Water and people along the European Green Belt – Community knowledge and dialogue for the sustainable future of Lake Fertő

Lake Fertő is one of the most valuable natural treasures in Central Europe, whose special hydrological conditions have determined the land use activities and everyday life of the people living on the shores of the lake for centuries. The Hungarian villages along Lake Fertő are located in the European Green Belt, preserving their relative untouchedness from the decades of the Iron Curtain and the distinctive character of the natural state of the World Heritage-listed Fertő landscape.

 

As part of the BESTbelt project 'Making Lake Fertő more climate resilient”, the Friends of Fertő lake Association' invited the residents of small Hungarian villages along Lake Fertő on an exciting journey in recent months.

Under the title “Water and People”, the Association organized a series of lectures on the hydrological history of Lake Fertő in the villages, explaining the historical changes in the lake's water system, natural processes, the consequences of human interventions, and their connections with landscape use and local lifestyle. Beyond learning about the project, its goals, and related studies, the audience also had the opportunity to relive their connection with the lake through their own memories and stories. Educating about the lake and its ecosystems will also help the people living in the villages of the Lake Fertő region become better acquainted with the natural connections of their place of residence, and to become conscious and responsible guardians of the lake's future through a deeper understanding of the past.

The project contributes to addressing some of the key threats to the Fertő region: climate change, water shortages and dry periods, unsustainable irrigation systems, limited adaptive capacity of habitats, or large-scale tourism investments. The coordinated management of water, agriculture, nature conservation and tourism, as well as the encouragement of continuous dialogue and cooperation between the population, farmers and state organizations, are important priorities to strengthen the region in the future.

 

All presented activities are part of the EU-funded BESTbelt project ‘Making Lake Fertő more climate resilient”, the Friends of Fertő lake Association’ which is implemented by the Friends of Fertő lake Association from January 2025 to April 2026.

For more information, please contact Andrea Kondor; kondor.andrea(at)fertotobaratai.eu or info(at)fertotobaratai.eu 

Project website: fertotobaratai.eu/index.php/category/bestbelt/