The Natura 2000 is a network of protected areas of European primary importance determined by the Birds Directive 79/409/EEC and the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. The former value of the protected areas in Hungary was about 0,75 million ha – 90% of it remains in Natura 2000 – but further 1,2 million ha will be protected. The present value reaches 1,92 million ha, 21% of the territory of Hungary.
According to the directives, in the process of the designation of the territories only nature protection aspects can be taken into consideration, economical and social factors should be not influence the designation.
But this conception does not hurt the interest of the farmers, because these newly designated areas are on mainly weak fertility lands, and the present way of farming can be proceed in the future as well. Only the sequence of the works should be postponed several days or weeks. The government will reimburse the loss of the farmers because of the postponed works.
For the EU Natura 2000 territories EUR 200-600 is designated as reimbursement depending the nature of the land.
The press conference took place at Rétszilas, at an ancient, from the Roman times existing, now private and well kept wetland listed among the important Ramsar Wetlands.
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Information & Contact:
Ministry of Environment and Water
Fö utca 44-50.
1011 Budapest
Phone: +36 1 457 3300
