Advancing freshwater restoration

My Projects

Restoration of natural watercourses to reduce water deficit on sodic wetland system in the Hortobágy - LIFE21 NAT/HU/ 101074474 “SODIC WETLAND SYSTEM-“

SODIC Lake Habitat Restauration in the Hortobágy National Park - LIFE NAT07/HU/000324 “Sodic lake habitat restoration”

• Key project facts
  This project aimed to restore the connectivity of sodic lakes and ponds in the vicinity of a small town (Balmazújváros) in East Hungary. The combined effects of regional rainwater drawdown and climate change have resulted in 1.1-1.5 million m3 less rainwater entering the project area each year.
  
  This project is based on previous LIFE project aimed to restore a sodic lake. The primary task of the second project was to restore the connectivity of the neighbouring sodic ponds an wetlands, eliminate the drainage, which ensured the retention of locally generated precipitation, and the restoration of two water transport systems. By operating this water system, we could eliminate the problems caused by the extreme rainfall distribution caused by climate change. Another task was to prevent and eliminate any over-consumption of groundwater. Using best practice, we will clear problematic trees and shrubs from wetland beds and their immediate catchments, and eradicate wetland vegetation using tramp grazing, and restore the original plant community structure in wetland beds. By ensuring the connectivity of sodic ponds and wetlands these habitats returned to the reference condition.
• What impact did these projects have ?
  The projects had a notable positive impact on biodiversity, particularly in restoring and supporting alkaline wetland habitats in the Hortobágy region (East Hungary):
  
  • Habitat Restoration: By eliminating drainage systems and reintroducing water into former soda pans, natural habitat conditions were partially re-established, benefiting wetland-dependent species.
  • Connectivity for Biodiversity: The second project focused on physically connecting 18 wetland sites, based on recent findings that connectivity increases species richness. This created a wetland network that supports more stable and diverse bird populations.
  • Support for Priority Species: The primary target group was birds, but the interventions also benefit other species of EU conservation interest associated with alkaline wetlands.
  • Grazing-based Management: Involving local herders helped maintain open habitats through extensive grazing, which supports habitat structure favorable for many steppe and wetland species.
  
  Despite challenges like climate-driven drought, the integrated water management and stakeholder involvement helped enhance both ecological functionality and biodiversity outcomes.
• What work challenges did you face and what approach did you take to solve them?
  
  1. Severe Drought and Climate Change Challenge: After drainage systems were removed, natural precipitation was no longer sufficient to refill the soda pans due to increasingly dry winters. Solution: In the second project phase, water was redirected from a larger catchment area to sustain wetland hydrology. A network of 28 physical barriers was identified and is being removed to restore hydrological connectivity between 18 wetland sites.
  2. Lack of Existing Restoration Models Challenge: The first project was Hungary’s first attempt at soda pan restoration, with no national precedent to guide planning. Solution: An adaptive, step-by-step approach was applied, using ecological principles and iterative learning between the two project phases.
  3. Administrative and Legal Delays Challenge: The need for water management permits caused long delays, especially during election periods, where projects became politicized. Solution: Buffer periods were built into project timelines, though the team noted the need for pre-approved rehabilitation plans to expedite future work.
  4. Stakeholder Engagement and Local Resistance Challenge: Local communities near Balmazújváros were initially skeptical, partly due to political tensions and limited awareness of ecosystem benefits. Solution: Outreach emphasized climate mitigation and ecosystem services (e.g., dust reduction, grazing benefits), leading to increased local support.
  5. Integration of Land Users Challenge: Ensuring cooperation from local herders using the land under state lease. Solution: Collaboratively designed grazing regimes aimed at extending grazing periods by 30–40 days through improved water retention, which directly reduced feed costs—creating clear economic incentives for participation.
  
  
  These solutions collectively contributed to more resilient and ecologically functional wetland systems.
• What lessons learned are transferable to other places/projects?
  The two projects showed that hydrological connectivity between wetlands significantly boosts biodiversity and ecosystem resilience—highlighting the value of network-based restoration. They also demonstrated that passive restoration is often insufficient under changing climate conditions; active water management is needed to counter drought impacts. Additionally, the projects emphasized the importance of flexible, climate-adaptive planning and the critical role of local stakeholder involvement to ensure both ecological and social success. These lessons are widely applicable to similar wetland and freshwater restoration efforts elsewhere.