Press Release
Opening conference of the project Sustainable use of Natura 2000 habitats along the Slovenian-Hungarian border ("Landscape in harmony")
The main objective of the project implemented under the first call for tenders in the European Territorial Cooperation Programme Slovenia-Hungary 2007-2013, is to develop and implement sustainable land use model based on natural, economical and social realities along the Slovenian-Hungarian border and which shall help to preserve the biodiversity of Natura 2000 sites. Within the project we will strive to preserve plant and animal species which can be found on pastures. We will strive to develop new local products and to introduce and promote nature-friendly farming in grassland areas.
Project research results, promotion and popularization of sustainable use landscape and nature-friendly farming practices will be presented in expert’s publications intended for locals and visitors.
There are five partners involved in project: two from the Hungarian side, Őrség National Park Directorate (as lead partner) and the Municipality of Števanovci and three on Slovenian side, Nature Park Goričko Public Institute, Prleška Development Agency and Ecological Centre SVIT.
The project is funded: 85% from European Regional Development Fund, 10% from national public funding and 5% from each one`s own resources.
Project Budget: € 1,317,193.66.
Project duration: 1 November 2009 - 31 October 2012.
Project regions: Őrség, Goričko in Natura 2000 sites along the Mura River.
Within the project we will purchase cheese factory equipment for establishing a small cheese factory. In order to mow and maintain the pastures we bought and to convert abandoned agricultural land back into pastures we will purchase mowing machinery. During the project we will carry out the habitat and butterfly mapping on all three project areas.
The mapping results will be published in the atlas of butterflies, in a short documentary on nature and in the guides on habitats, butterflies and plants in Natura 2000 sites of Őrség, Goričko and along the Mura River. The guides will be in Slovenian, Hungarian and English languages.
With the help of a farmer’s guide which we already issued in February and public forums for farmers, we will promote nature-friendly farming and nature friendly mowing techniques. Our target groups are not only farmers but also the younger generation. Therefore, we will prepare leaflets, T-shirts and board games that will help them to understand the model of sustainable cultural landscape use. Sustainable grassland use will be linked with the establishment of trademarks, which will contribute to raise the recognition and competitive position of local products.
In order to achieve common project objectives, good cross-border cooperation is and it will be essential.
Öriszentpéter, 24.03.2010
Opening conference in Hungarian on webpage of Őrség National Park Directorate http://onp.nemzetipark.gov.hu/osszefoglalo-a-konferenciarol
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