Introduction of the Pásztó-puszta LIFE project

Project title: Restoration and conservation of the Pannonic salt steppes of Pásztó grassland with sustainable management

Project objectives:

1. The major aim is the restoration, preservation, protection and nature conservation development of Pásztói-legelő (HUHN20148) what is a SAC.
 The area is saline Pannonian steppe thus protecting its biomes with aspect of the ecological needs of the following species is main priority: Centaurea solstitialis, Cirsium brachycephalum, Lathyrus nissolia and Lycaena dispar.

2. The project aims to establish a traditional sustainable extensive grassland management system what would preserve the Pannonian steppe as the habitat type*1530 of the Natura 2000.

3. A proper water management system is also a project objective.

4. Increasing the public awareness is also objective of the project.

Actions and means involved:

• organising board of landowners of the area,
• preparing Management Plan,
•  procurement of shares of joint land property,
• renovation and expansion of the existing animal husbandry farm,
• procurement of livestock,
• establishment of sustainable extensive grassland management,
• establishment of Land Stewardship Advisory Service,
• insulate dangerous electric pylons,
• dissemination of nature friendly land management, introduction of livestock management  and natural values of the area,
• wide range of communication including project web page and signboards,
• technical & financial management, training of project staff, held Steering Committee meetings,
• monitoring successful implementation of the project.

 Expected results (outputs and quantified achievements):

• Conservation of rare endangered habitat and species, increasing biodiversity.
• Management Plan of the Pásztói-legelő (HUHN20148) Natura 2000 site.
• The number of owners decreased by at least 30 and at least 35 ha became the property of the Tiszatáj Public Foundation.
• Board of owners established, majority of the land will be involved in the co-operative management.
• Barn house renovated and improved also the stable is renovated to accommodate livestock in extreme weather conditions.
• 100 sheep, 15 Hungarian cattle, 10 Hungarian grey cattle, 5 buffalos, 10 horses, will be purchased,
• improved water management of the area,
• 500 m ditch will be covered to provide easy access to the grassland for the livestock.
• 42 electric pylons will be insulated to eliminate the increasing risk for electrocution.
• Better infrastructure will attract visitors to learn about the natural values of the Natura 2000 site.
• Report film for local TVs, two two-days conferences, three regional events, 20 articles for newspapers, 3 scientific publications, 4 scientific presentations on conferences, 1 poster in Hungarian language, 1 poster in English language.
• Introduction the best practices for large-scale audiences to understand that the traditional landscape management as viable alternatives to conserve biological diversity.
• Best practices are widely known at least in the surrounding of the area and similar sites.