The Hortobágy National Park Directorate has launched the project titled “Improving the Water Supply and Nature Conservation Management of the Hortobágyi Öregtavak” (KEHOP_PLUSZ-3.2.1-24-2025-00021) with full EU funding of 650 million HUF. The investment is part of the Environmental and Energy Efficiency Operational Programme Plus (KEHOP Plusz), which supports nature conservation in Hungary’s ten national parks with a total budget of 42 billion HUF.
The Hortobágyi Öregtavak, also known as the Hortobágy Fishpond System, spans 1,850 hectares and is one of Central Europe’s most important wetland habitats. The project aims to preserve ponds suitable for extensive aquaculture, renovate water supply and regulation structures, and maintain the lakes’ ecological condition in the long term. Construction is expected to begin in early 2027 and conclude by the end of 2029.
This development builds on a previous EU-funded project (LIFE11 NAT/HU/000924) focused on restoring natural water regimes and pasture ponds in Hortobágy. That initiative was recently highlighted by László Kiss, Vice Chair of the Development, Planning and Strategy Committee of the Hajdú-Bihar County Assembly, as a good practice on the EU Committee of the Regions’ official Instagram page — the video can be viewed here.
Commenting on the project, László Kiss welcomed the new development and emphasized:
“Everyone involved in environmental projects must take advantage of these funding opportunities while the current EU development cycle lasts. The recently announced 2025 LIFE Programme also offers a tremendous chance, but unfortunately, there’s a real risk that the next budget period could see major cuts to environmental funding. In Hajdú-Bihar, our goal—whether as municipalities or environmental NGOs—is to implement as many nature conservation projects as possible, even beyond our current capacities. If anyone reaches out, I’m happy to provide guidance on grant opportunities.”
Under KEHOP Plusz, 60 nature conservation projects are launching nationwide, aiming to improve the ecological condition of more than 100,000 hectares. The development of the Hortobágyi Öregtavak is a flagship among them—not only preserving the region’s natural treasures but also playing a vital role in biodiversity, sustainable land use, and future tourism development.
More details about the project can be found on the Hortobágy National Park Directorate’s website.
For information about the current 2025 LIFE Programme calls, visit the official CINEA website.
Photo: HNP
