Kis-Balaton celebrates 40 years as a protected landscape area

The Kis-Balaton Landscape Protection Area is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Established in 1986, the area covers approximately 150 square kilometers and has been part of the Balaton Uplands National Park since 1997.

A conference held in Keszthely-Fenékpuszta marked the milestone, discussing the region's history and current environmental challenges. The area is recognized internationally under the Ramsar Convention as a significant bird habitat and contains one of Europe's largest continuous reed beds.

Conservation efforts for the region's diverse wildlife date back to the 19th century. Official records indicate that 260 protected or internationally significant bird species have been observed in the area, with nearly half of them nesting there.