The goal of the project, implemented with support from the Environment and Energy Efficiency Operational Program, was to develop infrastructure that would effectively showcase areas within the Natura 2000 network, support and expand leisure activities in nature.
As part of the development, Nagyharsány’s sculpture park has been enriched with a new reception building, replacing the previous ticket office with a modern, environmentally fitting style. The building includes a ticket office, restrooms, an exhibition and community space where film screening is possible, as well as displays showcasing NATURA2000 values and the history of the sculpture park’s creative work, including rock and other exhibitions. The terrace on the roof of the building offers view to the sculpture park in which 100 artworks are presented, which are collected since 1967, and located in the former mining yard.
The newly built Kikerics Panoramic Walkway along the edge of the rock wall surrounding the sculpture park allows visitors to move safely while preserving the area’s vegetation. Visitors walk on a metal surface with railings, elevated above ground level. Information boards at the beginning of the walkway, and at the upper viewpoint extending boldly above the sculpture park, provide concise information to visitors about the site and the Hungarian kikerics which is native to the area.
In addition to the Nagyharsány site, within the framework of the project there were small-scale infrastructure development investments in about 20 other locations, aimed at presenting the European Union’s Natura 2000 network, ensuring quality time spent in nature.
In 2020 and 2021, the Duna-Dráva National Park Directorate installed informational signs and columns, picnic tables and benches, as well as trash bins at protected, ecotourismically significant points. In addition, they built and renovated fire pits, exhibitions, shelters, birdwatching hides, boardwalks, and railings.
Within the project, they organized Natura 2000 open days, professional conferences, lecture series, promotional events, and professional training sessions, and published Natura 2000-themed publications in 240,000 copies. They also acquired a terrain pick-up and a lightweight off-road vehicle.
Through the developments implemented within the project, visitors can now enjoy an uplifting, safe, and unique experience in the Southern Transdanubian Natura 2000 area.
The development was implemented from EU funding in the project KEHOP-4.1.0-15-2016-00033 under the Environmental and Energy Efficiency Operational Program.
Find out more about the project in the Project Finder:Details
