Proposal title:

Restoration of grasslands in Budapest by re-establishing traditional land use methods, surface water retention and community-driven activities in favour of improved urban biodiversity and climate.

Abstract

Biodiverse City LIFE is an area-based nature conservation project focusing on valuable grassland habitats of the Pannonian Region, and on water retention and the re-establishing of traditional land use methods to boost urban biodiversity and ecosystem services in Budapest.

Through the restoration of degraded grasslands, wetlands, and, to a small extent, forests, controlling invasive species, as well as extensive grassland management, the project improves the conservation status of the habitats (271 ha) and species of community interest and/or national importance.

The improvement of the conservation status of Natura2000 and locally protected natural and semi-natural habitats at the three main project sites (Mocsáros, Tétényi Plateau, Kőérberek) is expected to lead to an increase in the population of 20 indicator species (8 of which are of community interest), and an improvement in ecosystem services and adaptive capacities to climate change.

 The project takes an integrated approach to nature conservation. In urban settings, conservation efforts must involve local residents in order to ensure the long-term sustainability of project results. Therefore, the project aims to address the causes and effects of detrimental human impact affecting natural environments in Budapest today, thus encouraging sustainable urban land use practices, and peaceful coexistence of nature and the urban lifestyle. The value of urban biodiversity and ecosystem services is to be spread by using the main project sites and other urban green areas for demonstration, awareness-raising, and community involvement. The project leads to a significant expansion of locally protected areas, boosts urban biodiversity and ecosystem services, and thus substantially contributes to the European Biodiversity Strategy 2030.

Duration of the project:
September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2031.

 Coordinator of the project:

Municipality of Budapest

Other beneficaries (project partners):

Budapest Public Utilities Company (BKM)

Birdlife Hungary (MME)

Pilis Park Forestry

Municipality of Óbuda-Békásmegyer

Óbuda-Békásmegyer Urban Development Nonprofit Ltd. (Affiliated partner)

Budapest Sewage Works (FCSM)

Municipality of Újbuda (co-financing partner)

Total budget of the project: 3 608 377 euro

Grant from the EU LIFE programme: 2 165 026 euro