Restoration of grasslands in Budapest by re-establishing traditional land use methods, surface water retention and community-driven activities in favour of improved urban biodiversity and climate

Introduction

Biodiverse City LIFE is an area-based nature conservation project focusing on valuable grassland habitats (*Pannonic salt steppes and salt marshes, *Sub-pannonic steppic grasslands, *Pannonian woods, *Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior) of the Pannonian Region. The project also emphasizes water retention and the re-establishment of traditional land use methods to boost urban biodiversity and ecosystem services in Budapest.

Project Goals

Through the restoration of degraded grasslands, wetlands, and, to a small extent, forests, the project aims to achieve the following:

1. Control invasive species.
2. Implement extensive grassland management.
3. Improve the conservation status of the 271 ha habitats and species of community interest and/or national importance.

The improvement of the conservation status of Natura2000 and locally protected natural and semi-natural habitats at the three main project sites (Mocsáros, Tétényi Plateau, Kőérberek) is expected to lead to:

• An increase in the population of 20 indicator species (8 of which are of community interest).
• An improvement in ecosystem services and adaptive capacities to climate change.

Integrated Approach

The project takes an integrated approach to nature conservation. In urban settings, conservation efforts must involve local residents to ensure the long-term sustainability of project results.

Addressing Human Impact

Therefore, the project aims to address the causes and effects of detrimental human impact affecting natural environments in Budapest today. This includes:

• Encouraging sustainable urban land use practices.
• Promoting peaceful coexistence of nature and the urban lifestyle.

Community Involvement

The value of urban biodiversity and ecosystem services is to be spread by using the main project sites and other urban green areas for:

• Demonstration.
• Awareness-raising.
• Community involvement.

Conclusion

The project leads to a significant expansion of locally protected areas, boosts urban biodiversity and ecosystem services, and thus substantially contributes to the European Biodiversity Strategy 2030.