The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

World Wetlands Day 2008 -- Hungary

World Wetlands Day 2008 in Hungary

World Wetlands Day was celebrated by the Hungarian Ministry of Environment and Water in the new visitor centre of the Hortobágy National Park.

On this occasion, Mr. László Haraszthy, state secretary for nature and environment protection, announced the designation of two new sites to the list of wetlands of international importance, as well as the extension of a former site, the Hortobagy Ramsar site. The new areas altogether extend over 28,000 hectares.

To illustrate the new sites, participants had the opportunity to see a presentation on the Hortobágy National Park and a slide show on the Kunkápolnás marsh, the extension area of the Hortobágy Ramsar Site. In line with the slogan of WWD, "Healthy wetlands - healthy people", participants heard another presentation by the assistant director of the Hortobágy Fish Farm on the role of fish farming in a national park, while the representative of WWF Hungary spoke about their wise use projects in wetland areas along the river Tisza. The event was concluded by a folklore programme by the zither band of Báránd village. After lunch, participants attended the exhibition of the new visitor centre to learn about the history, natural and cultural heritage of the Hortobágy National Park, including its wetland habitats. Additional posters had been exhibited on the two newly designated Ramsar siites, the Montág-puszta and the Borsodi-mezoség. In the afternoon, a visit was organised to the Csécsi fish ponds to watch the first harbingers of spring, namely several species of ducks, geese and two overwintering White-tailed Eagles on the still frozen ponds.

Presentation on Hortobagy National Park

Announcement of new Ramsar sites

New visitors' centre

Folklore event

Field visit to Csécsi fish ponds

For further information about World Wetlands Day or the Convention on Wetlands, please contact the Ramsar Convention Secretariat, Rue Mauverney 28, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland (tel +41 22 999 0170, fax +41 22 999 0169, e-mail ). Posted 14 March 2008, Dwight Peck, Ramsar.