In a major victory for the environment, World Wildlife Fund Hungary has stopped proposals for a dam on Hajógyári Island north of Budapest. Now hikers, dog walkers and festivalgoers can look forward to continued use of this unspoilt retreat.
Winning a long-running case, the local World Wildlife Fund (WWF Hungary) has managed to prevent the water authorities from acting on its proposal for a dam development on Hajógyári Island. A recreational getaway for hikers, picnickers and dog walkers, not to mention those attending summer’s annual Sziget Festival and other seasonal events at the site, Hajógyári Island reclines in the Danube alongside Óbuda.
Also referred to as Óbuda Island – and directly translated as ‘Boat-building Island’ – this natural retreat had been earmarked for large-scale investment around a construction for flood protection. A centre for water sports was also key to the project.
Local residents and conservationists then banded together to lobby against the plans, which would have had a detrimental effect on the island’s flora and fauna, undisturbed for centuries.
WWF Hungary issued a petition, as did various green and non-governmental organisations, including the Óbuda Dog Association and those who actively use the island on a daily basis. The investment would also have resulted in the felling of up to 1,000 trees, impacting on more valuable urban green space.
