Central Europe is threatened by a drastic decline in biodiversity caused by the unsustainable management of ecosystems. Many rural communities lack the effective professional assistance and support needed to transform ecosystems. This gap is addressed by the Central-BIC project, in which partners are developing new tools and methods for the sustainable management of ecosystems.
The project directly involves producers and consumers in testing solutions tailored to three supply chains: livestock farming, agriculture, and integrated tourism. Activities include the creation of a network of biodiversity communities that offers feasible and effective best practices for habitat protection.
Twelve partners from ten regions in eight countries are participating in the INTERREG international project, including the University of Debrecen, its Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences and its Faculty of Economics. On behalf of the University, the professional work is coordinated by Dr. Andrea Bauerné Gáthy, with Dr. Szilvia Veres, Dr. László Stündl, and Dr. István Szűcs serving as additional leading experts. The target area of the project is the Hortobágy National Park.
Total budget of the project: €2,353,468.34
The total budget of the University of Debrecen is €170,764.65, of which €162,226.42 is grant funding.
Lead partner of the project: Liguria Region, Vice Direzione Generale Agricoltura, Risorse naturale, Aree Protette e Interne e Marketing territoriale
Funding is provided by the Interreg Central Europe program. The Hungarian partner’s participation in the project is co-financed by the Hungarian State.
Further information about the project is available at https://www.interreg-central.eu/projects/central-bic/.