country. The low headcount figure of the ranger service also limits the number of civil nature guards who may be sufficiently supervised and assigned with tasks. If the headcount figure of the rangers could be increased more civil rangers could be involved in the public nature conservation tasks. Between 2015 and 2020 the headcount figure of the ranger service must be doubled in order to be proportionate with the increased tasks, because that is the only way to protect Hungary’s assets and perform the tasks arising from the EU membership. Main lines of action: - Increasing the headcount figure of rangers by at least 200. - The heritage protection obligations are the other reason to improve financial and personnel conditions. - Supply of equipment proportionate to the tasks of nature conservation guarding (supply of cameras in key areas and in facilities requiring continuous guarding, installation of the necessary Wi-Fi equipment). Indicators: - Headcount figure of state park ranger service. - Number of rangers on one hectare of protected natural area, number of nature conservation guards on one hectare of Natura 2000 sites. - Number and average age of the technical devices used by the ranger service.

4.3. Restoration of the level of protection

Current status: Act XCIII of 1995 on the Restoration of the Level of Protection of Protected Natural Areas (hereinafter: Protection Restoration Act) entered into force on 25 November 1995 as a result of a Constitutional Court decision 28/1994 of 20 May. By the end of 2013 of approximately 250,000 hectares of protected natural areas and natural areas proposed for protection also previously falling within the scope of the Protection Restoration Act approximately 150,000 hectares were transferred into state ownership. The progress in the restoration of the level of protection depends on the availability of budget resources required for the acquisition by the state and the capacities of the natural park directorates that may be allocated to the task. During the implementation period of NNCMP-III the following budget resources were available for the implementation of the Protection Restoration Act.

35 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

Table 22 - Budget resources for the implementation of the Protection Restoration Act

Year 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Funding* 52.0 28.8 467.8 1,144.2 1,394.2 *based(HUF on the m)annual budget acts and the data of the government decisions containing the budgetary restatements for the implementation of the Protection Restoration Act

Table 22 clearly shows that from 2011 the budget funding available for the national park directorates for the implementation of the Protection Restoration Act has been higher than ever before. In practice this means that by the end of the implementation period of NNCMP-III more than 5000 hectares of protected natural area can be acquired by the state and managed by the national park directorates. Simultaneously with the land acquisition the eligible persons will receive full receive full financial compensation and therefore the fundamental right to property may not be violated. In addition to the legal obligations the implementation of the Protection Restoration Act is the only effective instrument to eliminate false or seemingly illegal land use and possession conditions, i.e., false contracts. Part of the areas falling within the scope of the Protection Restoration Act to be acquired by the state will be allocated to local resident private individuals pursuing actual farming activities under contracts for use and lease, thus helping local animal farmer obtain land. Main lines of action: - Extension of the 31 December 2015 implementation deadline of the Protection Restoration Act. - Scheduled supply of budget resources required for implementation. - Review of the alternative methods of compensation and their application as required. - Priority to compensation of eligible individuals. Indicators: - Size of the areas to be acquired by the state. - Size of the available budget resources. - Variation in arable land prices (also in view of the land market liberalisation in 2014).

4.4. Forestry asset management

Current status: The nature conservation principles pertaining to the maintenance and protection of forests can be implemented in a complex way with a planning control system (nature conservation management plans, district forest plans and related administrative system) as well as support to the economic operators. Support is broadly available in silviculture with EU co-financing and from the national support framework, including forestry and environmental measures (nine target programmes) and compensation support for forest management on Natura 2000 forest sites. During the NNDBP-II period important nature conservation titles were introduced for the compensation support for afforestation and forests situated on Natura 2000 sites as well as voluntarily

36 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020. undertaken forest environmental payment. The payments under those titles have been made and are still in progress. The management and the maintenance of state-owned forest sites managed by the directorates represent a special management and operation task for the national park directorates. The size of the areas in the branch of forest operation, managed by the national park directorates increased from approximately 33,000 hectares to more than 40,000 hectares during the planning period. Compared to silviculture activities conducted in non-protected forests, this forest management for nature conservation purposes represents forest preservation and management tasks, the primary objectives of which are to maintain and expand the biodiversity of the managed forests and to enforce the criteria of nature conservation. The procedures of traditional forest management (e.g., felling trees) are only instruments but not objectives of that activity. Naturally, felling trees and reinvesting any proceeds is another important supplementary objective to support nature conservation activities. The introduction of large scale forest management technologies with continuous forest coverage and their model presentation are professional nature conservation objectives. The reduction of areas managed in the cutting mode and increase in the area managed with the transforming mode without any timber production progressed in a favourable direction during the planning period in terms of nature conservation (Figure 6). Forest reserves, representing forest areas aimed at protecting natural or semi-natural forest communities, free flow of natural processes and the continuation of long term forest ecological research (section 29 (3) of the Nature Conservation Act) are special model areas of nature conservation in forests. In the first half of the 1990s 63 areas were designated as forest reserves. The ministerial decrees designating the selected areas as forest reserves has been published since 2000. Between 2009-2014 one Decree of the Minister of Environmental Protection and Water Management 4/2009 of 10 April was published on the designation of Kőszegi-forrás forest reserve, the establishment of West Mecsek landscape protection area and the establishment of Kőszegi-forrás forest reserve. To date the minister responsible for nature conservation designated 55 areas as forest reserves totalling 11,529 hectares and specified nature conservation management rules for such sites. However, within the total territory of the forest reserves natural processes take place without any human intervention only on 3,600 hectares of the core area. Consequently this is what is considered a forest reserve in an international sense representing just 0.2% of the total forest area in Hungary. The Hungarian national forest reserve committee issues position statements on forest planning and management issues of the protected zones of the forest reserves, which the authorities and economic operators take into account.

37 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

Figure 6 - Breakdown of the forest territory of the country by mode of operation in hectares (only forest segments) (Source: NFCSO Forestry Directorate) Main lines of action: - Introduction of management methods which assist the implementation of nature conservation objectives better than the previously applied methods. - Maintenance and abandonment of dead trees to be left in the forest, drying standing trees and old hollow trees for insect species feeding on dead wood and bat species living in hollows, included in the protected and Natura 2000 qualifying species. - Forest structure transformation in the areas managed by the directorate. - Consistency between forest management and nature conservation management during professional forest management on protected natural areas and on Natura 2000 sites. - Establishment of a network of forest areas to be maintained without any disturbance also on all managed areas. - Elaboration and introduction of regulations for the planning and settlement system of forest management for nature conservation purposes at the national park directorates. - Granting exemption from the obligation to pay forest protection contribution in the case of rehabilitation for nature conservation purposes at least on protected natural areas and on Natura 2000 sites. - Approximation of the forest management and the nature conservation objectives to the more extensive national and EU support systems. - Closing of the announcement of the sites designated as forest reserves. Indicators: - A variation of the forest territory of Hungary. - Total area covered by forests managed according to the selection, transformation and non-productive 38 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020. methods (with continuous forest coverage). - Breakdown of the forest area according to the primary purpose. - Breakdown of the natural categories of forests. - Breakdown of indigenous species on Hungarian forest areas. - Number of qualifying insect species relating to forests and feeding on dead wood in protected / Natura 2000 areas. - Stock of bats living in holes.

4.5 Wildlife management

Current status: 21 hunting sites involving in total 155,000 hectares fall within the scope of hunting rights of the National Park Directorates. In addition to the major damage caused to forest management and agriculture, the nationally increasing large game stock cause also major damages to protected natural areas and values while simultaneously the volume of the small game stock is falling at a warring pace. In terms of nature conservation purposes, the hunting areas falling within the hunting rights of the directorates are used for special purposes, where the protection of the protected natural areas and values is also a responsibility in addition to the purposeful use. At the hunting sites hunting and game management is not an objective but an instrument of nature conservation asset management and therefore all interventions must be subordinated to nature conservation purposes and interests. Game may only be hunted to prevent and reduce undesirable activities (e.g., nature conservation damage, forest and agricultural damages) to regulate the stock and for health reasons. On protected natural areas and on Natura 2000 sites intensive forest game management is contrary to the purposes of the sites and therefore is not a desirable activity, also including the establishment of game preserves. In order to protect the qualifying habitats, increased attention must be dedicated to large game hunting on Natura 2000 sites. Games are part of the forest and therefore game management is required by taking into account the bearing capacity of the area. Without that any silviculture based on the natural processes of a forest renewal is impeded. In a long term it is desirable to have a stock with which the forest can be renewed naturally without using any fences to keep the game off. This objective can only be achieved with a national large game reduction programme because the size of the hunting areas covered by the hunting rights of the directorates is only a fraction of the Hungarian large game hunting areas, and therefore only local results can be achieved there. Main lines of action: - The number of large game on the protected natural areas (primarily protected forests) must be approximated to the game bearing capacity of the sites (reduction). - The wild-boar population needs to be reduced drastically in order to protect the flora and fauna e.g. Meadow Viper) of the grasslands bordering the scrubs and other dense areas. - In order to protect small game, field and water habitat development must be supported on the

39 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020. protected areas. Indicators: - Size of the areas covered by the hunting rights of the national park directorates. - Large game population. - Hungarian population of hares, partridges and Greylag Geese on the hunting areas of the directorates.

4.6 Fishery management

Hungary can boast with a fish stock of approximately 90 fish species, but the ratio of indigenous species is only two-thirds of that figure. In a number of natural and semi-natural waters the non- indigenous species, earlier imported or brought in for production purposes with a number of invasive species make up a large portion of the total population. Unfortunately, this ratio is not significantly better in waters where the fishery management right of the state is exercised by the national park directorates or a business association supervised by them. It is very difficult to stop the dissemination of invasive alien fish species because they are very efficient in reproduction and their spawns and offsprings reach almost all waters and take up living space there. One especially endangered group of our fishes are the species constituting the fauna of the hill streams, (e.g., Barbus peloponnesius, common minnow, stone loach), which are mostly at risk by the major shortage of water, which occurs due to the varying climate. This impact can be reduced only with adequate habitat development and water replenishment and offset with carefully planned re-installation programmes. A lot can and must be done to protect another endangered group, the species living in swamps and march habitats in all areas managed by the national parks and in the respective fishery management areas because by protecting the habitats an preventing non-indigenous fish species from reaching these waters as well as eliminating certain invasion water plants the endangered species can be saved (e.g., crucian carp, tench, European mud minnow, weatherfish). It is an obvious process that on the Hungarian natural waters, the importance of fishing is decreasing, while angling is becoming more important. However, with nature conservation management fishing cannot always be applied in certain areas of a particular water and therefore in such cases (e.g., Fertő Lake) more regulated fishery management may be required. If the utilisation of the fish stock fits the protection objectives, developments are still required that increase the size of the fish population available for fishing by promoting natural propagation and, if there are no other methods, by adding fish. At the same time, the alteration of the structure of the populations introduced to a particular habitat and optimisation of the composition of species and age are important tasks. It is very important to install indigenous fish species in water where the fishery management rights are exercised by the national park directorate only to such an extent that is in line with the preservation of natural values. Main lines of action: - Continuation of the natural fish fauna and indigenous fish population and desirable fish species structure of the waters with habitat protection, habitat restoration and, when required, artificial propagation and release of fish species. - In areas falling within the fishery management rights of the national park directorates or organisations supervised by them the welfare areas need to be designated and, when required,

40 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020. declared as areas used for special purposes. - Support to habitat development in protected areas in order to protect the fish population of the mountain and marsh and swamp habitats. - Promotion of natural reproduction of fish population, establishment and restoration of spawning sites and fish nurseries, assisting the fish population in surviving the winter (protection of nesting places and cutting holes in ice). - When fish are released into waters, it is important that they should only include specimen of indigenous species in the case of natural or semi-natural waters. In indigenous (e.g., carp) mainly their natural types are used for release (Tisza carp), Velence lake wild carp, Danube wild carp, Balaton carp). The propagation of these carp types, declared as national assets should also be encouraged by the state in order to be able to produce offsprings required to be releases into waters. Indicators: - Size of areas falling within the scope of fishery management rights of national park directorates. - Number of hilly stream and marsh habitat restorations. - Ratio of indigenous spawns in the case of fish release. - Selectively caught quantity of alien invasive fish species.

4.7 Habitat preservation 4.7.1 Habitat restoration

Current status: The natural environment and the bio-system are exposed to increasing effects due to the gradually increasing space, energy and material demand of society. The most important danger factors include the reduction and fragmentation as well as decay of habitats, environmental pollution, excessive utilisation resulting from inadequate land use, the dissemination of invasive species and climate change. In relation to the preservation of bio-diversity and sustainable use of its components the protection of habitats preservation, improvement and restoration of their nature conservation position are extremely important. As a signatory party of international conventions, Hungary also undertook obligations in that respect. The wetland restorations of outstanding importance in the previous period have started to put a stop to the decay of habitats combining individual values and biocoenosis of the Carpathian basin and to restore the previous situation. With the help of the European Union funds made available between 2007 and 2013 (ERDF, LIFE) habitat restoration and development interventions took place on approximately 5 % of the Natura 2000 sites and on approximately 10% of the protected natural sites of national importance. (approx. 102,000 hectares). In addition, the habitats of numerous animal and plant species of outstanding importance (e.g., Great Bustard, Meadow Viper, Dianthus diutinus, etc.). In objective 2 or the EU biodiversity strategy until 2020 (EU BSS) the EU set a requirement for the restoration of at least 15% of the degraded ecosystems of ecological functions, the definition of existing and potential green infrastructure components and the establishment of the necessary policies and regulations required for it.

41 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

Main lines of action: - The habitat rehabilitation and restoration activities (e.g., re-establishment of grassland, restoration of wet habitat) needs to be continued, regularly monitored and supported, completed restorations need to be maintained and the funds required for sustaining the achieved conditions need to be provided. - In the future rehabilitation and restoration tasks outstanding attention must be paid to the impacts of climate change on habitats and cohabiting species as well as individual species, especially focusing on the restoration of the water balance and improvement of the water supply of wet and flood plain habitats with vulnerable water balance. - In the case of wetland restoration and rehabilitation, preference must be given to regional water management and water retention solutions by increasing the ground water level, in line with the potential buffering of the climate change effects by integrating the WFD ideas into the WCAM and by completing the required switches in land use methods (abandoning certain deep areas, regularly affected by ground water) compared to previously applied flooding surrounded by dams. - By 2020 coordinated habitat restoration must be performed on at least 15% of the degraded ecosystems of ecological functions. - In relation to the restoration the processes leading to damages in certain natural values need to be held back, including the dissemination of invasive species and fast progress of shrub development and eutrophication processes. Indicators: - Number and territory of habitat restoration and rehabilitation activities (ha). - Sizes (in hectares) of Natura 2000 sites and protected natural areas affected by habitat restoration developments and management infrastructure development. - 15% habitat restoration indicators (e.g., reconstructed area, rehabilitated species).

4.7.2 Ecosystem services Current status: The condition of the goods and services of which nature provides for the human society which men use in life directly or indirectly, is vital to human health and well-being. Nature and its conservation activities (due to biodiversity protection) provide natural goods (so-called ecosystem goods and ecosystem services, which are the terms used from 1981 replacing the “environmental services”, which was use before from 1970) and consequential benefits to people. Each citizen uses ecosystem services and therefore their maintenance and financing is common interest and responsibility. In terms of the continuation of the Carpathian basin living space and human communities, natural and ecological services (and the natural and ecosystem goods created by them), are as important as technological services. In other words: natural or ecosystem services are the benefits of natural goods and functions that are useful for the human societies. Their replacement is wasteful and pointless, and often leads to failure. The ecosystem services can be classified artificially in order to regulate their understanding and prevention as well as development. The service types are as follows: maintenance services (supporting the processes of other service types); provisioning services (raw material supply, food supply, water supply, etc.); regulating services (regulating climate, illnesses, water flows and waste); cultural services (e.g., library service providing access to awareness building publications,

42 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020. websites, portals for everyone, forests suitable for recreation)1. However, in reality the ecosystem services are provable and measurable benefits of complex habitat systems that are based on the many thousands of years of balance of bio-diversity and inanimate natural environment. In order to ensure their operability and continuation, we must handle a natural capital carefully and maintain any existing bio-diversity. In addition to the directly measurable economic benefits of nature conservation – employment and eco-tourism –, bio-diversity entails further economic benefits by making comparable the expected losses of reduction of the ecosystem services to the costs of effective measures supporting preservation. The objective set for the NNCMP-III planning period of making citizens aware that any nature conservation activity provides natural benefits has not been achieved fully. Main lines of action: - Mapping, evaluating research and publication of Hungarian ecosystems and their services. - Establishment of a strategic framework for the restoration of ecosystems. - Review of the sustainability of activities not desirable for the status of the environment of ecosystem services, elaboration and use of environmentally friendly technologies. Indicators: - A map, status indicators and estimated values of ecosystems and their services. - Media coverage presenting ecosystem services. - Indicators of reconstructed ecosystems (e.g., reconstructed area, rehabilitated species, preserved biodiversity).

4.7.3 Green Infrastructure Current status: Green infrastructure is a new concept associated with the preservation of biodiversity. On the basis of a network of existing or planned components of natural and semi-natural habitats it aims at establishing and maintaining of operability of ecological and landscape ecological relations. Naturally, this approach goes beyond the network of protected natural areas and the ecological network. Green infrastructure is equally present in rural and urban environment, e.g., in the form of green surfaces in urban areas. The 2nd objective of the EU’s biodiversity strategy (EU BSS) sets a requirement for the definition of the existing and potential green infrastructure elements and the development of the required policy and regulatory framework. According to the existing territorial categories the backbone of the Hungarian green infrastructure may be the national ecological network consisting of protected natural areas and Natura 2000 sites and covering more than 36% of the territory of the country (see Chapter 6.6), but it goes far beyond them. A functionally operating, biologically active green surface system with high ecological value, which is an important factor not only for diversity but also for improving the quality of life of the settlement must be an important part of the green infrastructure network in settlements.

1 The latest classification merged the regulation & maintenance services together. (Ed.) 43 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

Main lines of action: - Laying down the scientific foundations of a green infrastructure concept. - Creating a spatial database describing the (suburban and urban) elements of Hungary’s green infrastructure and identification of the target areas requiring urgent intervention. - Elaboration of an instrument for the continued preservation of ecologically important landscape elements falling within the scope of nature conservation, required under cross compliance (alleys and groups of trees, not registered as forests, arboretums, parks and other tree-covered green areas, hedges, shrubs, edges and field margins). - Developing existing and potential green infrastructure elements; mitigating the adverse effects of climate change, and promoting adaptation to it, improving transferability between natural and semi- natural areas. Indicators: - Number of the Hungarian green infrastructure database elements (number and size of the assessed areas (hectares). - Number and territorial extension of interventions performed in relation to the green infrastructure concept (hectares).

4.8. Measures against invasive alien species

Current status: The rapidly increasing dissemination of invasive alien species, deliberately planted or accidentally brought into areas other than their natural habitat is one of the major factor imposing a threat to biodiversity. Having realised the threats represented by the invasive species, a number of Hungarian and international legal regulations and strategies set an objective of reducing, removing and preventing the dissemination of invasive alien species in order to preserve biodiversity, reduce economic damages and for health prevention purposes. The first European strategy combining the complex objectives and provisions in the protection against invasive species was adopted in the Bern Convention in 2003, which was also published in Hungarian in 2008 by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Water Management (MEPWM). As specified in the strategy, in Hungary work began on the collection and classification of research and management experience related to invasive species, based on which a Hungarian list of invasive species was also prepared. The list of invasive species imposing a threat to nature conservation currently contains 33 land and 8 water plant species, as well as 35 animal species. The list of species not yet established in Hungary but representing a potential threat contains 19 species. In the framework of the programmes of the National Biodiversity-Monitoring System numerous data of invasive species are collected for habitat mapping and biocoenosis monitoring, or the assessment of animal communities. On the basis of the analysis it may be concluded that the size of habitats populated by invasive species is increasing and the appearance of new species can be proved. Curbing the dissemination of trees of heaven (e.g., Ailanthus altissima) is a major silviculture challenge especially in forest with gaps (e.g., forest with gaps replacing grassland on sand). Within the framework of nature conservation management invasive plants were killed on large territories, affecting primarily protected natural areas. During the years a lot of practical methodology 44 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020. experience was collected in curbing and eliminating certain species, which will support more effective interventions in the future. On 9 September 2013 the European Union published its draft regulation on “the prevention and curbing of the establishment and dissemination of alien invasive species”, which was approved on 29 September 2014 following detailed discussions with the Member States.

The “Invasive species in Hungary” website was launched in the spirit of education and awareness building, providing information on problems caused by alien, invasive species and outlining the options of protection and prevention. In 2011, Hungary joined the Nature Watch Initiative of the European Environmental Agency as a testing country. The initiative is an on-line data collection programme for reporting the occurrence of invasive species. Main lines of action: - Representing Hungarian interests in the development of the legal act of the European Union against the invasive species, taking legal steps in Hungary required for the implementation of the approved legal regulation and elaboration of Hungarian strategy for invasive species. In the same context, regular updating of the list of species currently imposing a threat and extension of the list of species that are potential threats. - The elaboration of a prevention action plan for the species representing potential threats. Exploration of the potential dissemination routes of these species and elaboration of an early detection system. - Elaboration of the risk analysis methodology for the invasive properties of non-indigenous species, brought into the country for economic and trading purposes. - In the case of species that represent outstanding ecological risks in terms of nature conservation protection must be continued, increasing the size of treated areas and the number of species affected by the treatment, monitoring and limiting trade as and when necessary. - Strengthening the dissemination of education and awareness building relating to invasive species. - Development of close sectoral cooperation and institutional background across the country. Indicators: - Number of species that are provably potential threats. - Ratio of areas infected with invasive species on protected natural areas. - Size of the treated areas (hectares).

4.9. Preservation and management of species

Current status: The number of protected species increased significantly during the last planning period (by 184 in 2012). According to the report submitted in 2007 and 2013 pursuant to Article 17 of the Habitat Directive, there were no changes in the conservation status of species of community interest in the case of 137 species (66%), 59 species improved (28%) and the conservation status of 12 species deteriorated (only 6%) (Figure 3). A number of projects assisted and still assists the preservation and improvement of the population of the protected species (implemented primarily from EU funds) based on applications: in addition to the

45 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020. specific activities aimed at species preservation (e.g., transformation of free cable lines into bird- friendly lines, construction of amphibian and reptile crossing facilities, ex situ propagation of certain species followed by release) habitat restorations and measures aimed at habitat management as well as projects constituting the basis of research and monitoring also fall in the same category. It is a major result that in 2013 the Hungarian collection gardens contained 335 protected vascular cryptogram plans ex situ, with which they contribute a great deal to the achievement of the objectives of the Global Plant Preservation Strategy, which is an organic part of the Convention on Biological Diversity. The information on the protection of the mostly endangered species and the main tasks are summarised in the species preservation plans. At the moment species preservation plans are available for 20 plant and 23 animal species. The implementation of a number of plants has also started but is impeded by the lack of financial resources. The implementation of the Accessible Sky Convention, aiming at the bird-friendly transformation of free powerlines by 2020 began from resources granted in EU applications. Numerous powerline sections have already been transformed but to eliminate all sources of threats even more significant efforts and financial resources will be required. Cooperation with the power supply companies will have to be strengthened and their co-financing in the projects must be maintained. The new and reconstructed cable sections must be made bird-friendly and nature conservation must also be involved in the process of developing construction designs. The indicative plan of the environmentally-friendly 22 kV powerline network has been completed, which is also suitable to support administrative work. Preserving bio-diversity is becoming increasingly evidence-based in Europe and that evidence (also) means research results. Adaptive management, i.e., regular adaptation of treatments according to the latest evidence is becoming increasingly important too. Main lines of action: - Improving the situation of species in favourable nature conservation situation, especially concerning species protected by the habitat and bird protection directives and strictly protected species. - Improving the situation of species in unfavourable nature conservation situation with direct (infrastructure) development. - Development of the database required for preservation, putting in place conditions required for long- term monitoring of the nature conservation status (research, monitoring, ethical approach). - Maintenance and development of agricultural support for the preservation of grassland in order to safeguard protected species appearing on areas not subject to nature conservation protection. - Implementing the measures defined in the approved species preservation plans, elaboration of species conservation plans for critically endangered species in the form of plans for multiple species if necessary. - Transforming free power lines into bird-friendly lines to the highest possible extent. - Continuation of the construction of crossing facilities and guiding barriers on road sections that are most dangerous in terms of the animal trails, improving and ensuring longitudinal and latitudinal crossing of rivers. - Reducing the impact of light pollution on the fauna.

46 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

- Taking joint action with the police forces against illegal acts aimed at harming protected wild animals and plants, such as illegal poisoning, intentional destruction of nests, or illegal collection. - Putting in place the conditions of consistent application of the law related to protected plant species. - Maintaining and strengthening, as necessary, the system of hunting welfare areas ensuring the calm of the birds in wet habitats. - Support of any initiatives aimed at preserving indigenous species, e.g., bird-friendly garden, butterfly-friendly garden, butterfly-friendly viticulture). - Performing and strengthening measures to resolve conflicts involving protected species (bats and bird species living in buildings, rooks, etc.). - Providing outstanding protection to micro-habitats and refugees of key importance in terms of the preservation of certain protected, strictly protected species or species of Community interest (e.g., field boundaries, shrub lines, alleys) by offering local protection. - Improving the natural state of ex lege or otherwise protected natural values (caves, artificial hollows and springs) that are of key importance for the preservation of certain species of Community interest (e.g., bats). - Preservation of trees outside forests, alleys, groups of trees, individual trees, arboretums, parks, with special regard to older trees with hollows (in order to protect species and bats feeding on dead wood. Indicators: - Number of species affected by an implemented species preservation plan. - Ratio of species in favourable or improving situations. - Number of strictly protected species supported with protective measures. - Ratio of species with unknown situations.

4.10. Water management

Current status: The available water, its quantity, distribution in time and quality, is one of the key factors in the dissemination of species living in nature. The water regulation activities of the past two centuries totally disregarding the requirements of nature had an unfavourable impact primarily on our plain habitats and their internationally outstanding natural assets. Although there are disputes about the causes of climate change, the phenomenon itself is generally recognised by science and the public opinion. According to the available models in the Carpathian basin, the quantity and timely distribution of precipitation may change significantly and favourably for our currently existing natural values. It may have an impact not only on communities demanding water (e.g., marsh) or special water courses (salt) but, through the success of forest renewal, also on hilly and mountainous areas. Due to the previous factors outstanding attention must be paid to water management issues and water preservation. The majority of the ground water protection sewer system is protected and fundamentally affects the water management of unprotected areas. Main lines of action: - Complex and system review of the operation of the ground water sewer system; appropriation and construction of structures for water retention. 47 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

- Reduction of the degree of the afforestation with increased evaporation effects on areas prone to drying out. - It is time to review the Natura 2000 aid beneficiaries who are no longer supported and of the measures that directly or indirectly impede the preservation of certain qualifying species and/or biocoenosis and ground water retention (VCAM new criterion). - Arranging for water retention at wet (protected by VCAM) Natura 2000 habitats by introducing and opening adequate target programmes and appropriate adjustments in the rural development programme. Indicator: - Size of areas reviewed in terms of water management and nature conservation, number of modified water rights cooperation permits.

48 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

5 Collection of nature conservation related data, Nature Conservation Information System

5.1 NCIS and its modules, functions

Current status: The wildlife protection, biodiversity monitoring, geological, landscape protection, nature conservation area and asset management as well as further data constituting the scientific and professional basis of the nature conservation activities of regional and central public administration bodies are collected in the Nature Conservation Information System (NCIS) databases. The system functions as a separate part of the National Environmental Information System (NEIS) in the GIS environment of the ESRI ArcGIS server, using the Microsoft SQL 2000 database. Due to the technology development of the recent past, the geodatabase must be modernised (the database must be transferred into an NEIS Oracle environment). The current technical IT structure of NCIS was financed from the EU Transition Support programme between 2005 and 2007. The system has a modular structure (Figure 7). During its operation it provides complex information for the planning of the nature conservation strategy, for administrative activities, for Hungarian and international reports, for satisfying the needs of the public and for assessing the consequences of nature conservation treatments, interventions and other external impacts.

Figure 7 - Main modules of the Nature Conservation Information System

The NCIS keeps the nature conservation public records (e.g., protected area, protected natural values, nature conservation assets, monitoring). The supply of data into the modules of the system and the daily use of the system varies by national park directorate depending on the motivation and GIS IT skills of the experts working on-site. The basic data shortage is significantly greater locally and regionally. Currently, the system keeps more than 4 million data (Table 23).

49 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

Main lines of action: - By supplying data into the NCIS system and maintaining permanent connections with the public records of other sectors can be achieved consistent functioning, thus improving the accuracy and reliability of the all records. - Receiving data supplied by data entry modules that may be run simple, relatively cheap devices (android phones, tablets) in NCIS and disclosure of modules and applications for easier and faster communication. - GIS-based inter-connection of environmental records with the establishment of the national environmental geographic information system. - It must be made technically, legally and economically possible that the external data connections of the NCIS system can serve the users reliably, predictably and in the long term. - The consistent use of the NCIS system at the public nature conservation bodies and the conditions of data collection must be ensured so that the users of the system can prepare decisions and fulfil external data supply from databases containing up-to-date records. - Development of the NCIS customer service module in order to be able to receive voluntary community civil initiatives and databases and enhancing the experience of interactivity (EU Eye on Earth initiative, nature watcher programme, QR code tour guide and nature trail guide application species and habitat finder).

Table 23 – Data set of Nature Conservation Information System (extract) MRD ANPD BFNPD DDNPD DINPD FHNPD NNPD KMNPD KNPD ÖNPD centre Land sections 235.221 19.108 88.239 41.713 20.889 18.699 17.132 19.865 239.485 40.892 Sub-sections 285.388 22.978 103.318 48.124 28.684 24.576 19.981 23.650 328.353 45.362 Occurrence of species 143.967 18.159 34.863 85.390 6.511 469 11.552 2.134 48.601 13.080 Local protected areas 173 25 23 25 60 5.476 148 56 23 3 Mires and bogs 795 589 806 798 874 527 20 650 794 106 Natura2000 540 545 522 522 525 8.766 16 41 522 15 Register of protected 477 329 320 333 373 13 20 19 325 15 nature conservation areas of national importance TOTAL protected objects 57.386 35.580 39.214 34.040 34.195 34.080 34.102 23.629 33.038 25.633

Indicators: - Number of loaded data, queries and data supplies

5.2 Nature conservation monitoring programmes

5.2.1 National Biodiversity-Monitoring System

Current status: The Hungarian Biodiversity Monitoring System (HBMS) is a national programme for observing the status and changes of biological diversity at permanent sites, with consistent methods in Hungary, under the supervision of the Department for Nature Conservation of the Ministry of Agriculture since

50 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

1998. The national programmes are elaborated and coordinated centrally, while the local activities are coordinated by the regional organisations (national park directorates). During the previous planning period the number of examined species and sampling sites increased significantly in line with the EU requirements and new sampling methodologies were developed. A number of existing methodologies were clarified and further developed with the involvement of experts and national park directorates. The methodologies requested in the EU reports were made accessible on the website of the programme. As a result of the above efforts during the planning period the number of examined species increased by dozens and the number of sampling occasions has gone up by hundreds. Sampling methodology is available for more than 80% of species and habitat types of Community interest. However, due to shortage of funding, not all analyses could be conducted at the frequency specified in the sampling methodology. In 2009 a wildlife watch programme was launched, separately from HBMS, allowing large groups of society to be involved in monitoring by supplying data about the protected species through on-line data collection portals. During the operation of the system the number of observed species was extended; during the four years of operation of the programme more than 7,400 observations were registered on the website for 16 protected species (Figure 8).

Figure 8 - Breakdown of wildlife watch observations by species (February 2015) Main lines of action: - Maintenance of the monitoring system, with the continuous availability of institutions, professional and financial conditions of data collection assessment and data supply. - Further expansion and development of the system in line with the EU and international reporting and monitoring obligations; increasing the number of examined species and sampling locations.

51 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

- Regular entry of data into NCIS to support fast and objective administrative work and data-based decision preparation. - Involvement of the broadest possible group of the population (volunteers) in data collection, arousing their interest in the long lasting values of our natural environment. - Presenting the results of HBMS to the Hungarian and international public. - Widening of the wildlife watch programme with decentralisation and the involvement of experts in order to maintain a better and more efficient relationship with the civil suppliers of data (in order to increase incoming data supply). Indicators: - Number of acting sampling protocols (number). - Number of monitored components (number). - Number of records coming from HBMS in NCIS (number).

5.2.2 Other monitoring systems Current status: The process of developing consulting and testing the methodology of the standard survey of the forest reserves was completed by 2008. The survey was conducted between 2005 and 2012 in 10 forest reserves, on more than 500 hectares of forest reserve core area, at permanent sampling locations on approximately 2,030 sites (tree stock, dead wood, shrub level, new growth, undergrowth and partly also places of production) primarily in hill and mountain forest reserves, representing all versions of natural forest cycle and forest structure. The work on entering records the number of which was estimated to reach hundreds and thousands into a central database, data processing and data based development began in 2012. Monitoring the impact on biodiversity of agri-environmental programmes for nature conservation purposes, conducted on ad hoc basis so far in high natural value areas (here in after HNVA). Targeted monitoring activities have been conducted on the Heves plain high natural value are based on annual surveys since 2002. The monitoring covers the bustard stock, the habitat structure and analyses of the habitat use of the bustards as well as table-based transact surveys (botanic analysis, zoology studies of invertebrates). Further data collection took place in North Cserehát and Őrség-Vendvidék HNVAs besides the Heves plain HNVA depending on the available sources. The review of the impact of the programmes on the natural environment calls for the establishment of a national, permanently operated, monitoring system that goes beyond the framework presented above. With the monitoring prepared in 2013 for 25 HNVAs in future the monitoring activities can be pursued focusing on the changed in the stock of bustards, the Eastern Imperial Eagle, six butterfly species and approximately 27 other HNVA target species as well as the habitat use of the bustard, which is the main species studied in the programme. Main lines of action: - A continuation of forest reserve monitoring as from a re-assessment of previously surveyed areas, especially which are overlapping with the Nature 2000 network. - Further development of the monitoring database and its harmonisation with other nature conservation databases. 52 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

- Extension of the current monitoring programmes in order to provide an authentic overview of the impacts of the measures of the rural development programme and the water catchment management plan on the ecological and especially Natura 2000 qualifying species and formations. - Operating a monitoring system that promoted more effecting absorption of rural development support for the assessment of the benefits of the agri-environmental payments granted for nature conservation purposes in the high natural value areas. - The preparations for the nationally coordinated nature conservation impact monitoring of habitat development, area management and area utilisation methods. Indicators: - Monitoring of the variation in the stock of the target species of the HNVA programmes under the agri-environmental measure in order to monitor the impacts of the rural development programme; the number of target species involved in the monitoring. - Number of HNVAs involved in the monitoring of the impact of the agri-environmental measure on bio diversity. - Size of the surveyed and documented forest reserve area by year or by planning cycle. - Number of reference surveys for the Natura 2000 forest monitoring. - Number of data provided from the national online forest reserve database and number of monitoring reports.

5.3 Authentic cave records

Current status: The basic data annexes and other documents to be recorded in the authentic national cave register are regulated in the decree of the minister of environmental protection and regional development 13/1998 of 6 May. Although the records were establish by the middle of the first decade of the new millennium, the study and exploration of new caves and cave sections is by far not complete. Main lines of action: - In order to maintain the authentic records, they must be regularly updated. On-site data must be recorded in new caves and cave sections (cave map, basic data collection) and previous shortages must be eliminated. - Following the processing of the issued administrative permits research reports and received tenders they must be integrated into the records, which need to be regularly updated. - Extension of the national cave records to artificial hollows subject to nature preservation protection in compliance with the provisions of the decree of the minister of environmental protection and regional development 13/1998 of 6 May. Indicators: - Degree of completion of the national cave records in percentage.

53 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

6 Nature conservation planning

6.1 Integration of nature and landscape conservation objectives in to the plans / strategies of other sectors Current status: The preservation of our natural habitats, protected natural areas and natural assets is a conditions of survival of mankind. The various purpose and types of area usage had a major impact on the subsystems, systems and processes. Hence the changes in area use is crucial in maintaining all levels of nature conservation. The aspects of nature and landscape protection must be taken into account at each decision level, from local to national, because this is the only way to integrate them into the programmes of social bodies, entrepreneurs and their chambers, local governments and their allies. Nature conservation requirements must be enforced in a number of sectoral legal regulations. The following examples illustrate the results of the previous NNCMP planning period: 1. The Hungarian regulations on the transposition of the 2010/60/EU commission directive of 30 August 2010 providing for certain derogations for marketing of fodder plant mixtures intended for use in the preservation of the natural environment have been elaborated. From 2011 Natura 2000 based policy guidelines have been prepared for forest planning in districts each year. Assistance was provided in laying down the professional basis of the legal regulation for compensation support to be provided for operations on Natura 2000 forest areas (new NHRDP). 2. In the fishery sector a contribution was also made to the amendment of the legal regulation on the application of alien and non-indigenous fish species in aquaculture and in the preparation of a new act on fishery management and fish protection. 3. In relation to the amendment of Act LXIV of 2005 on the Spatial Development Plan of the Budapest Agglomeration the Ecological Network of this key area was designated in 2010 and 2011. The specific tasks required for the five-year review of Act XXVI of 2003 on the National Spatial Development Plan were also completed. In relation to the Act on the National Spatial Development Plan the designation and regulation of the ecological (figure 9) and landscape protection zone were reviewed in 2012 and 2013 (map attachment 2). Main lines of action: - Elaboration of strategies, plans and programmes directly or indirectly affecting nature and landscape protection and integration of natural and landscape aspects during the implementation of the programmes. - Integration of nature and landscape protection criteria into legal regulations prepared by other sectors. Indicators: - Number of plans / strategies containing landscape and nature conservation measures. - Number of measures in strategies and plans aimed at landscape and nature conservation purposes.

54 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

6.2 Nature conservation management plans for protected conservation areas of national importance

Current status: In the case of the promulgation of nature conservation management plans in legal regulations the tendencies are similar to those applied in protected designations. It is partly because protected designation may only be granted together with a nature conservation management plan (the respective implementation decree came into effect in 2001) and therefore the two activities are closely related to each other; on the other hand the priorities and opportunities in this area allowed for the prolongation of nature conservation plans primarily in relation to small grass lands. Later during the NNCMP-II and NNCMP-III periods a shift occurred also to large protected natural areas covered by forests. During the past planning periods the respective system of regulations was modified both at the level of legal regulations (2008) and internal directives (2009). In total it may be concluded that a lot fewer protected natural areas have a nature conservation management plan required under the law than the number of areas for which a management plan documentation is available (Table 24).

Table 24 - Promulgation of nature conservation management plans of protected natural areas of national importance during the period of the first three NNCMPs

National Landscape Nature Total Share of protected Ratio of protected park protection area** conservation area natural areas of natural areas with number ha number ha number ha number ha national technical importance with documentation management plan constituting the promulgated by basis of a law. management plan. NNCMP-I 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0% (1997-2002)* NNCMP-II 0 0 4 31,966 41 4,209 45 36,175 4.4% 55.8% (2003-2008) NNCMP-III 0 0 3 19,136 27 2,276 30 21,472 2.5 % 6.5% (2009-2013)* TOTAL 0 0 7 51,102 68 6,485 75 57,647 6.7% 60.3%

*the implementation decree of the Nature Conservation Act on nature conservation management plans was published in December 2001 **together with the partial areas Main lines of action: - Building a system monitoring and documenting the impact of nature conservation management activities as the starting point of the subsequent planning period. - The administrative recording systems of nature conservation management, including NCIS, must enabled to record adaptive treatments that adapt fast to the actual circumstances which are complicated to document and require the documentation of different types of adaptive treatments in the country’s regions that have various specificities. - Promulgation by law of the nature conservation management plans of the Hungarian national parks for the protected natural areas which is likely to be promoted significantly with the announcement of the zone classification of the national parks, providing an adequate strategic base for it. - Acceleration of the publication of the plans submitted to inter-sectoral consultations and to be promulgated in a legal regulation. 55 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

- Establishment of a system of organisation suitable for preparing management plans and the mandatory periodical reviews (e.g. elaboration of a system similar to forest planning within the framework of natural park directorates indicators). Indicators: - Number and total area of protected natural areas of national importance equipped with a management plan documentation. - Number and total area of protected natural areas of national importance equipped with a nature conservation management plan announced by law.

6.3 Maintenance plans of the Natura 2000 sites (hectares)

Current status: In line with the provisions of article 6 (1) of the habitat directive, the Nature 2000 maintenance plan is and instrument for preserving and maintaining the favourable nature conservation status of species and habitats of community interest, constituting the basis of designation of such sites. The Natura 2000 maintenance plans are strategic documents that contain all maintenance and development proposals all special functions in line with the objectives of the sites in a consolidated structure. The plans assist in making all area and land users of a particular Natura 2000 site aware of the natural assets of the site, the criteria of designation of the site, the long term nature conservation objectives and related operational and land user recommendations. The contents of the maintenance plans do not constitute binding requirements for the economic operators. The management proposals and recommendations contained in the plans may be applied through various indirect channels, which are defined in legal regulations of support, or forest plans or are made available for various calls for applications. The requirements for economic activities aligned with the specific features and needs of qualifying values of the Natura 2000 sites, stated in the maintenance plans, constitute the basis of the future elaboration of Natura 2000 support programs. Until 2013 in total 40 Natura 2000 maintenance plans were completed, mostly within the framework of EU applications (2006/18/176.02.01 Transition Support scheme, LIFE projects), affecting 41 Natura 2000 sites and areas. In the 2007-2013 financial cycle Natura 2000 site maintenance plans could also be prepared with funding received from the European fund of agricultural and rural development. Pursuant to the Decree of the Minister of Rural Development 43/2012 of 3 May on the detailed rules for mobilising support for Natura 2000 sites until May 2015 maintenance plans were prepared for 243 Natura 2000 sites covering a total of 480,000 hectares. Thus maintenance plans are prepared for 283 of the 525 Natura 2000 sites, increasing the ratio of sites equipped with plans from the initial 7% to 54%. Main lines of action: - Maintenance plans are prepared for all Natura 2000 sites where coordination of the conservation and management objectives of the sites make it necessary. - Priority must be given to the preparation of maintenance plans for protected Natura 2000 sites in order to enable the users of the area to learn about the compensation and support schemes they can join as soon as possible.

56 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

- Implementation of the treatment applied according to the maintenance plans, enforcement of the requirements and proposals stated in the plans in the respective sectoral legal regulations and plans and the mobilisation of support resources. - Maintaining a support title for the preparation of Natura 2000 maintenance plans for the 2014-2020 budget period, elaboration of the rules of utilisation. - Development of Natura 2000 specific support schemes based on the completed maintenance plans. Indicators: - Ratio of areas equipped with Natura 2000 maintenance plans. - Number of measures based on the maintenance plans.

6.4 National prioritised action framework for Natura 2000

Current status: The legal framework of financing the Member State tasks relating to the preservation of Natura 2000 sites are defined in Article 8 of the Habitat Directive, recognising the need for EU co-financing for Natura 2000 and also specifying the conditions and process of co-financing. Pursuant to the article of the directive referred to above from 2014 the European commission requires each Member State to apply a Natura 2000 Prioritised Action Framework (PAF) as one of the key elements of Natura 2000 financing. This technical document assisting multi- annual planning specifies the priorities and strategic objectives of member states related to the conservation of Natura 2000 sites, improvement of the nature conservation status of the species and habitats regulated by the EU nature protection directives, lists the required interventions and identifies the community instruments required for each specified task. Hungary’s first Natura 2000 prioritised action framework was prepared in April 2013 and covers the period of 2014-2020 (Annex 3). Depending on the actual information available under nature conservation status of species and habitats of community interest, the plan sets out 9 strategic objectives. The PAF summary is included in annex 3 of the NNCMP, while the detailed measures, species list and habitats are accessible on the following website http://www.termeszetvedelem.hu/natura-2000- finanszirozas-2014-2020. Main lines of action: - Ensure the funding required for the implementation of the national prioritised action framework for Natura 2000 and the measures contained therein, primarily by absorbing EU development funds in the 2014-2020 budget period. - 2-year professional review and revision of the national prioritised action framework for Natura 2000 on the basis of the results of developments implemented in 2007-2013 and the actual nature conservation status of species and habitats of community interest. Indicators: - Size of the Natura 2000 sites affected by the habitat development and species preservations measures. - Extension of Natura 2000 sites equipped with adequate management infrastructure, owned by the state and managed by national park directorates.

57 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

- Size of the areas receiving Natura 2000 payments (separately for forests, grassland and fish ponds). - Ratio of species and habitats of community interest with unknown nature conservation status. - Ratio of species and habitats of community interest with favourable nature conservation status. - Ratio of areas equipped with Natura 2000 maintenance plans.

6.5 Spatial development plans and physical planning instruments

Current status: In spatial development and physical planning the nature preservation and landscape protection interests are reflected with the adequate designation and regulation of the national ecological network and zones of landscape protection importance, management of nature and landscape protection conflicts resulting from structural elements and the designation of other area in using facilities, adequate application of professionally supported activities and integration of protective regulatory requirements and recommendations into non-protected areas. A lot of natural and landscape values can be protected with the effective application of the zoning regulations both on protected natural areas and on unprotected areas. With the regional and urban plans rules can be adopted for neutralisation of the area that fit in the urban and spatial planning legal system applicable to areas, homogenous in terms of nature conservation and landscape protection. The public administrative agencies of nature conservation take part in the planning and data suppliers and reviewers. Main lines of action: - Revision of these zones during the review of the spatial development plans. - Integration of an area use adequacy-based evaluation planning phase into the urban and regional plans in order to preserve the complex landscape potential. - Analytical documents, presenting the landscape character, ecological features and the purposes of protection with well-founded professional content must be prepared, landscape character protection based on landscape character-based classification systems must be implemented, zoning regulations facilitating a favourable landscape structure and complex protection of the favourable parameters of the landscape character and landscape potential must be adopted and requirements for area use arising from quality objectives relating to landscape character units must be defined in the course of physical planning and spatial planning. - Specification of the technical and content requirements of a visual plan supporting the integration into the landscape into a standard. Indicators: - Number of the reviewed physical planning documents while protecting the landscape character elements. - Number of data supplies and data reconciliation exercises.

58 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

6.6 National Ecological Network

Current status: The purpose of the ecological network is to maintain and restore biodiversity and biological relations, which involves the protection of wild species and their populations as well as communities and ensuring the operability and natural dynamism of the areas constituting the ecological system. The ecological network is a consistent and interconnected system of natural and semi-natural areas and ecological corridors connecting them and protective areas mitigating the effects around them (Figure 9). The network covers almost all protected natural areas and Natura 2000 sites and some of sensitive natural areas and ordinary natural areas. In line with the Pan-European ecological network system and taking into account the ecological functionality of habitats, the National Spatial Development Plan (herein after NSDP) was categorised into core area ecological corridor and puffer area zones in 2008. In terms of the various zones the NSDP lays down rules for area utilisation that ensure the maintenance of the functions of the ecological network. The size of the national ecological network is 3,390,600 hectares which covers 36% of the territory of the country.

Figure 9 - The national ecological network in Hungary (May 2013) The EU BSS defines the establishment of green infrastructure and its integration into spatial planning by 2020 as a separate objective for the maintenance and restoration of eco system services. The Hungarian (national) ecological network forms the backbone of that system. Main lines of action: - Ensuring the maintenance of the ecological network by specifying nature conservation criteria integrated into spatial development plans. Ensuring and strengthening the protection of the ecological network in the NSDP act and the spatial development plans of priority regions and counties maintenance and development of the functionality of the network. - By creating and integrating into the network the elements of green infrastructure.

59 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

- Assessment of the ecological network to define the current status and development directions. - Improving the coherence of the network by establishing green infrastructure elements. Indicators: - Size of the areas of the ecological network. - Number of measures aimed at the development of new green infrastructure.

6.7 District forest plans

Current status: The main purpose of the district forest plans is to predict silviculture activities. They are not aimed primarily at nature conservation planning, but are basic plans for forests that cannot be published without the integration of nature conservation aspects. The consistency between the first nature conservation management plan of a protected natural area and the currently effective district forest plan can be achieved with the help of a technical regulation included among the closing provisions of the decree of the minister of environmental protection and water management 3/2008 of 5 February concerning the entry into force of the contents of the nature conservation management plans pertaining to forests. The nature conservation management guidelines for non protected Natura 2000 forest areas are also included in the forest plan decree for the respective year and in the preliminary protocols of the districts forest planning. In 2011 and 2012 the Natura 2000 based policy framework of district forest planning was created. The integration of nature conservation criteria into forest plans and accurate definition of requirements for Natura 2000 sites continue to be objectives for the next planning period too. In order to protect the Natura 2000 forest areas and create a framework for careful forest planning two guidelines were prepared under the titles of Technical Background paper for defining the management guidelines for forest habitats to be used as a basis of designation of Natura 2000 sites in Hungary and district forest plan under preparation of the preliminary analysis phase of the Natura 2000 impact assessment documentation. Main lines of action: - In protected forests, management must be subordinated to nature conservation interests. The nature conservation objectives and guidelines of the management of forests in protected natural areas must be stressed sufficiently in the district forest plans. When applicable, the flood damage objectives must also be taken into account on flood plains. - In the case of protected natural areas the priorities of the nature preservation management plans pertaining to the area and the transposition of the provisions thereof as well as the guidelines of the expert bodies employed by the minister must be taken into account in the district forest plans. - In forests situated in protected natural areas the mode of operation must ensure continuous forest coverage. - The designation of the natural zones of afforested national parks and achievement of the adequate ratio of undisturbed forest patches in certain forest types of protected natural areas as outstanding tasks. - Preservation, restoration and development of the favourable nature conservation status of species 60 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020. and habitat types used as the basis of designation in the course of managing forests in Natura 2000 sites. Indicators: - Ratio of areas affected by silvicultural activities and promoting the achievement of nature conservation objectives.

6.8 Cave management plans

Current status: A detailed a status review and management plan must be prepared for the caves requiring enhanced protection and for strictly protected caves (in total 405) in compliance of the provisions of the Decree of the Minister of Environmental Protection and Regional Development 13/1998 of 6 May on the registration of caves certain conditions of visiting and researching caves and the construction of caves. Until June 2013 individual management plans were prepared and approved for 50 strictly protected caves and caves requiring outstanding protection. Main lines of action: - The status reviews must be prepared and revised for 309 caves. - The cave management plans must be prepared and reviewed for 356 caves. Indicators: - Number of completed cave management plans-

61 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

7 Social relations, awareness building, presentation

7.1 Knowledge base, professional relations

Current status: The success and future of nature conservation depend on the environmental awareness and value set as well as responsibility of the population. No good results can be achieved only with legal regulations. As long as people do not feel that natural assets and the natural heritage is ours they will not appreciate or protect them. Fortunately, nature conservation appeals to many people and communities. The activities of nature conservationists (layman and expert volunteers and researchers, public employees etc.) are closely and more and more intensively interrelated. In nature conservation administration a cooperation with Hungarian scientific and social organisation is given outstanding stress. Maintaining cooperation with nature conservation social organisations, backed by a professional background is important and regular meetings and targeted discussions are still required. Further training and consultation organised in conferences are also successful. The social organisations and technical groups formed for nature conservation purposes have a traditionally important role in the preservation and presentation of natural values, in the distribution of information and in the environmental and nature conservation education. The gardens operated by the national association of Hungarian arboretums and botanic gardens are scientific public collections and function as the main demonstration and education basis of Hungarian bio diversity. The live museums preserving more than 20,000 species perform significant educational and training activities and preserve values with their programmes. Nature conservation awareness building must reach all levels of society: from kindergarten pupils to adults. The known and well established nature conservation objectives and instruments of public education include green kindergartens, eco schools, forest kindergartens, school programmes, special group excursions, activities around institutions, community service and various competitions. There financed very differently and they also vary in time. However, the emotional relationship, understanding the Hungarian landscape and identification with it could become more sound if more opportunities were given to young people to participate in nature conservation actions, programmes, services or in competitions and research activities conducted in a healthy natural environments. The national park directorates can provide practical nature conservation information to secondary and higher education institutions engaged in nature conservation training as well as to public education where sufficiently trained technical staff (sometimes holding scientific degrees) assist in gaining experience and performing practical tasks. Main lines of action: - The specialised small group of social and scientific experts should have more frequent discussions of specific nature conservation issues and development problems. - Each year 2-3 major events must be held for the key actors of nature conservation (an event must also be organised within public administration, there is a need for technical conferences and events that are equally open to professionals and layman as well as nature conservationists working in public administration). - Support is required for taking over tasks from social organisations established for nature conservation purposes in order to disseminate the nature conservation value set and to ensure local

62 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020. presence and monitoring. - The nature conservation awareness building and, more specifically awareness building relating to Natura 2000 in the 2015-2020 period must reach all levels of society. - Each child and student attending educational and training institutions should be able to visit an attractive natural environment at least once a year and at least every second child and student should take part in the activities, actions or field exercises related to beautiful nature at least one between the ages of 8-15 years. - The curriculum of a public education and a vocational training institutions concerning natural environment must be extended with representation of natural values in addition to basic information of nature preservations. - The relationship between nature conservation technical training facilities and national park directorates must be improved. Indicators: - The number of volunteers of nature conservation social organisations (based on the act on civil records, this indicator will be continuously accessible under the new regulations pertaining to the annual reports of public benefit civil organisations). - Number of children taking part in at least one-day nature conservation programmes conducted in a natural environment (among the children involved in public education). - Number of nature conservation experts reached in Hungarian nature conservation events organised for a technical audience (size of audience). - Number of people successfully completing nature conservations.

7.2 Vocational training presentation, awareness building, ecotourism

Current status: The types of institutions related to the presentations of natural values maintained by the natural park directorates are illustrated in figure 10. The publications, nature trail leaflets, exercise books dedicated to exercise books assist in the studies of natural values and enhancing the acquired knowledge.

Figure 10 - Ecotourism facilities of national park directorates (October 2014) Since 2007 the week of Hungarian national parks has been organised at the beginning of each 63 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020. summer, which kicks off with a conference on ecotourism and programmes for the general audience followed by a free and preferentially charged programmes offered by the national park directorates to visitors for a week. In 2010 a guide to climate friendly tourism study was prepared, which was followed by a concept of “How to use the common surplus based on the nationwide cooperation of Hungarian national parks” in 2012. As a result of the letter, a number ecotourism programmes and activities were put into the focus of attention. They include the following: - Each national park directorate defined a new motto relating to an outstanding value, which was first published in the national park brochure on Hospitable national parks and rural experiences in 2013. - New professional cooperation was developed on ecotourism, nature park and rural development with the national institute of agricultural consultation training and rural development. - In the main ecotourism event promotion summary for 2013 the centrally coordinated joint events were stressed significantly (e.g. Tourism Exhibition 2013, Week of Hungarian National parks 2013, EUROPARC conference 2013) and the national park directorates appeared jointly and simultaneously (e.g. Earth Day, Night of Museums, Geotope Day). - In order to present the national park directorates and increase the awareness of their visitor facilities as well as promote their programmes more broadly, in 2013 professional cooperation was established with the national association of rural and agritourism, which operate the website www.falusiturizmus.hu. As a result of ecotourism developments in the NNCMP-III planning period and the variety of the ecotourism and environmental educational programmes of the natural park directorates, the number of registered visitors of the national park directorates exceeded the number of visitors recorded in 2009 before the crisis and surpassed the figure of 1.4 million by the end of the planning period (figure 11).

Figure 11 - Number of visitors registered by the national park directorates (2005-2013) Remark: the diagram contains only the visitors who bought admission tickets at demonstration sites managed by the national park directorates and used paying services, as well as the guests using the accommodation facilities operated by the directorates, but does not include the visitors of non-paying demonstration sites, tours with free guidance or tourists and excursionists visiting protected natural areas.

64 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

The ecotourism development projects completed and opened at the national park directorates in the NNCMP-III planning period are illustrated in Annex 2. The 10 national park directorates established 40 new nature trails and reconstructed 27 nature trails. Main lines of action: - Development of social relations, establishment of interactive relationship with the local population and the visitors, assistance to civil movements. - Establishment of a visitor centre at the main entry points of its national park (“gateways”). - Introducing interactivity on the new nature trails, transforming some of the demonstrative nature trails into interactive trails, because even with high quality guidance that provides an experience interactivity is more effective, even with a lower number of visitors and provides a longer lasting experience than a quick run through the demonstration sites. - In the forest schools a common publication should be issued for further quality development, containing the services of all national park directorates, forest kindergartens and schools. - Further quality development and building ecotourism cooperation in the collection gardens. - Establishing contact and effective cooperation with the tourism actors concerned in the areas of operation: the regional marketing directorates, the Tourist Destination Management organisations (TDM), tourism service providers and hotels. - Active participation in community portals. Establishment and development of national park social media websites with regular updates and interactivity. - Cooperation in the further development of the “Explorable Hungary Programme” that has strong tourism development potential and includes the demonstration site of national parks. - Enhancement of the newsletter database and supply of regular newsletters written in an informal tone. Indicators: - Number of active visitor centres, nature trails, qualified forest kindergartens and schools. - Variation in ecotourism and demonstration services. - Number of registered visitors. - Number of people (reached) receiving information on the Natura 2000 system each years, broken down by age groups if possible (students aged 8-15, young people aged 16-28, adults) and by residents (large town, county seat residents, other town residents, village residents).

7.3 Websites, social media portals, social relations

Current status: The primary objective of the www.termeszetvedelem.hu website established in 2005 is to make information available on Hungarian nature conservation, suitable for sharing to interested parties easily. This website is operated by the professional nature conservation departments of the Ministry of Agriculture supplies only facts, data and mainly professional news. The extremely popular Wildlife watch (www.vadonleso.hu) programme introduced in 2009 involves 65 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020. volunteers into nature conservation activities under the supervision of the Nature Preservation Department of the Ministry of Agriculture. The presentation of the statutory obligations relating to CITES species helps the administrative work a great deal (www.cites.hu). The individual websites of the national park directorate were completed in March 2005 following central development. Their main objective is to present the natural parks and the natural areas managed by them, as well as to provide currently effective information to the increasing number of visitors. The central websites of the directorates are accessible at www.magyarnemzetiparkok.hu, which provides detailed information on the activities, area and natural assets as well as programmes of the particular natural park directorate. The diversity of social relations is guaranteed with the publication of a series of articles presenting ecotourism facilities in professional journals, the attendance of central events and exhibitions by the directorates and cooperation with the organisations, public institutions and universities in their area of operation. An interactive environmental knowledge chain map promoting contact between the settlement/county/region as well as professional cooperation is an important aspect of education, training, awareness building and continuation of social relations. The directorates continue provide opportunities for ecoschool and green kindergarten pupils to visit national park facilities free of charge on designated days in order to learn more about nature. Their facebook presence, used for publishing news, events, programmes and events is very popular and promotes the contact between the directorates and the residents. The supply of up-to-date information is a priority on the dynamically changing social media sites and content sharing pages (photo, video) where the visits to each entry can be measured immediately. Main lines of action: - Development and extension of the existing websites (e.g., interactive, dynamic contents, searchable map database development) (e.g., the number of species involved in the Wildlife watch programme), coordination of their image and content and regular revision. - Further extension of nature and environmental education, training, consultation, research, forest kindergarten and school programmes with the development and involvement of the infrastructure background of the national park directorates. - More central support to civil initiatives, participation in calls and own funds required for projects. - Introduction of a green programme and educational package for a number of age groups. Indicators: - Visits to the individual websites. - Number of records of occurrence data received in the Wildlife watch programme.

7.4 Research & development, training Current status: The institutions of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, higher education research facilities, museums with nature science background (e.g., Museum of Natural Sciences) and collection gardens have an important role in the performance of the research and education tasks of nature conservation. The

66 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020. partners intend to come up with joint project plans for the identification of the nature conservation challenges of the 2015–2020 planning period. The Norwegian and Swiss Funds as well as EU resources (e.g., FP7) are potential sources of funding in the implementation of the plans and are also suitable for financing the scientific issues of Hungarian biodiversity ecosystem services with national co-financing. The Ecology Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences is performing the research under the title of “The most important 25 research issues of Hungarian nature conservation in the next 5 years”, implemented with support from the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. Intensive workshop activities are performed at the national park directorates, universities and research institutions, as well as in applied nature conservation research in collection gardens both in methodology issues and data processing. Main lines of action: - Increasing the nature conservation interventions with scientific background (habitat restoration, species preservation, intervention, etc.) - Improving the quality of nature conservation expert training and further training, introducing the current good practice into higher education (off-site departments). - Encouraging and strengthening applied nature conservation (practical) research in national parks. - Transfer of up-to-date information and data between scientific actors and nature conservation public administration officials and managers. - Establishing joint technical platforms as a basis of the exchange of experience relating to science and practice. - Outstanding support to research assisting the implementation of EU legislation. Indicators: - Number of successful (supported) research projects. - Number of participants taking part in nature conservation vocational training.

67 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

8 International cooperation

Indicators of the chapter: - Number of active bilateral and multilateral international relations. - Number of joint technical tasks implemented in the framework of bilateral and multilateral cooperation. - Ratio of performance of obligations undertaken in international treaties.

8.1 EU policies, strategies and obligations

Current status: Hungary joined the European Union on 1 May 2004. Since the accession a lot of experience has been collected on the implementation of EU tasks. In nature conservation the biggest challenge is to comply with and implement nature conservation directives and community regulations. Thus, for example, Hungary must regularly take part in the activities of the EU nature conservation decision preparation and decision-making fora and enforce the Hungarian interests. Those meetings are especially important where the future directions of the nature conservation sector, including the issues of nature conservation financing for the next EU budget period are discussed (Natura 2000 financing, LIFE+ political debate, Biodiversity strategy etc.). Hungary’s Presidency in the Council in H1 2011 was an outstanding challenge but was completed with a major success with a large number of major EU events organised. The bilateral seminar of the European Commission and Hungary on Natura 2000 designation was another huge task, as a result of which Hungary was among the first to conclude the Nature 2000 network designation process (first among the “new” accession countries). The most important task of the near future will include participation in the Pannon biogeographic seminar aimed at the coordination of the new types of management of Natura 2000 sites and qualifying values among the Member States and the adoption and implementation of the conclusions, most suitable for the Hungarian Natura 2000 network. Whenever a complaint is made in relation to the transposition or implementation of the directives, the European Commission investigates the case by asking questions in a Pilot procedure and, in certain cases, by launching an infringement procedure. Although, in some cases the Hungarian legal remedy options have not yet been exhausted, often still a procedure is launched, which requires a great deal of efforts both from the central and regional agencies concerned. Various reporting obligations (derogation reports) must be fulfilled and data need to be collected to perform longer term reporting obligations (six-yearly reports on the implementation of the habitat and bird protection directive). The Natura 2000 database submitted to the European Commission must be updated regularly, at least every 6 years, based on the guidance of the Commission. Main lines of action: - Adoption and implementation of the conclusion of the Pannon biogeographic seminar aimed at coordinating the new type of management of Natura 2000 sites and qualifying values among the Member States. - Participation of the EU comitology and council fora, representation of Hungarian nature conservation interests.

68 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

- Conclusion of Pilot cases and infringement procedures in a manner favourable for our country. - Fulfilment of the required reporting obligations within the deadline, with appropriate technical content, for the European Commission. - Increasing the administration staff capacity related to EU matters.

8.2 Ramsar Convention

Current status: The Ramsar Convention on wetlands of international significance and especially on the residence of waterbirds was signed in 1971, Hungary has 1979 and promulgated the convention in Act XLII of 1993. It is an important result that all Ramsar sites were announced in a consolidated structure in the Decree of the Minister of Rural Development 119/2001 of 15 December on the promulgation of Hungarian protected wetlands registered in the List of Wetlands of International Importance. However, the nature conservation status of the majority of the natural wetlands in Hungary is bad. One of the most important risk factors is the lack of water, which is a consequence of human effects and a change in the natural water flows. These habitat types are also more exposed to the impacts of the climate change. The broad dissemination of alien invasive species and the acceleration of the succession processes is the consequence of changes in the habitat conditions. Within the framework of the Ramsar communication programme the general promotion of wetlands, the activities promoting local, regional and national awareness of Ramsar sites must be continued. The World Wetlands Day, organised on 2 February each year and the Tata Wild Goose Festival have an outstanding role in those efforts. Main lines of action: - Preserving our wetlands of international significance in the spirit of the convention and development, as required, monitoring and smart use. - In order to have the objectives of the Convention accepted by society, the Ramsar communication programme must be continued.

8.3 Convention on biodiversity, Cartagena Protocol

8.3.1 Convention on biodiversity Current status: The convention on biological diversity was promulgated in Hungary in Act LXXXI of 1995. The main objective of the convention reflecting a holistic approach is to protect life on the earth and the diversity of wildlife. It intends to achieve that by implementing three objectives: preservation of biological diversity, sustainable use its components and fair distribution of the benefits of genetic resources. In order to reduce the global reduction of biological diversity, the signatory parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity approved a ten-year strategic plan in 2010, in relation to which the European Union also prepared its biodiversity strategy for the period after 2010. Following negotiations that lasted for ten years, it was a historic event that the 193 signatory states of the Convention on 69 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

Biological Diversity approved the Nagoya Protocol on access to genetic resources and a fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their utilisation. The entry into force of the protocol requires 50 ratifications. The protocol was signed by Hungary, the EU and numerous EU Member States as a sign of their political commitment during the period of the Hungarian presidency and the preparations for the ratification are in progress. The protection of rapidly decreasing genetic resources is one of the main pillars of the convention. It involves not only the diversity of wild plants and animals, i.e., classic nature conservation tasks, but also the preservation of agro-biodiversity. In order to achieve that goal, in 2013, the Ministry of Agriculture developed a professional strategy on the preservation of plant genetic resources used in food. Main lines of action: - The Member States of the European Union have a common position in the international decision- making process concerning the convention and Hungary also takes part actively in developing that position. - The aspects of protection of biological diversity must be integrated into the decision-making processes of the respective sectors, into the sectoral strategies and programmes as stated in the Hungarian implementation strategy of the convention on biological diversity. - In line with the international and EU objectives and commitments Hungary’s National Biodiversity Strategy until 2020 must be completed in 2013. - In order to preserve agro-biodiversity the implantation of the strategy on the preservation of plant genetic resources used as food must be started and the adequate operation of our gene banks, having many decades of experience as a public asset must be guaranteed. In order to contribute to the preservation of our wild plants in their in situ habitats, the Pannon Seed Bank, functioning as the gene bank for our wild plants and the botanic gardens playing and important role in ex situ preservation must be maintained. - In order to achieve the third objective of the convention, the urgent entry into force of the Nagoya Protocol on ensuring access to genetic resources as well as the just and fair sharing of the gains resulting from their utilisation must be promoted. The biological diversity world fay (22 May) provides a good opportunity for the wide promotion of the convention, and therefore on this particular day the education of the population and awareness building must be continued with events, organised each year. The website dedicated to the broader publication of the convention (http://biodiv.hu) must be updated regularly.

8.3.2 Cartagena Protocol and organisations modified with gene technology Current status: The Cartagena Protocol of the Convention on Biological diversity is dedicated to biological safety and regulates trade in life modified organisms. In that framework focuses especially on the environmental risks of those organisms and the social and economic impacts of such organisms from 2011. Hungary joined the protocol and promulgated its text in an act in 2004. The implementation decree was adopted in 2008 (Government decree 226/2008 of 11 November on the implementation of the Cartagena Protocol on biological safety, signed in Nairobi on 24 May 2000, promulgated in Act CIX of 2004). 70 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

The Nagoya-Kuala Lumpur Supplementary Protocol on the rules of compensation and legal remedy arising from cross-border movements of live and modified organisms is related to the Cartagena Protocol. This new international protocol allows the competent authorities of the signatory states to hold the traders of products to account whenever live modified organisms have a harmful effect on wildlife and demand compensation from them. As a result of Hungary’s initiative and active involvement during the six months of the Hungarian EU presidency on 11 May 2011 Hungary, the European Union and further 14 EU Member States signed the convention. The supplementary protocol will enter into force when it has also been ratified by the 40th signatory parties.

Main lines of action: - An information website has been set up to disseminate information on the protocol, current events and decision (http://gmo.kormany.hu). Awareness building among the residence is conducted with campaigns, presentations and applications. - The regulations pertaining to gene modified organisms are implemented with sufficient care, focusing on the principle of prudence, requiring thorough environmental and health impact assessments. - Following the ratification by the European Union, the Nagoya-Kuala Lumpur Supplementary Protocol should also be ratified as soon as possible.

8.4 CITES

Current status: The purpose of the Washington Convention (CITES) is to protect species that are endangered primarily by international trade. The convention introduces a strict authorisation system regulating the international trade of almost 35,000 animal and plant species falling with its scope. The species are classified in three exhibits depending on the degree of their threats. In 1985 Hungary joined the convention that entered into force in 1975. The provisions of the convention were promulgated in Act XXXII of 2003 promulgating the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, signed in Washington on 3 March 1973. XXXII. The European Union implements the convention through regulations directly effective in all Member States. The special Hungarian implementation rules for the convention and the related EU regulations are set out in a government decree. CITES functions with an authorisation system established at Ministries, to which other administrative registration control and coordination tasks are also attached. The import and (re-)export licences defined in the Council Regulation and the documents required for intra-community trade are issued by the Ministry of Agriculture as the administrative authority with the exception of certain land turtles. The degree of trade in live animals and products and derivatives produced from then falling within the scope of CITES did not change significantly during the NNCMP-III period compared to the former periods. Although, with the accession to the European Union the number of issued (re-)export and import licences decrease, the number of document issued for internal trade has risen significantly. Only minor changes can be observed in relation to the structure of the trade. Main lines of action: - In order effectively implement the EU legislation, strict controls will be required due to the 71 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020. elimination of the internal customs borders after the accession, which must be increased in the future. Sufficient human resources and infrastructure is required for those tasks. - In terms of legislation active participation in various EU forums related to community legislation is required. - Information exchange and cooperation between authorities must be guaranteed, electronic records need to be kept and the website must be updated. - In terms of control the border control authorities will have an outstanding role (NAV, animal and plant health authorities). More stress must be put on controls within the country and investigation of detected infringements, in which the green authorities and the police have an outstanding role. - In order to effectively implement the regulations, it is absolutely necessary to train the officials of the respective authorities (green authorities, police, customs authority, animal and plant health authority). Such training and further training exercises were implemented regularly by the experts of the Ministry of the Rural Development and their continuation will be a task for the future too. - Between 2013 and 2019 Hungary will represent the European Union in the CITES Standing Committee. The required human resources and material conditions must be provided for that task during that period.

8.5 Bonn Convention

Current status: Hungary joined the Bonn Convention (CMS) with the law decree 6 of 1986 on the promulgation on the Bonn Convention on the conservation of migratory species of wild animals of 23 June 1979. In order to protect migratory species, the countries situated on the route of migration and movements entered into agreements and memoranda of understanding. At the moment Hungary is a signatory party in two agreements, the European Convention on Bats (EUROBATS) and the agreement on the protection of African-Eurasian migratory water birds (AEWA). In addition, the Hungary also joined four protection memoranda. They are the memoranda of understanding on the protection of slender- billed curlew, the Central-European bustard, in the elaboration of which Hungary played a leading role, and of the aquatic warbler and the African-Eurasian migratory predatory birds. Hungary is involved in four working groups of the EUROBATS advisory body. The continuation of the performance of our commitments, the enforcement in Hungary of the technical recommendations adopted at the EUROBATS meetings and other adopted resolutions and their practical implementation are additional tasks. Hungary joined the agreement on the protection of African-Eurasian migratory water birds (AEWA) on 17 December 2002. One of our most important tasks during the implementation in Hungary was stop to use of lead shuts around wet habitats by 15 August 2005. One of the most important results in the implementation of the EUROBATS resolutions was that the monitoring of various bat colonies and habitats was added to the National Biodiversity Monitoring System. Hungary joined the memorandum of understanding on the protection of Aquatic Warbler in 2003. However, despite the protection efforts, the nesting population of the species in Hungary disappeared after continues reduction, most probably due to climatic reasons and the decline of wintering habitats. In 2013 Hungary organised the meeting of the signatory parties of the memorandum on the protection 72 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020. of Central European Great Bustard, where the number of countries involved in the memorandum increased and the participants adopted a new action plan and a new medium-term work plan (2013- 2016). Hungary has an outstanding role in the implementation of the memorandum of understanding on the protection of African-Eurasian migratory predatory birds in relation to the international protection of a number species, including the Eastern Imperial Eagle, the Saker Falcon and the Red-footed Falcon. The addition of the two latter species to Appendix I of CMS was outstanding result of the Hungarian presidency in 2011. International cooperation is assisted especially well by the various satellite tracking programs, the application of which must be increased in the case of the Great Bustard. As Hungary has the largest and gradually increasing Great Bustard population in Central Europe, the Great Bustard population must be protected. Main lines of action: - Increased protection of African-Eurasian migratory predatory birds. - Increased protection of bustard. Maintaining and improving cooperation with the neighbouring countries in relation to cross-border populations. - Implementation of the tasks defined in the species protection plans approved by the AEWA in relation to Hungary and preservation of major water world habitats. Continuation of the ban on the use of lead shuts in wet habitats. - Enforcement and practical implementation in Hungary of EUROBATS resolutions.

8.6 Bern Convention

Current status: The main objective of the convention is to ensure European cooperation in order to protect the endangered animal and plant species and endangered habitats of the region. The practical implementation of the objectives of this international agreement in the European Union is reflected in the tasks specified in the bird and habitat protection directives. The signatory states of the convention also accept recommendations for specific cases. Of those only one has specifically related to Hungary so far, when the Hungarian nature conservation authorities were requested to increase the protection of Meadow Viper. A research and protection programme was developed in that context, supplemented by two successful LIFE-Nature projects and closed with a world conference held in Veszprém in August 2013. During the Hungarian EU presidency in 2011 an international conference was organised in Budapest where the Budapest Declaration and action plan were adopted in order to eliminate the death of birds around powerlines. The international coordination of the activities is governed by the Bern Convention, its implementation in Hungary is also assisted by the cooperation taking place within the framework of the Accessible Sky. Main lines of action: - Integration of species protection plans into the Hungarian nature conservation activities. - Implementation in Hungary of the Commitments stated in the Budapest Declaration and in the Accessible Sky agreement.

73 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

- In relation to the 2011 recommendations of the Convention urging for action against bird poisoning, action is required against illegal poisoning in cooperation with the police forces, the hunting sector and civil organisations.

8.7 European Landscape Convention

Current status: The aim of the European Landscape Convention is preserve the European landscape heritage. Agreeing with the recognition of the Council of Europe that landscape is a fundamental component of human environment, expressing the diversity of our common cultural and natural heritage and constituting the basis of our identity, Parliament adopted Act CXI of 2007 promulgating the European Landscape Convention signed in Firenze on 20 October 2000 and therefore the Landscape Convention entered into fore in Hungary as well as on 1 February 2008. The purpose of the landscape convention is to promote landscape protection management and planning and to contribute to European cooperation relating to landscapes. Its effect covers the territory of the signatory states so it equally applies to landscapes of outstanding, ordinary or deteriorated conditions. Of the tasks planned for the NNCMP-III planning period, the following actions were implemented, constituting the basis of implementation of further tasks. 1. In order to implement the tasks arising from the landscape convention the European Landscape Convention National Coordination Taskforce was formed with the involvement of the ministries responsible for implementation. The task force has been operating according to its own rules of procedures since 2012. 2- The inter-ministerial taskforce adopted a five-year work plan to implement the landscape convention and has defined its tasks in annual action plans since 2013. 1. In 2012 the minister responsible or rural development adopted a ministerial directive and established the Hungarian Landscape Award, granted in relation to the national round of the Landscape Award of the Council of Europe. The award was first granted in 2013. Main lines of action: - Adoption of a National Landscape policy and Strategy integration of landscape protection approach into the sectoral policies. - Hungarian legal regulatory tasks and measures required for the implementation of the landscape convention in order to strengthen compliance with the landscape convention. - Elaboration of the evaluation of the consistent evaluation criteria of Hungarian landscapes, classification of landscapes according to new landscape character (features) and standardisation of the methodology. Indicators: - Number of strategies/concepts integrating landscape protection. - Number of the registered landscape character components. - Size of landscape character-based areas entered into the landscape inventory.

74 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

8.8 Carpathian Convention

Current status: The framework convention on the protection and sustainable development of the Carpathians (Carpathian Convention) was adopted in order to protect and maintain the unique natural values and to facilitate the sustainable use of habitats in the eco-regions of the Carpathians. In Hungary the Carpathian Convention directly applies to the areas of operation of the Duna-Ipoly, Bükk and Aggtelek National Park Directorates. The outstanding task of this Convention is to improve the quality of life of residents to preserve natural and cultural heritage and strengthen local economy and communities. Multiple professional task forces operates in the areas defined in the convention. Permanent and active civil participation and cooperation with the EU and other international organisations is a general phenomenon. The specific commitments are stated in the protocols, which will prepared on the basis of the topics reflected in the articles of the Convention. They oblige the signatory parties to elaborate policies and strategies (action plans) and to implement them in the territory of their respective countries. In relation to the convention Hungary has announced to the following protocols so far. - Government Decree 281/2009 of 11 December on the promulgation of the protocol on the preservation and sustainable use of biological and landscape diversity; - Government Decree 171/2012 of 26 July on the promulgation of the protocol on sustainable tourism - Government decree 195/2013 of 12 June on the promulgation of sustainable forestry management.

Main lines of action: - Representation of the Hungarian interests in the elaboration of sectoral strategies, approval of the strategy and implementation in Hungary of the measures outlined therein. - Active participation in professional programmes implemented in cooperation with the Member Organisations of the Carpathians.

8.9 Other international initiatives

8.9.1 Bilateral cross border relations Current status: The Hungarian-Slovak Environmental and Nature Conservation Cooperation Joint Committee was established pursuant to the agreement on cooperation in environmental protection and nature conservation, signed by Slovakia and Hungary in 1999. Within the Joint Committee the Nature Conservation and Landscape Protection taskforce has meetings each year. All national park directorates situated on the border maintain an active relationship with a Slovak partner (joint projects, events). The long-term cooperation is expected to continue in the following topics defined in the joint action plan: Natura 2000 issues, cross border projects, protection of the caves of Aggtelek and Slovak karst, designated as world heritage sites protection of large predators, management of joint Ramsar sites. Similarly close nature conservation relationship has evolved between Croatia and Hungary, with an organisational structure similar to the Slovak relations. The Nature Conservation Subcommittee

75 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020. operates under the control of the Joint Committee and focuses mainly on the issues of Natura 2000 sites and the Mura-Dráva-Duna cross-border biosphere reserve. The exemplary cooperation of Duna- Drava National Park Directorate and the Kopacki-rét Natural Area is reflected in a number of successful projects. The Hungarian-Romanian Environmental Joint Committee, Nature Convention Expert Group was founded in 2004 pursuant to the agreement on environmental cooperation signed by Romania and Hungary in 1997. The main objectives of cooperation include the performance of the tasks of operation of the Natura 2000 network and coordinated joint species protection and monitoring activities. The Körös-Maros National Park Directorate has excellent cooperation in the cross border projects. Kiskunság National Park Directorate maintains a local relationship with the Vojvodina Nature Conservation Institute in Serbia, our neighbouring country in the South. The opening ceremony of Körös-éri Landscape Protection area in 2013 was an outstanding event for the Ministry. Serbia is also a partner in the pentalateral extension of the Mura-Dráva-Danube cross border biosphere reserve, and we provide assistance to it in the elaboration of the application documentation. Within the framework of bilateral relations with Austria, the close professional cooperation of the cross border national parks operated by Fertő-Hanság National Park Directorate and Nationalpark Neusiedler See-Seewinkel is also remarkable. Within the framework of the joint professional activities the two national park directorates jointly implement nature conservation projects, arrange for the adequate management safeguarding and presentation of cross order areas subject to nature conservation protection. The joint national park council meetings are generally organised with the participation of ministerial representatives from both countries. The active technical relationship with Slovenia is associated primarily with the activities of the Őrség National Park Directorate. In relation to the joint projects considerable results have been achieved with the Slovene partners primarily in species preservation and eco-tourism.

8.9.2 Other bilateral relations Current status: Bilateral relations between Thuringia and Hungary The Hungarian-Thuringian inter-governmental joint committee was formed in 1997, establishing cooperation also in nature conservation. The exchange of experience between the nature conservation experts began in June 2003 and the relationship has been active ever since. The Hungarian and German experts gained a lot of useful experience during the mutual visits. In line with the action programme approved by the two parties, the Thuringian-Hungarian cooperation cover the operation of the Natura 2000 network, management of invasive species, eco-tourism, and access to EU funds. Bilateral relations between Saxony and Hungary Cooperation aimed at mutual exchange of experience began between the Saxon Environmental and Nature Foundation and Nemzeti Környezetvédelmi és Energia Központ Nonprofit Kft. in December 2011. In nature conservation the Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for the expert cooperation in the following topics: eco-tourism, agricultural area use assisting in the preservation of invasive species and natural values. Main lines of action:

76 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

- In the framework of all bilateral cooperation activities the professional exchange of experience must be continued at ministry and regional levels in line with the previous practice. - Elaboration and implementation of joint applications among others in nature conservation management, species preservation, demonstration and research.

77 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

9 Financing of the tasks defined for the NNCMP-IV

9.1 Financing of nature conservation developments (EU funds)

Current status: The period of the 4th National Nature Conservation Master Plan (2015-2020) almost fully coincides with the term of the next EU budget period until 2020, and therefore the nature conservation resources available in that period must be used as much as possible to finance the technical activities defined in the Master Plan. Similarly to the 2007–2013 budget period, there will be no separate nature conservation fund in the 2014-2020 period either. The development needs must be satisfied from the existing EU funds, especially the rural development, cohesion, fishery and LIFE funds. The draft regulations on the respective funds contain a large number of specific financing options and therefore, depending on Member State decisions, almost any fund can be used directly or indirectly to implement nature conservation projects. The objectives of the EU biological diversity strategy to be implemented by 2020 also contribute to the integrated approach in financing. With the adoption of the strategy the European Commission and the Member States undertook to apply the EU financing mechanisms and to create and adequate financing base for the Natura 2000 sites (objective 1, measure 2) and to maximise the size of the areas affected by the nature conservation payments under the Common Agricultural Policy (according to objective 3 A) Agriculture). The projects dedicated to nature conservation purposes were already important elements in the financial framework of the 2007-2013 period. Within the framework of the Environment and Energy Operational Programme approximately HUF 37.8 billion was allocated to such purposes. The majority of the funds were used by the national park directorates, among others for habitat development projects. The government decisions concerning the planning for the 2014-2020 are aimed at the continuation of nature conservation projects. According to the Government Decision 1141/2013 of 21 March, declaring the indicative priorities of the operational programmes of 2014- 2020 period, published in March 2013 the nature conservation projects will be implemented along priority axis 4 (“Nature Conservation and Wildlife Protection Development” (NCWPD)) in the Environment and Energy Efficiency Operational Programme (EEEOP), in lie with the Natural Prioritised Action Framework for Natura 2000 (Annex 3). Main objectives of EEEOP Improvement of the nature conservation status and condition of protected nature values or nature values of local importance and areas (e.g., habitat development and species preservation interventions, establishment of an infrastructure facilitating the free movement of species and ecological connections between habitats, reduction of the impacts of fixed line facilities harmful and destructive to nature, restoration of protected geological values and areas, tumuli, earthen fortification and rocks with hollows as well as their natural environment). Improving the infrastructure conditions of nature conservation management (development of the instruments available for nature conservation management, development of the equipment required for monitoring species and habitats and factors endangering them and improving the supply of equipment to the nature conservation guard services). Improving knowledge and social acceptance of the Natura 2000 network and species and habitat types of Community interest (establishment of the infrastructural background required for presenting the 78 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

Hungarian Natura 2000 network in a coherent approach, targeted awareness building activities. In addition to the above, the payments for nature conservation purposes are also included in the currently prepared draft Rural Development Programme (RDP) and the draft Fisheries Operational Programme (FOP). The only EU financing mechanism, dedicated to the support of environmental and climate policy objectives under the multi-annual financial framework for the 2014–2020 period is the LIFE programme. The LIFE+ programme was launched in 2007. Until 2014 18 Hungarian LIFE+ “Nature and Biodiversity” applications were granted almost EUR 39.2 million (approximately HUF 11.8 billion at 300 HUF/EUR exchange rate) EU funding for the Hungarian nature conservation activities, promoting partly habitat restoration and partly species protection projects (Rákos vipera, saker falcon, eastern imperial eagle, red footed falcon, European roller). One of the 18 projects (Pannon core bank project) belongs to the LIFE+ “Biodiversity” component, for which there are few examples in the EU, while the other projects were granted support in the LIFE+ “Nature” component. In addition, in 2014 the Hungarian LIFE+ Information and communication projects were also granted support or the first time ever. The LIFE applications will represent an important source of funding for nature conservation also in the 2014-2020 EU budget period. The national park directorates, and other public and local government as well as civil organisations can apply for funds under the LIFE programme. Pursuant to the EU regulation on the establishment of an environmental and climate policy programme (LIFE) for 2014-2020 period (1293/2013/EU) in this period at least 55% of the LIFE budget must be used for nature conservation across the European Union. Applications can also be submitted for a new project type, known as integrated projects in the framework of the revised LIFE programme. An integrated project is a project that covers a much greater volume than the previously known “traditional” projects in relation to the implementation of a particular strategy plan or programme, with concurrent absorption of other EU or national funds. During the NNCMP-IV implementation period (2015-2020) EU support and development funds must have a main priority in the performance of the technical tasks of nature conservation and the achievement of the objectives laid down in the strategy. The EU financial resources are currently being budgeted and are expected to remain in the amounts they are currently available in.

Main lines of action: - Effective and successful implementation of nature conservation projects during the implementation of the respective development programmes and their continuous monitoring. - Putting in place the institutional conditions in line with the developments (e.g., implementation and applicant-friendly rules of procedure, adequate technical project selection criteria, etc.). - Increased reflection of payments effectively contributing to the Natura 2000 objectives in the currently drafted Rural Development Programme (RDP) and in the Fisheries Operational Programme (FOP). - Implementation of more successful projects under the LIFE programme, more effective absorption of these financial resources both in traditional and integrated projects. - Elaboration and preparation of at least one Hungarian LIFE integrated project.

79 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

Indicators: - Size (in hectares) of protected natural areas and Natura 2000 sites affected by habitat restoration projects. - Variation in the ratio of the areas used as grassland on the Natura 2000 sites. - Size of Natura 2000 sites affected by AE payments and Natura 2000 compensation payments. - Number of winning LIFE applications.

9.2 Sectoral financing of nature conservation, Hungarian budget resources

Current status: Looking at the data of the Budget Acts of the various years, during the period of implementation of NNCMP-III, it may be observed from 2009 that there has been strong variation in the budget support to nature conservation administrative agencies. In relation to the situation that developed by 2013 it may be concluded that only 25% of the funds required for the operation of the national park directorates are supplied from the state budget. The remaining 75% therefore must be funded from own revenues, through quasi profit-oriented operation. A high portion of the revenues of the directorates originate from the lease of part of the sites managed by them. In that respect, during the NNCMP-IV implementation period the directorates will lose a lot of revenues because from 2013 they can lease their sites for a consistent rent of HUF 1,250/AK (Golden Crown) lease fee instead of the previously applied lease fees reflecting the market conditions. This will lead to a drastic loss of revenues from production land managed by the directorates and generally classified into lower quality categories. The chapter managed appropriations allocated to nature conservation tasks must also be included in the scope of review of the budget transfers to the sector made during the past few years. There are two such chapter managed appropriations. One is called “Nature conservation compensation”. It is used to fund acquisitions and expropriations required to restore the level of protection and for compensation for certain damages arising as a result of operational restrictions ordered by the nature conservation authorities for nature conservation interests. The other such appropriation is entitled “Support to nature conservation applications”, which can be used to finance the own funds of nature conservation projects of national park directorates and of other organisations in exceptional cases. The following table presents the variation in the budget transfers to public agencies pursuing nature conservation tasks between 2009 and 2014 and the variation in the amounts of the two chapter managed appropriations referred to above during the inspected period. The table 25 shows that over the year in total approximately HUF 7 billion budget support will be available for nature conservation tasks and that the implementation of NNCMP-IV does not require any additional funding from the budget. The development revenues related to the operation of the individual agencies, funded from the resources of the European Union are also added to that amount. During 2007-2013 period, this amount reached approximately HUF 50 billion as stated in Chapter 9.1. At the moment they are being budgeted and are likely to be available. On this basis and also in view of the contents of Chapter 9.1 and that the NNCMP-IV is an annex to NEP 4, the financing of NEP 4 also includes the task proportionate financing of NNCMP-IV. According to the current estimates the NNCMP-IV can be implemented without any change in the 80 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020. annual demand from the national budget and the absorption of EU resources without any additional needs. Table 25 - Support to nature conservation tasks, established in the annual Budget Acts

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014*** National park directorates 3,239.9 2,449.6 1,662.2 2,391.1 2,260 2,168.5 Natural conservation authorities ** 6,384 5,269.9 319.5 3,521.6 3,624.9 3,606.9 Institute of National Environmental Matters** - - - 1,043.4 1,245 1,290.7 Nature conservation 52 28.8 17.8 94.2 2,094.2 1,594.2 compensation Support to nature 577.9 574.1 568.1 23.5 23.5 17.6 conservation applications

*In each budget year the Government allocated additional support to special nature conservation activities in individual decisions (e.g., implementation of Act XCIII of 1995 on the Restoration of Level of Protection in Protective Natural Areas) and budget blocks applied in certain years also affected the appropriations included in the table. ** Joint expenditure relating to also environmental and water management tasks *** Amounts included in the original appropriation pursuant to Act CCXXX of 2013 on Hungary's Central Budget for 2014

Main lines of action: - The public administrative agencies performing nature conservation tasks must be financed ensuring that the human resources and infrastructure proportionate to their tasks are sufficiently covered. - Adequate and continuous compensation must be provided to the national park directorates due to the plastic decline in their revenues from lease. - The chapter managed appropriations must contain amounts that are sufficient for the implementation of the Act on the Restoration of the Level of Protection and also finances the own funds required for all successful applications. Indicators: - Annual changes in the financing position of the public administrative agencies performing nature conservation tasks. - Annual changes in the ratio of actual expenditure and budget support required for operation. - Annual changes in the amounts available on chapter managed appropriations.

81 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

10 Legal and institutional background of nature conservation

10.1 Legal regulation

10.1.1 Changes in the legal background governing the nature conservation sector The Hungarian Fundamental Law, replacing Act XX of 1949 on the Constitution of the Republic of Hungary entered into force on 1 January 2012. Articles P) and XX and XXI of the Fundamental Law lay down principles pertaining to nature conservation: Article P) states a general constitutional obligation to protect and maintain natural resources and to preserve them for the future generations. Article XX states that everyone shall have the right to physical and mental health. Hungary implements that right with agricultural activities, free of any genetically modified organism and with environmental protection. Article XXI includes the right to a healthy environment among the fundamental right and also raises the obligation to provide compensation for any damage caused to the environment to the level of the Fundamental Law. It also contains a prohibition of importing harmful waste to be deposited in the territory of Hungary. Since the drafting of NNCMP-III, approximately from 2010 numerous simplification efforts determined legislation. They include the legal regulations on the reduction of bureaucracy and administrative burden of various target groups under the “Simple State Programme” and the “Magyary Zoltán Simplification Programme”, the programme aimed at reducing the administrative burden of entrepreneurs and the National reference Strategy Framework, etc. Among them the legislation on nature conservation was also reviewed. As a result, the environmental impact resistant project, the simple environmental authorisation, the act on the protection of arboreal plants, the procedures for the transfer of changes in the data of property records and the land transformation procedure became simpler and more understandable.

10.1.2 Results of nature conservation legislation Current status: In addition to the existing legislation, between 2009 and 2013 3 government decrees, 5 ministerial decrees and 28 ministerial decrees on protected designation, extending protected natural areas or announcing management plans entered into force on the basis of the authorisation granted on the Nature Conservation Act. During the planning period the pieces of legislation on nature conservation indicated above have been modified on more than 60 occasions. Pursuant to the Nature Conservation Act these days 11 government decrees, more than 30 ministerial decrees and almost 300 ministerial decrees on protected designation or announcing management plans are effective. More than 600 legal regulations contain provisions on nature conservation in the framework of sectoral distribution of work and preservation of natural values. The future legislative tasks are based primarily on the adoption of the obligations included in the community legislation and guidelines.

82 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

Main lines of action: - Performance of the tasks of implementation of the EU Biodiversity Strategy until 2020. - Integration of nature conservation aspects into the Hungarian legislation. - Adoption of further implementation decrees and integration of the experience of authorities for the consistent application of the Nature Conservation Act. - Transposition of the EU legislation published during the planning period (Invasion legislation). - Promulgation of the exhibit qualifications and protocols and international conventions (CITES, CBD) . - Elaboration and promulgation in a ministerial decree of the management plans for the productive natural areas, designated for ex lege protection and development of the zoning system between 2014 and 2019. - Establishment of a legislative environment supporting the implementation in Hungary of the European Landscape Convention and further development of that structure. - Adoption of a ministerial decree on protected designation of artificial hollows and definition of the surface protective zone of artificial hollows. - Preparation of a legal regulation of geological core sections and the protection of minerals and fossil sites. Indicators: - Number of new/modified legal regulations. - Number of legal regulations and legal provisions to be deregulated.

10.2 Institutional system Within the framework of the overall government activities nature conservation as a designated task was transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture. Consequently, the central management, coordination and control of nature conservation activities are the responsibility of the Minister of Agriculture. The minister performs the administrative regulatory and authority tasks related to nature conservation, specified by law, through the national park directorates and through the environmental and nature conservation authorities. The efficiency of preservation of natural values and the success of nature conservation activities of each country depends primarily and above all on the official public nature conservation activity with the recognition of the achievements of the nature conservation NGOs. At the same time, it is absolutely necessary for any successful nature policy that high standard nature conservation and preservation, maintenance and development of natural values should be integrated into other policies of our country and into the plans and measures falling within the scope of responsibility of other ministries. It is the purpose of the nature conservation institutional system to enable all participants of society (residents, decision-makers, economic operators, media, churches, etc.) to think by being aware of the environment. It is also important to reflect and take into account the environmental and natural aspects in the individual sectors, fields and activities of the staff. 83 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

The environmental and nature conservation network of institutions has been transferred recently. Within one of the changes the previous Ministry of Environmental Protection and Water Management merged with the Ministry of Rural Development in 2010 (earlier called Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) and from 2014 the Ministry has been operating again under the title of Ministry of Agriculture. Consequently, at the moment the environmental and nature conservation activities are pursued at the Ministry of Agriculture (hereinafter: MoA), Office of the Minister of State responsible for Environment Agricultural Development and Hungaricums. As a result of the efforts made in central administration from 2010 to eliminate the administrative powers of the ministry the characters and tasks of the organisations pursuing nature conservation functions have also become more transparent. As a “side effect” of those efforts, it also became obvious that the management of national records of protected natural areas and values pursuant to the Decree of the Minister of Environmental protection and Rural Development 13/1997 of 28 May will have a key role in the decision preparation processes at government level. It contributes further to the more effective management of nature and environmental protection matters that the National Institute of Environment (hereinafter: NIE) was founded on 1 January 2012 as a background institution of the ministry. The NIE performs tasks in environmental protection and nature conservation. It assists in adopting policy decision at the Ministry of Agriculture with the required scientific background. NIE is intended to support knowledge-based governance in environment (environmental protection and nature conservation) based on the principles of sustainable development, with an integrated approach, exploiting connections between the various fields in order to strengthen each other. The future objectives include further support to the nature conservation activities of the background institution of the Ministry. In the first step the number of experts working there should be increased, with which the professional influence and knowledge base of the institution can be raised and the support of the special area can also be increased.

10.2.1 National park directorates

Current status: The Government designates the national park directorates as the agency responsible for the nature conservation management of protected natural sites of national importance. The area of operation of the 10 national park directorates covers the whole territory of the country. The general redundancies made in the public sector also affected the national park directorates, while the number of the tasks to be performed increased significantly. Compared to the former organisational structure, the breakdown of tasks between the supervisions and national park directorates became clearer. The most important activities of the national park directorates include the nature conservation management of protected natural areas, values and Natura 2000 sites , asset management of state-owned areas, making them available for use or lease in certain cases, re and monitoring activities, operation of the Nature Conservation Guard Service, preparation of nature conservation management plans, Natura 2000 maintenance plans, landscape protection, eco- tourism activities, environmental education, records of protected natural areas and values, practical nature conservation tasks (habitat maintenance, habitat rehabilitation, species protection, review of spatial development plans). In this period one of the outstanding events of nature conservation was the celebration of the 40th 84 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020. anniversary of Hungary’s first national park, the Hortobágy National Park in 2013. Main lines of action: - The organisation of the national park directorates must be further strengthened in order to be able to supply the significant EU tasks as well as Hungarian nature conservation management, research, monitoring and asset management, etc. activities. In that context, it is also important that the implementation of the legislation obligation to restore the level of protection is a guarantee-type responsibility, for which adequate budget resources and human resources and indispensable. - Only a staff aligned with the tasks can successfully operate the nature conservation sector. Further development is required in each field, but mainly in safeguarding, monitoring, research, eco-tourism and environmental education activities. Increasing the budget resources of national park directorates for more effective performance is an indispensable condition of development. - The established and effectively working system must be maintained in its current form. The conditions required for making the national park directorates centres of job creation and rural development in their areas must be put in place; this objective can be served e.g., by the dissemination of knowledge and rules on the use of the national park product trademark. Indicators: - Ratio of performance of the tasks specified by law and in the foundation memorandum. - Ratio of implemented organisational development and efficiency improving measures. 10.2.2 Environmental and nature conservation authorities Current status: Within the framework of the regional public administration reform and in order to establish an administrative structure operating as an integrated service centre to support faster decision-making and more effective and transparent operation, on 1 April 2015 the inspectorates for environment and nature joined the 19 government offices as independent departments. Their current title is: Department of Environmental Protection and Nature Conservation of X County Government Office The objective of this transformation was to accelerate the procedures by reducing the gross administration time and replacing the 21-day general administration period. As a result of integration the administrative proceedings within the government office system were terminated, including the fields of social administration, human resource management and environmental protection. As a result of the changes the number of files that can be managed at government offices has increased. The related applications can be submitted in district offices, at government offices, at the government windows and local administrative assistance, as a result of which customers in future will be able to launch certain cases close to their homes, although in the past they could only be managed at the county seat. The national park directorates take part in the performance of the nature conservation administration and authority tasks as data suppliers, reviewers and customers. The National Inspectorate for Environment and Nature (Budapest) is the second instance authority of nature conservation and landscape protection (competent authorities), and expert that may be assigned in second instance proceedings.

Main lines of action: - Participation in applications and projects must be encouraged with capacity extension. 85 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

Indicators: - Ratio of performance of the tasks specified by law and in the foundation memorandum.

86 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

List of tables and figures

Table 1 - Changes in the number of protected natural areas of national importance between 1997 and 2013 ...... 10 Table 2 - Size of protected natural areas (2013) ...... 11 Figure 1 – Protected nature conservation areas of national importance in Hungary ...... 11 Figure 2 - Number of protected nature conservation sites of local importance in Hungary ...... 12 Table 3 - Extension of the Natura 2000 network in Hungary ...... 13 Figure 3 – Nature conversation status of species and habitat of Community interest (2007, 2013) ...... 13 Table 4 - Ex lege protected caves ...... 16 Table 5 – Ex lege protected mires and bogs ...... 17 Table 6 - Ex lege protected salt lakes ...... 18 Table 7 – Ex lege protected tumuli ...... 18 Table 8 – Ex lege protected earthen fortification ...... 19 Table 9 – Ex lege protected springs ...... 19 Table 10 – Ex lege protected sink-holes ...... 20 Table 11 - Wetland habitats of international interest in Hungary ...... 21 Figure 4 – Ramsar sites in Hungary ...... 22 Table 12 - European Diploma Sites in Hungary ...... 23 Figure 5 - Biosphere reserves in Hungary ...... 24 Table 13- Biosphere reserves in Hungary ...... 23 Table 14 - Geo parks in Hungary ...... 25 Table 15 - World Heritage Sites in Hungary ...... 26 Table 16 - Dark Sky Parks in Hungary ...... 26 Table 17 - Nature Parks in Hungary ...... 27 Table 18 - Number of protected and strictly protected species in Hungary ...... 29 Table 19 - Number of settlements assessed within the framework of individual landscape value cadastre (1 October 2014) ...... 30 Table 20 - Size of protected natural areas and natural areas proposed for protection, managed by the national park directorates (31 December 2013) ...... 33 Table 21 - Data of the nature conservation guarding service of the national park directorates (March 2013) ...... 34 Table 22 - Budget resources for the implementation of the Protection Restoration Act ...... 36 Figure 6 - Breakdown of the forest territory of the country by mode of operation in hectares (only forest segments) (Source: NFCSO Forestry Directorate) ...... 38 Figure 7 - Main modules of the Nature Conservation Information System ...... 49 Table 23 - Data set of the Nature Conservation Information System (extract) ...... 50 Figure 8 - Breakdown of species in Wildlife watch (September 2014) ...... 51 Table 24 - Promulgation of nature conservation management plans of protected natural areas of national importance during the period of the first three NNCMPs ...... 55 Figure 9 - The national ecological network in Hungary (May 2013) ...... 59 Figure 10 - Ecotourism facilities of national park directorates (October 2014) ...... 63 Figure 11 - Number of visitors registered by the national park directorates (2005-2013) ...... 64 Table 25 - Support to nature conservation tasks, established in the annual Budget Acts* ...... 81

87 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

Annexes to the 4th National Nature Conservation Master Plan

- Map annex 1 - Protected natural areas of national importance and Natura 2000 sites in Hungary (Source: Ministry of Agriculture)

- Map annex 2 - Areas of the national spatial development plan requiring outstanding treatment in terms of landscape protection in Hungary

- Annex 1 - Nature conservation legislation results for Chapter 10

- Annex 2 - Eco-tourism facilities constructed during the NNCMP-III planning period

- Annex 3 - Prioritised Action Framework for Natura 2000 (summary)

88 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

Map annex 1 - Protected natural areas of national importance and Natura 2000 sites in Hungary

89 National Nature Conservation Master Plan IV. – 2015-2020.

Map annex 2 - Areas of the national spatial development plan requiring outstanding treatment in terms of landscape protection in Hungary

90

Annex 1 - Achievements of nature conservation legislation concerning chapter 10

The significant changes that occurred in regulations applicable to state property as of 2010 had a fundamental impact on the everyday activities of national park directorates that perform nature conservation management. Act LXXXVII of 2010 on the National Land Fund, and its amendment (effective as of 1 August 2011) created the possibility for national park directorates to receive areas in the National Land Fund for asset management free of charge, and the National Land Fund must hand over the areas purchased/appropriated by the directorates without launching a call for applications. The implementing decrees of the National Land Fund Act - primarily, Government Decree 262/2010 of 17 September laying down the detailed rules for the utilisation of land parts in the National Land Fund - regulate the requirements related to the sale, usufructuary lease and asset management of land parts deemed to be arable land. It can be assessed as serious progress that, under the Government Decree cited, the lists of requirements for the purpose of conserving and improving the natural conditions of protected nature conservation areas and/or Natura 2000 areas form integral parts of any contract for the handing over of all land included in the National Land Fund’s assets for asset management or usufructuary lease. The manoeuvring room of national park directorates was increased by the amendment to Act XLIX of 1991 on bankruptcy and liquidation proceedings, according to which, as of 1 March 2012, based on Section 49/C (1), the law grants a right of first refusal concerning protected nature conservation areas included in the liquidation assets to the national park directorates instead of the minister in charge of nature conservation. As of 1 July 2013, as a result of an amendment to Act CXXIII of 2007 on appropriation, only national park directorates may exercise appropriation in protected nature conservation areas in the case of investments for habitat restoration purposes. Act XXXVII of 2009 on Forests, and on the Protection and Management of Forests makes a great contribution to ensuring that environmental protection and nature conservation interests get greater emphasis in the course of forest management. The implementation of the contents of the European Union’s Forest Strategy and the promotion of the use of forestry aid are instruments that will result in shifting focus to semi-natural forestry and improving the natural condition of forests. The new Forest Act introduces several measures aimed at conserving natural values and landscapes (such as introduction of categories of naturalness, harmonisation of district forest plans with nature conservation management plans, etc.). Act CXX of 2012 on the modification of acts concerning the activities of persons with tasks of law enforcement and certain acts in order to step up against pupils' absence from schools, effective as of 1 January 2013, and its implementing decrees made fundamental changes to the regulations on the Nature Conservation Guard Service’s operation. Act II of 2012 on Minor Offences, Offence Procedures and the Registration System of Offences came into force on 15 April 2012. The national park directorates’ powers to act as authorities for minor offences was terminated, whilst nature conservation guards were empowered to impose on-site fines. Acts of an administrative nature subject to administrative proceedings were taken out of the scope of the Offences Act.

91

Additional aspects of landscape and nature conservation were incorporated in the rules of Government Decree 218/2009 of 6 October laying down the required contents of the regional development concept, the regional development programme and the area landscaping plan, and the detailed rules for their alignment, elaboration, consultation, approval and publication.

Out of the several legislative achievements enumerated in subparagraph 10.1.2, a significant result for the period between 2009 and 2013 is that the designation of the Natura 2000 network has been completed, as based on the second “Pannon Biogeographic Seminar” held on 5 October 2011, the European Commission found in 2011 that there was no need to designate additional Natura 2000 areas in Hungary for any habitat type or species (Natura 2000 areas were promulgated in Decree of the Ministry for Environmental Protection and Water 14/2010). The operation and maintenance of the Natura 2000 network is greatly assisted by the publication of Decree of the Minister of Rural Development 43/2012 of 3 May laying down the detailed rules for using aid to be granted out of the European Agricultural Rural Development Fund for the preparation of plans to maintain Natura 2000 areas was published. In the framework of the measure, maintenance plans will be prepared for 243 Natura 2000 areas covering some 480,000 hectares. A further progressive step is the adoption of Decree of the Minister of Rural Development 41/2012 of 27 April laying down the detailed rules for compensation aid to be granted out of the European Agricultural Rural Development Fund for the cultivation of Natura 2000 forest areas. Under the Decree, forestry managers doing business on forest areas included in the Natura 2000 network may receive non-refundable compensation aid in the event of implementing forestry activities that are ecologically sustainable as well. The inclusion of the area named “Fish ponds and groves of South Balaton” was included in the List of Wetlands of International Importance, meaning it was announced as a new Ramsar Site, in order to conserve and maintain water habitats in Hungary in the long run may be deemed to be an outstanding international success. The Ramsar diploma was handed over by the Ramsar Secretariat during the meeting of nature conservation directorates held between 7 and 10 June 2011 in the framework of Hungary’s presidency of the EU. Afterwards, all Ramsar sites (29) were published in a consolidated structure by adopting Decree of the Minister of Rural Development 119/2011 of 15 December on the publication of Hungarian protected waters and wetlands included in the List of Wetlands of International Importance. Another important achievement is the adoption of Decree of the Minister of Rural Development No. 86/2012 (VIII. 15.) on the collection for commercial purposes and distribution of the sowing seed mix of fodder plants aimed at conserving the natural environment. As there was no Hungarian legislation on the collection for commercial purposes and distribution of sowing seed mixes of fodder plants aimed at conserving the natural environment, Directive 2010/60/EU was transposed by amending several pieces of legislation and adopting the ministerial decree specified above. The amendment to Decree of the Minister of Environmental Protection 13/2001. of 9 May on the protected and strictly protected plant and animal species (effective as of 1 October 2012, Decree of the Minister of Rural Development 100/2012 of 28 September amending Decree of the Minister of Environmental Protection 13/2001 of 9 May on the protected and strictly protected plant and animal species, the strictly protected caves and on the disclosure of plant and animal species, important in the European Community in terms of nature conservation and Decree of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development 43/2010 of 23 April on plant protection activities) was published in 2012.

92

One of the important grounds for the amendment was the agreement signed between the government and civil representatives of the nature conservation and game management sectors at the Fishing, Hunting and Arms International Exhibition (FeHoVa) in February 2012. The other major pillar of the amendment was the comprehensive harmonisation of the list of plant and animal species subject to protection with EU directives on nature conservation, the then current endangered status of species, and the review of such status based on new taxonomic and scientific results. In 2013, in addition to fulfilling the legal harmonisation tasks necessitated by Croatia’s accession to the European Union (Government Decree 337/2013 of 25 September amending Government Decree 275/2004 of 8 October on areas for nature conservation of European Community importance, Decree of the Minister of Rural Development 84/2013 of 25 September amending Decree of the Minister for Environmental Protection and Water 14/2010 of 11 May on land parts affected by areas for nature conservation of European Community importance), the range of fungus and lichen species was also increased (effective from 10 October 2013, Decree of the Minister of Rural Development 83/2013 of 25 September). The list of areas with Europe Diplomas and marsh and salt lakes under ex lege protection was published in the form of a communication by the Ministry of Rural Development in issue no. I of 2012 of Vidékfejlesztési Értesítő (Rural Development Bulletin). Considering that as of 1 January 2012, the legal guidelines were repealed or considered withdrawn based on Section 47 and Section 32(2) of Act CXXX of 2010 on legislation and Government Decision 1306/2010 of 23 December on government tasks related to the review of legal guidelines, it became necessary to review the information issued by the former Minister of Environmental Protection and Water, and, as a result of this, to publish again the topographic lot numbers of land parts then currently protected as marsh and salt lakes under ex lege protection. In addition to drafting legislation, the Ministry has put special emphasis on creating other instruments for regulating public law organisations. In May 2011, procedures for nature conservation indemnification cases were issued, along with procedures for legal transactions of national park directorates for nature conservation purposes resulting in state ownership of real estate. In order to protect the Natura 2000 forest areas and create a framework for careful forest planning two guidelines were prepared under the titles of Technical Background paper for defining the management guidelines for forest habitats to be used as a basis of designation of Natura 2000 sites in Hungary and district forest plan under preparation of the preliminary analysis phase of the Natura 2000 impact assessment documentation. The technical guidelines assisting with the more detailed interpretation of the concept of ex lege mires and bogs were also completed in this period. Based on the above, maintenance plans were completed for 243 Natura 2000 sites by May 2015. In order to make the contents of each plan chapter more unified, we prepared a guide entitled “Guidelines for the preparation of Natura 2000 maintenance plans”. The adoption of 28 ministerial decrees declaring areas to be protected areas, expanding protected nature conservation areas or announcing management plans was a significant legislative achievement of the 2009 to 2013 period. Government Decision 1189/2012 of 11 June setting up the National Coordination Team for the European Landscape Convention - and on establishing a landscape award - and Directive of the Minister of Rural Development 14/2012 of 25 June on the Ministry’s tasks related to awards that may be established by the Minister for Rural Development should also be mentioned. Government Decree 93

297/2009 of 21 December on expert activities in environmental protection, nature conservation, water management and landscape protection also underwent significant modification. Decree of the Minister of Environmental Protection and Regional Development 13/1998 of 6 May on the registration of caves, certain conditions for visiting and exploring caves and the construction of caves was amended in order to achieve increased and more efficient protection for caves, with regard to certain provisions of the Act on national assets. The Annex to Directive of the Minister of Rural Development No. 4/2012 of 24 February provided for establishing the scope of caves requiring increased protection. In 2009, Decree of the Minister of Environmental Protection and Water 16/2009 of 8 October designating the surface protection zone for caves announced the surface protection zones for caves, and the scope of these zones was extended to accommodate the surface protection zones for caves within municipality boundaries with the 2012 amendment to the Decree (Decree of the Minister of Rural Development 83/2012 of 2 August ). One of the major achievements of the past planning period was the publication of Directive of the Minister of Rural Development 12/2012 of 8 June on carrying out the asset management activities of national park directorates for nature conservation purposes based on uniform professional principles, having regard to the transformation of regulations concerning land rights. The adoption of Act CII of 2013 concerning fisheries and the protection of fish, and of Decree of the Minister of Rural Development 133/2013 of 29 December implementing the Act, aimed at protecting indigenous fish populations and their habitats, may be assessed as a significant step forward.

94

Annex 2 – Ecotourism facilities built during the NNCMP-III planning period

Year of National park Name of site Type of exhibition foundati directorate in on charge of maintenance and/or operation 2007 Bükk Ipolytarnóc Fossils Nature visitor centre Conservation Display 2007 Fertő-Hanság Csapody István Nature School and education and Visitor Centre visitor centre 2007 Hortobágy Hortobágy Visitor Centre and visitor centre Handcraft Yard 2007 Hortobágy Natural history exhibition, Hortobágy exhibition 2007 Hortobágy Handcraft Yard exhibition and demonstration 2007 Hortobágy Windmill Inn, nature conservation nature conservation exhibition exhibition 2007 Hortobágy "Fecskeház" (“Swallow House”) forest school forest school 2007 Körös-Maros Réhely Visitor Centre visitor centre 2007 Körös-Maros Bihari Madárvárta (Bihar visitor centre Birdwatching) exhibition and 2008 Aggtelek Kessler Hubert Memorial House natural history sessions 2008 Aggtelek House of Traditions exhibition 2008 Duna-Dráva White Stork Museum exhibition 2008 Duna-Dráva Szársomlyó, nature conservation nature conservation display display 2011 Aggtelek Visitor centre, Aggtelek visitor centre 2011 Aggtelek Művészetek Magtára (Art Depository) natural art centre, display 2011 Balaton-felvidék Lavender House Visitor Centre visitor centre 2011 Bükk Baglyaskő Castle Nature Conservation visitor centre Visitor Centre 2011 Duna-Dráva Szentborbási Education Centre education centre 2011 Duna-Dráva Boki-Duna fishing demonstration fishing display 2011 Hortobágy Pusztai Vadaspark (Puszta Game game reserve 95

Reserve) Ornithology and 2011 Hortobágy Hortobágy fish pond display area with fishing display area, narrow-gauge railway may be visited by narrow-gauge railway as well, migration research station 2012 Balaton-felvidék Pannon Observatory Visitor Centre visitor centre 2012 Duna-Dráva Nagyharsány Statue Park sculpting display 2012 Duna-Ipoly Sashegy Visitor Centre visitor centre 2012 Fertő-Hanság Demonstration Farm, Lászlómajor display area

Refurbished and modernised sites

Year of Name of site Type of National park foundation/re exhibition directorate in furbishment charge of maintenance and/or operation

1952 / 1976 Alcsút Arboretum Nature arboretum Duna-Ipoly /1990 / 2012 Conservation Site

1972 / 2008 / Zirc Arboretum Nature arboretum Balaton-felvidék 2010-2012 Conservation Site

1975 / 2012 Ság-hegy Museum periodic museum Őrség

1976 / 2007 Körszín handcrafts Hortobágy exhibition and gift shop

1976 / 2011 Meggyes Inn museum Hortobágy

1980 / 2011 Western Inn House information point Hortobágy

2002 / 2007 Mátraszőlős Függő-kő, geologic display Bükk geologic display

2002 / 2007 Salgótarján, Eresztvény Új- geologic display Bükk bánya (New Mine), geologic display

2002 / 2007 Salgótarján, Eresztvény Kis- geologic display Bükk bánya (Small Mine), geologic display

96

2002 / 2009 Forest Information Education forest school Balaton-felvidék Base and House of Small Crafts

2003 / 2009 Tihany Lavender Forest forest school Balaton-felvidék School

2004 / 2007 Sámsonháza Buda-hegy geologic display Bükk cinder mine, geologic display

2004 / 2008 Dráva Kapu (Dráva Gate) display area Duna-Dráva Display Centre

2005 / 2011 Salamander Forest School forest school Aggtelek House of Forests, forestry and forestry and 2008 / 2011 nature conservation exhibition nature Balaton-felvidék conservation exhibition

2012 Modernisation of lighting in cave open for Aggtelek caves open for visiting visiting

2012 Modernisation of lighting in cave open for Bükk caves open for visiting visiting

97

Annex 3 - Natura 2000 Prioritised Action Plan (summary)

Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora; and Directive 2009/147/EC on the conservation of wild birds

NATIONAL NATURA 2000 PRIORITISED ACTION PLAN

For the 2014 to 2020 multi-annual financial period

HUNGARY

Summary

11 September 2013

98

1. Background

The Natura 2000 network is the network of areas designated for the protection of habitat types, animal and plant species of Community interest that must be conserved in the European Union based on two nature conservation directives of the European Union - the Birds (2009/147/EC) and Habitats (43/92/EEC) directives, which had to be designated in Hungary as well as a condition for our accession to the European Union. Following the adjustments made to the designation based on the Commission’s assessment, by October 2011, the designation of Natura 2000 sites covering some 21% of Hungary’s area can be considered sufficient. Once the Natura 2000 network has been sufficiently designated, emphasis will now shift to the maintenance of the network, the conservation of species and habitat types of Community interest, and improving their nature conservation situation. This is confirmed by the EU’s biodiversity strategy to be fulfilled by 2020, adopted in 2011, a priority objective of which is “Halting the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystem services in the EU by 2020, and restoring them in so far as feasible”. Objective 1 of the strategy, which defines altogether 6 objectives and 20 measures, is the full-scale implementation of the Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive. Accordingly, the deterioration of the nature conservation situation of all species and habitats subject to the EU’s nature conservation directives must be halted, their situation needs to be improved considerably, to an extent measurable by the indicators specified by the EU. The legal framework for financing the Member State duties related to the conservation of Natura 2000 sites are determined by Article 8 of the Habitat Protection Directive. On the one hand, this Article of the Directive recognises the justification for co-financing for Natura 2000 to be provided by the EU, and on the other hand, it sets out the conditions and procedure for providing co-financing, including the need to elaborate “prioritised action plans” at Member State level. So far, there have been no targeted measures aimed at the practical implementation of the items set out in the Article referred to. This is the first occasion when the European Commission expects Member States to come up with action plans with reference to this Article.

2. Previous events

As one of the important steps for preparing for the 2014–2020 period, in line with its proposal on the multi-annual financial framework (MFF)2 the European Commission explained its ideas concerning Natura 2000 financing in a working paper3 published in December 2011. The working paper sums up the most important experience with financing in the current period, presents the opportunities that may be expected between 2014 and 2020 based on the Commission’s drafts for proposed legislation already published, and sets out the major principles aimed at ensuring more efficient financing for Natura 2000. According to the Commission’s proposal, the EU financing for Natura 2000 sites for the period 2014 to 2020 will be provided dominantly by the so-called “integration approach” (mainstreaming) that dominated in the current period as well. There will be no separate fund

2 COM/2011/500, „A budget for Europe 2020” 3 SEC(2011) 1573 Commission Staff Working Paper, FINANCING NATURA 2000, Investing in Natura 2000: Delivering benefits for nature and people

99 allocated for this purpose, the development needs arising in connection with the conservation of Natura 2000 sites will have to applied in the framework of the existing EU financial instruments, EAFRD, EMFF, ERDF, CF, ESA, LIFE . As one of the central elements for Natura 2000 financing, the Commission projects the use of Natura 2000 Prioritised Action Framework (PAF) at Member State level for the coming period. This professional document assisting in multi-annual planning, to be elaborated at Member State level, sets out the Member State priorities and strategic objectives related to the conservation of Natura 2000 sites and improving the nature conservation situation of species and habitats subject to the EU’s nature conservation directives, defining the required interventions, identifying the EU financing instruments aligned to the tasks targeted. In summary, the objectives to be achieved by the practical application of prioritised action plans are as follows:

 Accurate definition and priority ranking of development needs on good professional grounds;

 Rendering the contribution of each instrument more transparent, providing the professional grounds for the related decisions;

 Providing the professional grounds for consultations (between the Commission and Member States, and within a Member State) concerning the development of the framework for Natura 2000 financing and the distribution of funds between intervention areas (sectors);

 Increased harmonisation of EU, Hungarian and other financial instruments supporting the maintenance, management and development of the Natura 2000 network;  Enabling the combined use of various different financial instruments according to a coherent set of objectives by a programme approach (e.g. implementation of the prioritised action plan for a particular region with the combined application of several EU financial instruments such as LIFE, ERDF, EAFRD); According to the recommendations made by the European Commission’s services concerning the Partnership Agreement for 2014 to 2020 and the Operational Programmes, Hungary needs to create the financing background for the implementation of the Natura 2000 prioritised action plan by making use of the relevant EU funds, and must ensure complete harmonisation between the action plan and the use of funds.

3. Structure of the Natura 2000 prioritised action plan, general requirements

The European Commission made a detailed proposal on the structure of the prioritised action plans in March 2011. The template and guidelines, finalised based on Member State comments, was adopted in the 29 April 2012 session of the Habitat Protection Committee, and Member States received the European Commission’s official request for elaboration in May 2012. The structure of chapters for the Natura 2000 prioritised action plan is summarised in text box 1. The most important information for the purposes of our preparations for the multi-annual financial period of 2014 to 2020 are set out in chapters F and G of the prioritised action plan, setting out the strategic objectives for the 2014 to 2020 period and the actions aiming to achieve the objectives, and identifying the EU financial instruments to be used for implementing each action. 10 0

TEXT BOX 1: Major chapters of the Natura 2000 prioritised action plans: A. Overview of the given Member State’s Natura 2000 network a. Brief overview of the habitat types in Annex I and species in Annex II of the Habitats Directive, and the bird species and migrating bird species in Annex I to the Birds Directive b. Number and dimensions of the Natura 2000 sites c. Distribution of Natura 2000 sites by land use categories and major ecosystems B. Nature conservation state of habitats and species a. Aggregate nature conservation situation of the species and habitat types occurring in the Member State based on the results of the latest assessment b. Assessment of nature conservation situation by groups of species and habitat categories c. Overview of the threats to species and habitat types C. Legal and administrative measures applied in order to conserve and manage Natura 2000 sites a. Relevant legal measures b. Current status of Natura 2000 maintenance plans, outlook c. Related government and non-government plans D. Experience on the current use of EU funds a. European Agricultural and Rural Development Agency (EAFRD) b. European Fisheries Fund (EFF) c. Structural funds and Cohesion Fund d. LIFE+ e. Other significant financing instruments E. Current estimate of costs related to the management and maintenance of Natura 2000 sites F. Natura 2000 strategic objectives for the given Member State for 2014 to 2020 G. Description of the measures to serve fulfilment of the strategic objectives H. Monitoring, evaluation and updating of the prioritised action plan

4. Hungary’s Natura 2000 prioritised action plan

4.1. Priorities, objectives and measures Based on current information related to the nature conservation situation of species and habitat types of Community interest, the Hungarian Natura 2000 prioritised action plan sets 9 priorities and nine strategic objectives as follows: Priority 1: Wetlands and floodplain habitats Objective: Improve the nature conservation situations of vulnerable wetlands and floodplain habitats and the species of Community interest associated with them. Priority 2: Water habitats and communities Objective: Improve the nature conservation situation of species of Community interest and their habitats depending on the good ecological conditions (water quality, water quantity, flow dynamics, riverbed morphology, etc.) of natural, altered and artificial water spaces - rivers, lakes, small water flows on flatlands and hills -, water habitats and communities. Priority 3: Plains grasslands, forests and forest-grassland habitat complexes Objective: Conserve the habitat types, plant and animal species of Community interest of grasslands, forests and forest-grassland habitat complexes of the Plains/flatlands with variable water supply, improve their nature conservation situation. Priority 4: Hill and mountain forests Objective: Conserve the habitat types, plant and animal species of Community interest typical in the contiguous forests of hills and mountains, improve their nature conservation situation.

10 1

Priority 5: Hill and mountain grasslands, forest steppes and peripheral habitats Objective: Conserve the habitat types and associated species of Community interest of grasslands and forest steppes in hills and mountains and the peripheral habitats (at the foot of the mountain), improve their nature conservation situation. Priority 6: Species of business use and/or associated with residential areas Objective: Improve the nature conservation situation of species of Community interest primarily associated with areas used for (intensive) agricultural, fishery or other purposes and/or living typically in a human environment. Priority 7: Research, monitoring and ex situ species conservation Objective: Research laying the foundations for determining and tracking the nature conservation situation of species and habitats of Community interest of which there is insufficient information or which are priorities, and improve the nature conservation situation of species of Community interest with a highly reduced number of specimens, partly dependent on ex situ species conservation interventions. Priority 8: Presentation, awareness raising, institutional development (horizontal measures) Objective: Promote the widespread dissemination of information and efficient conservation of species and habitat types of Community interest, and of Natura 2000 sites, using the means of presentation, awareness building and institutional development/ Priority 9: Sustainable use of the socio-economic benefits of Natura 2000 sites (horizontal measures) Objective: Strengthen the role played by Natura 2000 sites in socio-economic development and job creation at local level. Taking into account the development needs and the financing opportunities offered by EU financing instruments, the five main groups of actions presented in the following table were identified:

Table 1: Overview of the actions of the Natura 2000 Prioritised Action Plan

Measure - group Number of affected measures, short description Financing instruments

Nature conservation 13 actions: such as payments based on the voluntary EAFRD and EMFF, management offers of businesses and related non-productive ERDF to a small extent (forest, grassland, investments, development of the infrastructure fish pond) background for management Habitat 10 actions: such as developments to improve water ERDF, CF development, supply, regulation of populations of invasive species, habitat restoration regulation of succession processes, planting for restoration purposes, development to reduce the fragmenting effect of linear facilities

10 2

Research, 8 actions: such as identification of the nature ERDF, EARDF, EMFF, monitoring, ex situ conservation situation of species of Community interest LIFE, species on which there is insufficient information, applied Horizon 2020, Hungarian conservation research helping to eliminate threat factors, exploration funds of nationwide dissemination of species and habitat types, development of the equipment required to monitor species and habitat types, ex situ species conservation programmes Planning, 7 actions: preparation of maintenance plans, ERDF, EAFRD awareness, supplementing of existing plans, development of the institution infrastructure background for presentation and development awareness raising, education, awareness building programmes, capacity development for government agencies, development of the infrastructure and personnel background for regional presence, cross- border cooperation, land purchase Utilisation of socio- 3 actions: ecotourism developments, support for micro, ERDF, EAFRD, EMFF economic benefits small and medium-sized enterprises engaged in activities supporting Natura 2000 objectives associated with the management, maintenance or presentation of Natura 2000 sites, Natura 2000 product trade mark

The complete version of the National Natura 2000 Prioritised Action Plan is accessible electronically athttp://www.termeszetvedelem.hu/natura-2000-finanszirozas-2014-2020.

10 3