New nature park established in NE Hungary

Hungary's newest nature park was established in the northeastern corner of the country the previous month, bringing the total number to five, greenfo.hu reports. Nature parks ("natúrparkok") are a form of national parks where more emphasis is placed on sustainable tourism, environmental education and environmentally-friendly economy.

The newest nature park is called the Szatmár-Beregi Natúrpark, occupying 104,000 hectares and comprised of 67 settlements in the northeastern county. The park contains vast oak forests, grasslands, swamps and hay fields. The region is also known for livestock farming (sheep) and fruit growing (apples and plums). The Szatmár plum jam is not only important for its gastronomic qualities, but because traditions related to its production are still alive today.

The region also offers unique folk products - such as the Bereg cross stitch and local wood carvings - and is rich in historic monuments - such as mills, churches and manor houses.

There are four more nature parks in Hungary: the Vértesi Natúrpark, the Írottkő Natúrpark, the Sokoró-Pannontáj Natúrpark and the Cserhát Natúrpark.

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