Last updated: March 2025
The Görömböly European Bee-eater Habitat Protection Project, launched in 2002 in Miskolc-Görömböly, Hungary, is a key conservation initiative dedicated to protecting 26.5 hectares of critical habitat for the highly protected European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) and the Sand Martin, along with the diverse ecosystems thriving in this area. The site comprises three unique zones: an abandoned sand quarry, a young acacia woodland, and a quarry lake surrounded by marshlands. The sand quarry’s vertical walls provide nesting sites for 15-40 European Bee-eaters and Sand Martins each year, supporting Red-listed species vital to Hungary’s biodiversity. The acacia woodland serves as a feeding ground, while the quarry lake nurtures a rich aquatic ecosystem, hosting protected species like the European Bitterling fish, amphibians such as Green Toads, and a variety of waterfowl, including Mallards, Little Grebes, and occasionally Kingfishers. This project not only safeguards these vulnerable species but also fosters community engagement, offering residents the chance to learn about local wildlife and ecosystems. Additionally, the initiative promotes scientific study of the area’s ecological development, contributing valuable insights into species behavior and habitat evolution. With an emphasis on nature education and recreation, the project raises public awareness of environmental conservation. The Municipality of Miskolc plays a crucial role, having designated the area as a protected site and managing its regulatory enforcement and maintenance. (Ref.1,2,3)
Sandwall European bee-eater habitat
minap.hu
Overview
Nature-based solution
- Blue infrastructure
- Lakes/ponds
- In-land wetlands, peatlands, swamps, and moors
- Parks and urban forests
- Large urban parks or forests
Key challenges
- Green space, habitats and biodiversity (SDG 15)
- Habitat and biodiversity restoration
- Habitat and biodiversity conservation
- Regeneration, land-use and urban development
- Rewilding
- Water management (SDG 6)
- Improvements to water quality
- Health and well-being (SDG 3)
- Creation of opportunities for recreation
- Social justice, cohesion and equity (SDG 10)
- Environmental education
Principal problems in Functional Urban Area (FUA)
- Environmental Degradation
- Biodiversity loss
- Health, Well-being and Social cohesion
- Inadequate access to recreational opportunities
- Disconnection from nature
Key priorities
Biodiversity (conservation and/or restoration), Social Justice and community
Focus
Management and improved protection of rivers and other blue areas, Protection of riparian vegetation, Ecological restoration of ecosystems, Restoration and protection of ecosystems (including water ecosystems), Protection of natural ecosystems, Protecton and enhancement of wetlands (other types than peatlands and mangroves, e.g. seagrass), Habitat restoration, Habitat conservation, Creating nature reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, or biodiversity hotspots to conserve unique ecosystems, Transformation of previously derelict areas, Mine site rehabilitation, Knowledge creation and awareness raising, Educational and awareness raising programs, Monitoring and maintenance of habitats and/or biodiversity, Habitat mapping, restoration and monitoring-focused management, Species-specific monitoring and conservation programs
Project objectives
To protect and preserve the nesting sites of the highly protected European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) and the Sand Martin by safeguarding the vertical walls of the abandoned sand quarry where these birds nest.
To conserve the increasingly natural habitats within the area, including the young acacia woodland and the quarry lake with its surrounding marshland, ensuring the continued existence of diverse species such as protected birds, rare insects, and aquatic life and improving the water quality.
To protect the broader ecosystem, with a focus on the rare species that inhabit the area, including specific algae, butterflies, amphibians, and reptiles.
To facilitate scientific observation and study of the area’s ecological development, providing valuable data on species behavior and habitat evolution.
To offer the local community opportunities for rest, recreation, and nature education, encouraging public awareness and appreciation of the natural environment through these activities.
(Ref.1,2,3,4)
Implementation activities
In 2002 the municipal government officially designated the area as a protected site, legally securing the habitats of the European Bee-eater and other species. The abandoned sand quarry walls were cleaned and stabilized. Regular scientific monitoring of bird populations, aquatic life, and overall biodiversity was conducted to track the success of conservation efforts.
Conservation and maintenance activities:
The protected area was clearly marked with signs on access roads, gates, and informative signage on protected values. Grassy areas were maintained by mowing or grazing, staying at least 50m from the lake. Reeds in the lake’s southwest were preserved, with removal permitted only by the conservation authority. Reed spread was prevented environmentally, with dried reeds cut and removed in winter. Seaweed and sludge were removed with conservation approval. Only native fish were introduced, while reed-damaging species were prohibited. Fishing was allowed if it didn’t disturb birds, amphibians, or cause noise or litter. Felling of trees required prior approval from the conservation authority, and only indigenous tree species may be planted. Miskolc authorities also prohibited several activities at the site including burning vegetation, vehicle access, mine wall access. Several civil society and nature conservation organizations regularly organize birdwatching opportunities, educating the public about local flora and fauna during their tours.
(Ref.1,2,3,4)
Biodiversity conservation or restoration-focused activities
Biodiversity conservation:
- Protect and enhance urban habitats
- Preserve and strengthen existing habitats and ecosystems
- Preserve and strengthen habitat connectivity
- Reduce negative impacts and avoid the alteration/damage of ecosystem
- Protect species
- Undertake specific measures to protect endangered species
- Means for conservation governance
- Raise public awareness
- Public engagement
- Create and use scientific knowledge for conservation
Biodiversity restoration:
- Rehabilitate and restore damaged or destroyed ecosystems
Main beneficiaries
- Researchers/University
- Citizens or community groups
Governance
Management set-up
- Government-led
Type of initiating organisation
- Local government/municipality
Participatory approaches/ community involvement
- Taskforce groups
- Dissemination of information and education
Details on the roles of the organisations involved in the project
The Municipality of Miskolc is responsible for designating the area as a protected site and overseeing its management and regulatory enforcement. As part of the municipality of Miskolc environmental specialists and local government authorities are tasked with habitat management, including the maintenance of nesting sites and the conservation of diverse ecosystems. The Hungarian Ornithological and Nature Conservation Society (Bükki Local Group and NGO) contributes through monitoring bird populations, conducting scientific research, and advocating for the protection of endangered species.
(Ref.1,2,3,4)
Project implemented in response to ...
... an EU policy or strategy?
Unknown
... a national policy or strategy?
Yes
(The 1996 Act LIII. on "Nature conservation areas" (Ref.3))
... a local policy or strategy?
Yes
("MISKOLC MEGYEI JOGÚ VÁROS ÖNKORMÁNYZATÁNAK 3/2002 (II.12.) sz. rendelete a Miskolc-Görömbölyi gyurgyalag fészkelőhely és bányató helyileg védett természeti területté nyilvánításáról" (Ref.3)- "Decree No. 3/2002 (II.12.) OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF THE COUNTY OF MISKOLC on the declaration of the Miskolc-Görömbölyi gyurgyalag nesting site and mining pond as a locally protected natural area)
Type of enablers
Unknown
Financing
Total cost
Unknown
Source(s) of funding
- Public local authority budget
Type of funding
- Earmarked public budget
Non-financial contribution
Type of non-financial contribution
- Provision of land
- Provision of expertise
Who provided the non-financial contribution?
- Public authorities (e.g. land, utility services)
- Other
Impacts and Monitoring
Environmental impacts
- Water management and blue areas
- Enhanced protection and restoration of freshwater ecosystems
- Achieved enhanced protection and restoration of freshwater ecosystems
- Green space and habitat
- Increase in protected green space areas
- Achieved increase in protected green space areas
- Increased number of protection areas
- Achieved increased number of protection areas
- Increased conservation or restoration of ecosystems
- Achieved increased conservation or restoration of ecosystems
- Reduced biodiversity loss
- Achieved reduced biodiversity loss
- Increased protection of threatened species
- Achieved increased protection of threatened species
- Reduced human-wildlife conflicts
- Achieved reduced human-wildlife conflicts
Economic impacts
- Unknown
Socio-cultural impacts
- Social justice and cohesion
- Increased opportunities for social interaction
- Achieved increased opportunities for social interaction
- Health and wellbeing
- Gain in activities for recreation and exercise
- Achieved gain in activities for recreation and exercise
- Education
- Increased support for education and scientific research
- Expected increased support for education and scientific research
- Increased knowledge of locals about local nature
- Expected increased knowledge of locals about local nature
- Increased awareness of NBS and their benefits
- Achieved increased awareness of NBS and their benefits
Type of reported impacts
Presence of formal monitoring system
Yes
Presence of indicators used in reporting
Yes
Presence of monitoring/ evaluation reports
No evidence in public records
Availability of a web-based monitoring tool
No evidence in public records
Potential risks of implementation and trade-offs
Unknown
References
1.
miskolc-goromboly.hu (n.d.). Gyurgyalag Fészkelőhely és Bányató. Accessed on August 30, 2024, [Source link];
2.
Hudak, K.; Demeter, Z.; Papp, L. (n.d.). Miskolc város helyi jelentőségű védett és védendő természeti értékei. Zöld Akció Egyesület , p. 17 Accessed on August 30, 2024, [Source link];
3.
Szadeczki, Z.; Kobold, T. (2002). MISKOLC MEGYEI JOGÚ VÁROS ÖNKORMÁNYZATÁNAK 3/2002 (II.12.) sz. rendelete a Miskolc-Görömbölyi gyurgyalag fészkelőhely és bányató helyileg védett természeti területté nyilvánításáról . Accessed on August 30, 2024,;
4.
Kiraly, Cs. (2022). Miskolc Zöld Kincsei: a görömbölyi homokfal színpompás énekesei. Accessed on August 30, 2024, [Source link];
5.
Wikipedia contributors (2024). Görömböly. Accessed on September 2, 2024, [Source link];
6.
eszakhirnok.com (2010). Kedves Madárbarátok!. Accessed on September 2, 2024, [Source link];
7.
Magyar Termeszetvedok Szovetsege (n.d.). Nyitott szemmel Magyarországon. Accessed on August 30, 2024, [Source link];
European bee-eater nesting holes
Laszlo Mocsari
European bee-eaters
Hungarian Nature Conservation Society
Görömböly
https://minap.hu/cikk/miskolc-zold-kincsei-gorombolyi-homokfal-szinpompas-enekesei
Görömböly
https://minap.hu/cikk/miskolc-zold-kincsei-gorombolyi-homokfal-szinpompas-enekesei
Görömböly
https://www.miskolc-goromboly.hu/kepek/n/gyurgyalag.jpg
Information about this nature-based solution was collected as part of the Naturescapes project funded by the European Union under Grant Agreement No 101084341.