Between 18–21 March 2026, the final workshop of the LIFE project titled “Viability improvement of Hungarian meadow viper populations and habitats in the Pannonian region” was held at the Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden. The multi-day professional event brought together Hungarian and international experts to review the project’s achievements and present the latest scientific and practical results in species conservation.
On the first day of the workshop, participants took part in field visits, including the Hungarian Meadow Viper Conservation Centre, as well as project sites in Kiskunság National Park and Duna–Ipoly National Park.
The main conference programme took place on 19 March, featuring a series of presentations covering various aspects of the project. Topics included the 25-year history of Hungarian meadow viper conservation, the results of habitat restoration and conservation interventions carried out in national parks, and the role of the Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden.
The conference also provided an international perspective: European experts presented the status of different viper species on the IUCN Red List and shared monitoring and research results from several countries, including Spain, France, Greece, Ukraine and Romania.
In the afternoon sessions, modern research methods received particular attention, including genetic studies and the application of radiotelemetry. The breeding and reintroduction of the Hungarian meadow viper were also discussed.
The programme was enriched by several short films presenting the project’s results and highlighting the importance of species conservation in an accessible way. Among them was a film by a British participant focusing on the conservation status of adder populations in England, further broadening the international outlook of the event.
In the day following the conference, participants joined additional field visits in the Hanság and Fertő regions, where they gained insight into practical conservation work at project sites.
The final workshop provided a comprehensive overview of the project’s conservation achievements and established a strong foundation for future cooperation in nature conservation.
A workshop részletes programja ITT érhető el.
