Hungary's Great Bustard Protection Programme under threat

01-03-2000

M Langeveld/BirdLife Mowing in May is an increasing threat to Hungary's breeding Great Bustards. Zoom In

The Hungarian Ministry of the Environment has rejected all applications for continuing finance for the MME (BirdLife in Hungary) Great Bustard Protection Programme, plunging the programme into financial crisis. The government decision is apparently the result of a lack of interest or appreciation of the importance of the programme amongst government officials.

The Great Bustard Otis tarda is globally threatened and is covered by several international conventions. The species is considered amongst the top priorities for nature conservation in Hungary. The MME Great Bustard Protection Programme has been running successfully for 11 years, with MME co-ordinating and undertaking practical conservation work such as the active protection of nest sites at risk from agricultural practices. Until now, the costs of the programme have been met by government funds and from donations, but unless money can be found immediately, the future for the 200 Great Bustards living in the project area is uncertain.

MME is actively lobbying the Hungarian Government to provide further funds and is seeking funding from other sources, such as actively promoting ecotourism through its related programme 'Birdwatching for the Protection of Great Bustards'. Visitors and sponsors attending one of the birdwatching courses or presentations given at the MME Great Bustard Protection Centre can help enormously in raising funds for the bustard programme.