Hungary leaps towards 2010

15 October 2008, Brussels. With only 800 days left to 2010, swift steps are necessary to move closer in achieving the biodiversity target. Countdown 2010 partners have a major role to play in this endeavour, by galvanizing increased action and implementing their commitments. Some partners are already doing pretty well, yet nobody can rest on their laurels!

For instance, the Hungarian Ministry of Environment and Water has once more shared its Countdown 2010 activity report with the Countdown 2010 Secretariat. For the second year in a row an annual report reporting back on its Countdown 2010 commitments was produced by the Ministry. The highlights of 2007 report are:

• the creation of 11 new protected areas and 3 forest sites;
• a memorandum of understanding – unprecedented in Europe – providing a frame for co-operation among state nature conservation bodies, NGOs and electricity suppliers to reduce mortality risks of birds along power lines;
• integration of nature conservation into the energy policy for the period 2007-2020 and into the strategy on increased utilization of renewable energy sources;
• the implementation of a Transition Facility project aiming to establish the monitoring of certain Natura 2000 species and habitats;
• a new qualification procedure for nature schools and kindergartens (institutions providing nature education programmes incorporated into the curriculum of primary schools): 67 nature schools have now a qualification certificate.

The Countdown 2010 Secretariat encourages all partners to send updates and reports on the progress made towards the 2010 biodiversity target. All data received will be posted on this website and a collection of stories will be highlighted during the UN International Year of Biodiversity in 2010.

For a more complete description of the activities of the Hungarian Ministry of Environment and Water, you can download the full report or visit the website:

• 2007 report

• 2006 report

Websites:
* Ministry of Environment and Water
* State Secretariat for Nature and Environment Protection
* The Ministry on Countdown 2010 website