Hungarian National Landscape Strategy (2017-2026).

The National Landscape Strategy is a cross-sectoral strategy whose mission can be summarized as follows: - Development of a complex holistic approach to the land use and having it accepted by those involved in land use; - The landscape should be seen as a vital element of nature, including man and as the depositary of environmental quality; - The condition of the landscape and the triggering effects must be handled together through revealing causal consequences while pointing out the necessity for taking responsibility for utilizing landscapes. To achieve this mission, the implementation will adhere to the following principles: - General protection of natural resources and cultural heritage; wise and rational use of areas; and the mitigation of the impacts of climate change and adaptation to it.
In order to achieve sustainable development land use should be based on a balanced relationship between social needs, economic activity, and environment. Therefore, actions taken towards landscape protection, management, and planning will help in harmonizing these changes and achieving sustainable development. In this regard actions will address the headline targets of i) laying the foundations for land use based on landscape configuration and assets, ii) liveable landscape – liveable settlement – wise land use; and iii) enhancing landscape identity. Specific actions will include: establishing the framework for land use based on landscape configuration and assets; monitoring changes in land use; integrating land use based on landscape configuration and assets into decision-making; integrating a complex approach to landscape into research activities; infrastructures better fitted into the landscape; compact, climate-friendly settlements that preserve values; recreational functions based on landscape configuration and assets; improving awareness and social responsibility; improving social participation; and developing education and training related to landscape.
To increase resilience and adaptation to climate change efforts will focus on the maintenance of ecosystems and preservation of seminatural habitats, development of green infrastructure, climate-friendly and energy-aware planning of settlement structures, establishment of mixed forests and the development of tree species or reproductive materials better suited to ensure the survival of the forest under the changing climatic conditions, and creation of patchwork systems as part of forest management.
Regarding governance, the primary responsibility for implementation of the strategy lies with the Ministry of Agriculture. Under its management, a joint work programme applying to all ministries was set up to achieve the goals and fulfil the tasks laid down in the Strategy. The Strategy also lays down a list of indicators suitable for monitoring and reporting selected by taking into account the accessibility of the relevant data.