Hungarian authorities are channeling millions of cubic metres of water into the marshes of Hortobágy National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to prevent the wetlands from drying out during a severe drought. The protected area in eastern Hungary is an important habitat for migratory birds and a popular destination for nature tourism.

Officials said around 2 million cubic metres of water have already been diverted into the marshland, preventing the area from drying up completely. The same wetlands dried out entirely during the 2022 drought, leading to wildfires that destroyed more than 800 hectares of land.

Conservation experts warn that climate change, declining groundwater levels, and reduced rainfall are altering bird migration patterns and threatening the long-term health of the ecosystem. They say sustainable water management and better conservation measures will be essential to protect the wetlands and the wildlife that depends on them.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright