1. General information
Location and description of the intervention
City or FUA
Győr
Region
Europe
Native title of the NBS intervention
Mosoni-Duna Komplex Projekt
Short description of the intervention
Persistently low water levels on the Moson-Danube since 2002, caused by the sinking of and loss of supportive effect from the Danube, caused severe ecological, agricultural and water flow problems (Reference 12). The project, funded by the EU through the Széchenyi Development Plan, was aimed at improving water management and rehabilitating the degraded ecosystem of the area (Reference 1).
The project consists of two phases: the reconstruction and regeneration of the river in the entire Moson-Danube area, and the creation flood gate at the delta. The first phase was completed in 2015, the second phase started in 2017 and is planned to finish in 2021 (Reference 12 and 13).
Address

Győr
Hungary

Location
The NBS is a city-wide initiative, the GIS point marks the centre of the city
Type of area before implementation of the NBS
Other
Please specify “other type of area” before implementation of the NBS
River and waterfront area
Website of the intervention
http://www.keopmosoniduna.hu/a_projekt_leirasa.html
Timeline of intervention
Start date of the intervention (planning process)
2006
Start date of intervention (implementation process)
2012
End date of the intervention
2021
Present stage of the intervention
Ongoing
Goals of the intervention
General goals: (Reference 1)
- the quantitative and qualitative improvement of the water system of Győr and it's surroundings;
- reconstruction of water habitats;
- flood protection.

Social goals:
- the improvement of the cityscape;
- making recreation in the area possible;
- clearing the blue areas from plants and fallen trunks that are a barrier to tourism and recreation.

Ecological goals:
- improving the quality of water in the rivers and backwaters;
- raising water levels;
- Ensuring the free migration of aquatic species, even in small and medium water periods. (Reference 1)
Quantitative targets
- reconstruction of an approximately 29 km long inner part of Moson-Danube in 16 settlements;
- reconstruction of 4 backwater;
- reconstruction of 5 water habitats;
- reconstruction of 13 anabranches framing the islands of the river;
- reconstruction of a dam (Reference 2).
Monitoring indicators defined
The monitoring system includes the waters chemical monitoring and water quantitaty monitoring (Reference 11).
Sustainability challenge(s) addressed
Climate action for adaptation, resilience and mitigation (SDG 13)
Climate change adaptation
Water management (SDG 6)
Flood protection
Improvements to water quality
Green space, habitats and biodiversity (SDG 15)
Habitat and biodiversity restoration
Habitat and biodiversity conservation
Health and well-being (SDG 3)
Creation of opportunities for recreation
Climate change adaptation: What were the goals of the NBS?
Reduce the impacts of climate risks events on urban places and communities
Climate change adaptation: What activities are implemented to realize the conservation goals and targets?
Implement sustainable urban drainage infrastructure (e.g. to make space for water)
Habitats and biodiversity conservation: What types of conservation goals are / were defined for the NBS intervention?
Ecosystem-focused
Habitats and biodiversity conservation: What activities are implemented to realize the conservation goals and targets?
Protect and enhance urban habitats
Preserve and strengthen existing habitats and ecosystems
What types of restoration goals are / were defined for the NBS intervention?
Ecosystem-focused
What activities are implemented to realize the restoration goals and targets?
Rehabilitate and restore damaged or destroyed ecosystems
Restore ecological connectivity
Implementation activities
- regeneration of 125 km of Moson Danube;
- reconstruction of the riverside in 16 settlements including Győr;
- reconstruction of backwaters, water habitats and anabranches by excavating the river beds;
- demolishing the dam of the Ipar Canal so that people get access to the river (Reference 2 and 12);
- a new flood-gate will be constructed ensuring the freshwater supply of the backwater in Püspökerdő;
- In places where the shore has eroded due to stability or other problems, a slope protection with stones has been implemented, in other areas, grass was planted. (Reference 2)
Type of NBS project
Maintenance and management of urban nature
NBS domain and interventions
Ecological domain(s) where the NBS intervention(s) is/are implemented
Grey infrastructure featuring greens
Riverbank/Lakeside greens
Blue infrastructure
Rivers/streams/canals/estuaries
Deltas
Vegetation Type
Grass
Amenities offered by the NBS
Swimming areas
Services
Expected ecosystem services delivered
Regulating services
Flood regulation
Water purification / filtration
Habitat and supporting services
Habitats for species
Cultural services
Tourism
Aesthetic appreciation
Recreation
Scale
Spatial scale
Meso-scale: Regional, metropolitan and urban level
Beneficiaries
Primary Beneficiaries
Local government/Municipality
Citizens or community groups
Governance
Governance arrangements
Co-governance with government and non-government actors
Non-government actors
Public sector institution (e.g. school or hospital)
Please specify the roles of the specific government and non-government actor groups involved in the initiative
The project was led by the North-Transdanubian Regional Water Management Body (Ref 1) and with the involvement of the National Environmental Protection and Energy Center (Ref 1).
Key actors - initiating organization
Public sector institution
Other
Please specify other key actors – Initiating organization
Regional public body
Land owners
No information found
Key actors - Other stakeholders involved (besides initiating actors)
EU body
Regional government
Public sector institution
Private sector/corporate actor/company
Land owners
No information found
Participatory methods/forms of community involvement used
Dissemination of information and education
Consultation (e.g. workshop, surveys, community meetings, town halls)
Citizen oversight (e.g. boards, advisory)
Policy drivers
NBS intervention implemented in response to an Regional Directive/Strategy
Yes
Please specify the "Regional Directive/Strategy"
The project was implemented as part of the Environment and Energy Operative Programme funded by the EU (Reference 1).
The description of the project refers to the 4th article of Water Framework Directive of the EU (Víz Kereteirányelv - VKI), which is about the protection of waters and supporting their ecological potential (Reference 3).
NBS intervention implemented in response to a national regulations/strategy/plan
Yes
Please specify the national regulations/strategy/plan
The description of the project refers to the government edict (221/2004. (VII. 21.) Kormányrendelet 5. § (1)), which is about the protection of waters and supporting their ecological potential (Reference 3).
NBS intervention implemented in response to a local regulation/strategy/plan
Yes
Please specify the "local regulation/strategy/plan"
The city's Local Agenda 21 of 2010 mentions the project (Reference 6).
Mandatory or voluntary intervention
Mandatory (based on policy)
Intervention is mandatory
Spatial planning law
Environmental regulation
Enablers
Presence of specific city-level GI/NBS vision/strategy/plan - mentioned in connection to the project
Unknown
Presence of specific city-level GI/NBS section/part in a more general plan - mentioned in connection to the project
Yes
Please specify the general plan with GI/NBS section
The project is mentioned in the revision of the city's concept for urban development of 2008 (Reference 4). Moreover the city's Local Agenda 21 of 2010 mentions the project (Reference 6).
If there is a relevant strategy or plan, please specify the theme / type of the plan.
Water regulation strategy
General municipal plan
Presence of city network or regional partnerships focused on NBS - mentioned in connection to the project
Unknown
Presence of GI / NBS research project - mentioned in connection to the project
Yes
Please specify
In the initial phase of planning an environmental impact assessment was prepared about the planned intervention. The study did not reveal considerable negative impacts that would be caused by the investment (Reference 2).
Subsidies/investment for GI / NBS in the city - mentioned in connection to the project
Yes
Please specify
The project was implemented as part of the Environment and Energy Operative Programme funded by the EU (Reference 1).
Co-finance for NBS
Yes
Co-financing governance arrangements
Unknown
Was this co-governance arrangement already in place, or was it set up specifically for this NBS?
Unknown
Financing
Total cost
More than €4,000,000
What is/was the Cost/Budget (EUR) of the NBS or green infrastructure elements?
98567000
What are the total amount of expected annual maintenance costs?
Unknown
What is the expected annual maintenance costs of the NBS or GI elements?
Unknown
Please specify cost savings
Unknown
Please specify total cost (EUR)
The first phase of the project cost 6,306,025,943 HUF that is approximately 17,857,000 EUR in July 2020 (Reference 1). The project was implemented as part of the Environment and Energy Operative Programme funded by the EU(KEOP-7.2.2.1-2008-0002) out of which ca. one third was allocated for the work in Győr. There was additional funding leveraged from the municipality for some sections of the riverside reconstruction. (Reference 12) The second phase of the project is expected to cost 28,500,000,00 HUF which is approximately 80,710,000 EUR in 2020. (Reference 13)
Source(s) of funding
EU funds
Public regional budget
Type of fund(s) used
Earmarked public budget
Direct funding (grants, subsidies, or self-financed projects by private entities)
Non-financial contribution
Unknown
Business models
Risk reduction model
Which of the involved actors was motivated by this model?
Public actor (e.g. municipality)
Type of innovation
System innovation
Please specify system innovation
In the inner parts of Győr, the project not only fulfilled the water management requirements but also it was able to create an aesthetically appealing riverside that fit to the cityscape and the needs of the citizens (Reference 7).
Novelty level of the innovation
Unknown
Please specify novelty level of the innovation
unknown
Replicability/Transferability
Unknown
Please specify Replicability/Transferability
unknown
Impacts, benefits
Environmental impacts
Water management and blue areas
Improved water quality
Increased protection against flooding
Green space and habitat
Increased conservation or restoration of ecosystems
Increased conversion of degraded land or soil
Description of environmental benefits
Those who frequently use the river reported that the water quality improved significantly in the last few years. However, as many concluded, “...the flood gate would be needed to actually make sense of all these investments in the city.” The second phase is currently under development, but its anticipated impact is the reduction of flood risks. (Reference 12) The regeneration of a 125 km stretch of the Moson-Danube created better, healthier habitat for species. The water level of the Moson-Danube river section was raised. The ecosystem restoration was also largely successful, however, no exact data regarding this could be found. (Reference 12) Approximately 300 trees were cut that were a barrier to development, but more than a hundred new trees were also planted.
Approximately 152 cubic meter mud excavated from the river bed, to create better conditions for species. (Reference 7-10)
Economic impacts
More sustainable tourism
Description of economic benefits
According to the Hungarian Hydrological Society, (Reference 2) the project brings significant economic benefits to society, as the interventions will also improve the conditions for ecotourism.
Social and cultural impacts
Social justice and cohesion
Improved access to urban green space
Health and wellbeing
Gain in activities for recreation and exercise
Description of social and cultural benefits
"Besides reshaping the downtown cityscape of Győr by creating an aesthetically appealing riverside, the intervention allowed new functions to appear in the vacant riverbanks, dams, a new swimming complex, walking and leisure areas. The key social impact was considered to be the availability of public space and riversides. [...] The local residents who were interviewed perceived this to be a successful development." (Reference 12) The results also revealed that because of the concrete built, the area is now more accessible. As one interviewee put it: "there are hundreds cycling, jogging and walking dogs... in the evening, hundreds of young people spend time here –it’s full of life now” (Reference 12)
Type of reported impacts
Expected impacts
Achieved impacts
Indicators
- approximately 300 trees being cut;
- more than a hundred new trees being planted;
- approximately 152 cubic meter mud excavated from the river bed (Reference 7-10);
- accessibility of natural areas (Reference 12);
Environmental, social and economic impacts
Water management (SDG 6)
Flood protection
Improvements to water quality
Green space, habitats and biodiversity (SDG 15)
Habitat and biodiversity restoration
Health and well-being (SDG 3)
Creation of opportunities for recreation
Economic development and employment (SDG 8)
Tourism support
Analysis of specific impact categories
Job creation: The NBS created ...
No information available
Environmental justice: The implementation of the NBS project resulted in ...
Improved access to green and/or blue spaces
Negative impacts: Did the project cause any problems or concerns?
No information was found regarding negative impacts of the project
COVID-19 pandemic
Unknown in July 2020
Methods of impact monitoring
Process of recording NBS impacts
Collection of monitoring data continuously throughout the project to aid evaluation
Methods used to evaluate the impacts of NBS
Measurements of biophysical aspects of the NBS (e.g. temperature, water flow)
Where can this data be accessed? Please include a link to a report or web-page.
http://www.vizugy.hu/?mapModule=OpVizallas&SzervezetKod=1&mapData=VizmerceLista…
Evidence for use of assessment
Presence of an assessment, evaluation and/or monitoring process
Yes
Presence of indicators used in reporting
Yes
Presence of monitoring/evaluation reports
Yes
Link to monitoring/evaluation reports
http://www.vizugy.hu/?mapModule=OpVizallas&SzervezetKod=1&mapData=VizmerceLista…
Availability of a web-based monitoring tool
No evidence in public records
Impact assessment mechanism
Name of any specific impact assessment tools
In accordance with the EU's Water Framework Directive the Hungarian water monitoring system has been improved in 2006. The new monitoring system includes the waters chemical monitoring and quantitative monitoring (Reference 11). However, this only monitors one aspect of the project, which is the quality and quantity of the water.
Use of GIS in mapping impacts
No evidence in public records
Citizen involvement
Citizens involvement in assessment/evaluation
Yes
Mode(s) of citizen involvement in evaluation/assessment
Interview
Citizens involvement in the analysis of the assessment/evaluation
Unknown
Follow-up to the evaluation / assessment
Unknown
References
Web links relevant to the intervention
Reference 1: Mosoni-Duna Komplex Projekt
Reference 3: Policy-drivers
Reference 7: Reports
Reference 11: Monitoring
Reference 12: Case Study Working Paper GYŐR
Reference 13: 28,5 milliárd forintból állítják helyre a Mosoni-Duna torkolati s…
Documents relevant to the intervention
Attachment Size
Reference 2: Targets (6.86 MB) 6.86 MB
List of references
1. Keopmosoniduna.hu. (2017). A projekt leírása [online] Available at: http://www.keopmosoniduna.hu/a_projekt_leirasa.html [Accessed: 19 Jul. 2020].
2. Déri L., Horváth G., Tóth J. (2015). Mosoni-Duna és Lajta folyó térségi vízgazdálkodási rehabilitációja. [online] Magyar Hidrológiai Társaság XXXIII. Országos Vándorgyűlés. Available at: http://docplayer.hu/8610692-Magyar-hidrologiai-tarsasag-xxxiii-orszagos-vandorgyules-szombathely-2015-julius-1-3.html [Accessed: 19 Jul. 2020].
3. Keopmosoniduna.hu. (2017) Az előkészítési szakasz. [online] Available at: http://www.keopmosoniduna.hu/az_elokeszitesi_szakasz.html [Accessed: 19 Jul. 2020].
4. Győr Megyei Jogú Város Önkormányzata. (2005). Településfejlesztési koncepció: Győr Megyei Jogú Város településrendezési eszközeinek felülvizsgálata, 2003-2005. Győr: Győr MJV Közgyűlése. Available at: http://varosrehabilitacio.net/new/pdf/Gyor_telepulesfejlesztesi_koncepcio.pdf [Accessed: 19 Jul. 2020]
5. HHP Contact Tanácsadó Kft. (2008) Győr Megyei Jogú Város Középtávú Integrált Városfejlesztési Stratégiája. Győr: Győr MJV Közgyűlése.
6. Szokolay, Ö. (2009). Győr fenntarthatósági programja: Local Agenda 21. Győr: Ceurina
7. Keopmosoniduna.hu. (2017). Rólunk írták [online] Available at: http://www.keopmosoniduna.hu/a_projekt_leirasa.html [Accessed: 19 Jul. 2020].
8. Cséfalvi, A. (2015). Dőlnek a fák a folyópartokon. Kisalföld, pp. 2-3.
9. Gőgös, B. (2015). Facsemetéket ültettek. Kisalföld. Available at: https://www.kisalfold.hu/gyor-es-kornyeke/facsemeteket-ultettek-gyorben-4203388/ [Accessed: 19 Jul. 2020]
10. Cséfalvy, A. (2015). Milliárdok a folyóba: Húsz évet kellett várni a szigetközi vízpótlás befelyezésére.
11. Vízügyi és Környezetvédelmi Központi Igazgatóság és Észak-dunántúli Környezetvédelmi és Vízügyi Igazgatóság. (2010). A Víz Keretirányelv hazai megvalósítása Vízgyűjtőgazdálkodási terv: 1-1 Szigetköz. Győr: Vízügyi és Környezetvédelmi Központi Igazgatóság és Észak-dunántúli Környezetvédelmi és Vízügyi Igazgatóság. Available at: https://docplayer.hu/12869456-A-viz-keretiranyelv-hazai-megvalositasa-1-1-szigetkoz-konzultacios-anyag-a-vizgyujto-gazdalkodasi-tervhez.html [Accesseed: 19 Jul. 2020]
12. Katona, A. (2017). Case Study Working Paper Győr. Available at:http://atlas.naturvation.eu/sites/default/files/nbs/reports/naturvation_wp4_milestone_4.2_gyor.pdf [Accessed: 19 Jul. 2020]
13. Hajozas.hu (2018). 28,5 milliárd forintból állítják helyre a Mosoni-Duna torkolati szakaszát. [online] Available at: https://hajozas.hu/magazin/itthon/mosoni-duna-torkolati-szakaszanak-rekonstrukcioja-30milliard-forint-orszagos-vizugyi-foigazgatosag/ [Accessed: 19 Jul. 2020]
Additional comments
For location type, I could only select t"he NBS is a city-wide initiative, the GIS point marks the centre of the city", even though the project is not about a city, but an even wider area. There was no such option.
Comments and notes
Comments
I haven't received any answers to my email.

I found the plans for the implementation of the Water Framework Directive that among others explains the ways the waters are monitored (Reference 11). Is it OK as a monitoring system of the intervention? At the same time, the reports are not available online, I could find only the water level monitoring system (vízmérce: http://www.vizugy.hu/) where is always data on the quantity of the water, floods, etc. Since the goal of the intervention was to reduce the risk of flood, the monitoring of water level can be seen as an indirect monitoring, can't it?