14-02-26*Experiences of revitalisation of Maros backwater at SzegedVrs, Csaba LeventeSzgedi VdegyletSzeged

Introduction Szgedi Vdegylet (Szeged Heritage Comitee) was founded in 2004 by Jr. Szab, Lszl M.D. The former representative of local goverment in New Szeged its aim is to discover, preserve the architectural, cultural and natural values of the town as well as make them public.

Introduction 2004-2006 Maros-forum, coordination of EU project aim is to inform the leaders of town along the Maros river about the investment (first of all environmental) and cooperation tenders make preparation for the cooperation tenders after Romania's accession to EU in 2007

Brief introduction of Szeged The name of Szeged refers to the confluence of two rivers (Tisza-Maros) It is the 4th biggest town in Hungary Capital of Csongrd county Population ~160.000

Brief introduction of Szeged It has two parts on the two sides of the river Tisza The two parts (Szeged and New Szeged) was united in 1874 administratively Szeged is a university town and important cultural centre Szeged University has ~30 000 sudents

Brief introduction of Szeged the 1879 flood was the most influential event in the history of Szeged and the development of the town structure.

Regulation of Maros its aim was to protect from flood and develop a ship route to Dva 33 cuttings were made on downstream of the river between 1845 and 1872 (from Lippa to the confluence) The river was shortened with 88 km in this section

Regulation of Maros Due to the regulation the fast Maros became more faster Serious degeneration took place along the river banks Sand-reefs and shallows formed at many places The mistakes started to be repaired in 1892 These repair works was carried on in around 1970-s and 1980-s

Justification of revitalisation of Maros backwater in Szeged Maros backwater in New Szeged was formed after the before mentioned cuttings and regulation The areas formed after the regulation were built in The number of houses increased Roads were built there Sewage and rain water were directed to Maros backwater

As a result of it: Maros/Mures backwater became muddy Anaerobic degradation started There was no oxigen in the water The animals disappeared from the banks of Maros backwaters Vegetation and water plants overgrew There were lots of mosquitoes in the marshy, reed-filled area

14-02-26*Area layout of Maros backwater in New Szeged

14-02-26*The backwater and its surroundings before the rehabilitation

14-02-26*

The backwater and its surroundings after the rehabilitation

Construction costs Costs: 1,1 billion (1.000.000.000) HUF (about 3.225.800 EUR) 40 % of the costs were paid from state tender resources, the rest was paid by the town's own budget

14-02-26*Steps of the backwater rehabilitationFeasibility studiesInvestment plan1997.Water law authorisation planI. stage ( 1+230 2+590 km )1997.II. stage ( 0+050 1+230 km )2001.water replacement system2002.

Rehabilitation workI. stage: settling of water bed installation of rainwater input drain and cleaning devices reconstruction of pumping station at confluence Start:December 2000 End:December 2001Backwater rehabilitation I. stage

14-02-26* II. stage: settling of water bed installation of rainwater input drain and cleaning devices settling of environment reconstruction of landscape (building pedestrian bridges) water replacement system Start:April 2003 End:December 2004Backwater rehabilitation II. stage

2600 river meter cleaned bank 1 pc traffic and 3 pcs pedestrian bridge planting of 600 trees, 5500 shrubs and other kinds of plants and their continuous substitution Herman Ott Horgszegyeslet (fishing association) and the local government concluded a long term cooperation agreement for 25 years. They provide the conditions of tourism, fishing and preservation of the area. 1 pc play ground, which has already been removed because of abuseResults

14-02-26* Previous environmental study or environmental state survey whether it is requested by the environmental protection rules or not; Solving of displacement and handling of mud; The ecological effects of water replacement should be modelled; Continuous relation with people and civil organisations. During costs planning the natural values and their preservation were ignored. The Hungarian conservation regulations, currently in force, were violated many times, eg: irresponsible destruction of the turtle population in that area, undue destruction of the territory of nesting birdsExperiences of rehabilitation

Prospects It would be good to rehabilitate all backwater sections. It could be exemplary for revitalisation of other backwater sections of Maros. Thus a continuous and nice forested area could start from Szeged till Mak and even till. It would result in boosting European ecotourism in this area We could row across the backwaters. All sections of Maros backwaters should become protected and revitalise.

Thanks for your attention!

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