PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Levels of awareness in the EU of the climate crisis, the importance of environmental issues and the need to protect and restore natural values is relatively high. According to the latest Eurobarometer survey of 2020 on the issue, over three quarters of EU citizens believe that “environmental issues have a direct effect on their daily life and health. More than eight in 10 citizens are worried about the impact of chemicals present in everyday products.”
Despite such awareness, the level of participation of citizens in conservation actions remains low, and it is important to ensure that everyone, regardless of their place of residence, occupation and opportunities, has opportunities to act. The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 provides a good basis for setting necessary targets and actions; it is clear that actions by citizens, businesses and social partners, research and knowledge community as well as strong partnerships on local, regional, national and European level are required. The project thus focuses on fostering a positive attitude among citizens towards nature conservation and the Natura 2000 network. The aim is to engage the local population in actions that will improve the conservation status of species and habitats in Hungary in the long term.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of the NATUREMOB LIFE project was to initiate a movement of volunteering for nature restoration and management in order to connect citizens more practically to nature and improve the conservation status in Hungary. The project also aimed to mobilise citizens by starting new initiatives whereby selected stakeholders can take part in activities related to nature conservation, such as:
- starting a citizen science programme;
- volunteer recruitment and habitat restoration;
- the development of bird-friendly farmers’ brand;
- the establishment and testing of a bird-friendly settlements programme.
The project planned to provide knowledge base, training, online education platform, awareness raising and encouragement through awards for all selected groups.
RESULTS
A citizen science programme was developed
- a new app for volunteers birdwatching was created that resulted in 5 332 downloads out of foreseen 3 000 - the application is available on iOS and Android platform;
- online and offline personal training in bird and other species recognition held;
- 5 data collecting campaigns run that resulted in receiving altogether 76 243 birdwatch dataset records from volunteers out of the foreseen 50 000. Out of the foreseen 5 000 downloaded educational materials, 9 015 were reached as total number of tutorials;
- raised awareness of local citizens on wildlife trends and the need to take effective action.
Active, planned and organised involvement of volunteers in MME’s habitat restoration and other nature conservation activities
- network of volunteers expanded with 155 new volunteers by the end of the project;
- out of the planned 10 habitat reconstruction events with 50 participants, 15 events were held with 513 volunteers;
- documented habitat restoration, with significant changes observed in the target areas.
Bird-friendly farmers’ brand was developed
- bird-friendly farmers’ brand ready for wide-reaching implementation (feasibility study, marketing plan and design, selection criteria, knowledge base and educational platform, pilot area test of the brand);
- brand trademarked;
- 500 copies of bird-friendly farming starter kit published.
Bird-friendly settlements programme was established and tested
- bird-friendly Settlement Development: a useful, informative book was provided to municipalities (1 000 copies);
- a user-friendly online platform was created called MME Academy;
- 34 website articles, 125 social media posts and 13 press releases were completed as foreseen;
- project and academy webpage view reached 131 247 out of planned 100 000;
- pilot project carried out at 10 locations;
- written commitment of municipalities to participate in the pilot programme received;
- competition for settlements organised;
- conference held.
