Significant support helps restore the natural water balance of the Dévaványa-Ecsegi heaths

By: STA Date: 2025. 06. 03. 11:00

A significant part of the Körös-Maros National Park is wetlands, so it is of outstanding importance that the restoration of the natural water balance of the Dévaványa-Ecsegi heaths is being implemented with 251.7 million forints of EU support. The aim of the development is to ensure that the presence and correct flow of water ensure biodiversity, the survival of protected species, and the preservation of landscape values in the long term – emphasized András Rácz, State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture at the project’s opening event in Dévaványa on Tuesday.

(Photo: AM/István Fekete)

The Körös-Maros National Park Directorate is currently implementing five major EU projects, worth a total of more than 4 billion forints. Of these, the largest proportion – around 3.6 billion forints – is directed towards the development of the agricultural management infrastructure, while the remaining part directly serves the restoration of endangered habitats. The primary goal of each plan is to improve the natural state, thus ensuring the long-term value of protected areas. The significance of the KEHOP Plusz project entitled “Restoration of wetlands and interventions of landscape significance in the Dévaványa-Ecsegi heaths goes far beyond local borders, as it sets a model for the development of nature conservation at both national and European levels. The investment that is now being launched is taking place in the Kórézug area of the Dévaványa-Ecsegi heaths, which is a protected natural area of national importance and part of the Natura 2000 network. The aim of the development is to restore the natural movement of surface waters, eliminate artificial channels, ditches and embankments, and restore the landscape character. As a result, the vegetation zonation of the area will also approach natural conditions, which will significantly improve the quality of habitats and the nesting conditions of protected species, such as the great egret and the stork.

During the interventions, 23 kilometers of canals will be eliminated and 14 structures will be dismantled

Improving the water balance of grasslands will allow the duration and extent of water cover to increase in rainy years, the Secretary of State explained. Restoring natural water flow ensures the long-term survival of saline meadows, marshes, reed beds and other wetlands, while also suppressing invasive plant species. The management is carried out by grazing the national park’s own Hungarian grey cattle, which also contributes to the maintenance of natural habitats. This program contributes to the protection of Hungary’s natural heritage and promotes the development of ecotourism. The presence and proper flow of water are essential for local and national environmental protection, therefore the development of the Dévaványa-Ecseg puszták is a milestone in the history of Hungarian nature conservation – explained András Rácz.