The Ruralscapes project, supported by the INTERREG Danube Region Program, aims to develop the Ipeľ River region, protect landscape values, and establish a unified approach to landscape use. Thanks to this professional work, opportunities arise to develop local and regional regulatory tools and strengthen cross-border cooperation.

The workshop held in Ipolydamásd on June 4, 2026, aims to engage local decision-makers and experts in the field, which is why CESCI was also invited to the event. A central focus of the meeting was engaging the leaders of municipalities along the Lower Ipeľ River, as well as familiarising participants with the regulations in effect in the region’s municipalities and their practical application. The importance of this groundwork lies in its potential to serve as a foundation for future grant applications and local and regional development initiatives.

The workshop began with welcoming remarks from the Pest County Government and the Nitra County Government, followed by introductory presentations by project manager Bálint Kádár and Péter Wolf. In their remarks, they outlined the project’s activities and sought to make the concept of landscape use and the preservation of the townscape more tangible for the audience. Using case studies, they highlighted the benefits of preserving the region’s authentic character.

The second part of the meeting began with an interactive workshop, during which participants, divided into groups, were able to share their experiences regarding land use and the practices in place in their communities with the help of moderators.

The professional work will continue in the coming months at similar meetings.