This development will ensure the long-term water supply of the Hortobágy Öregjärvi Lakes

Around 650 million forints of EU funding will be used to renovate the Hortobágy Old Lakes. Thanks to this historically significant development, the largest contiguous wetland in Hortobágy can preserve its unique natural values and rich bird life in the long term by ensuring water management and extensive aquaculture, said András Rácz, State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture responsible for nature conservation, at the event in Hortobágy presenting the project.

According to the Ministry's press release, András Rácz explained that the project entitled "Improvement of water supply and conservation management of the Hortobágy Old Ponds" will enable the development of the oldest fish ponds in the Hortobágy.

During the modernisation

• renewing the structures that supply and regulate water to fish ponds,
• other facilities in the pond are restored,
• the wintering pools are arranged,
• the supply channel is partially restored,
• fishing grounds are set up,
• and the main dam.

The aim of the development is to keep the ponds in the pond system in a state suitable for extensive aquaculture.

Tens of thousands of migratory birds stop here every year

The project will enrich the Natura 2000 network, a bird paradise and one of the most beautiful wetlands in Hungary, and will allow future generations to discover it. The Hortobágy Old Lakes, also known as Hortobágy Pond, with its 1850 hectares, is also protected by the Ramsar Convention. The area is also one of the most important bird habitats in Central Europe, where tens of thousands of migratory birds roost every year.