The natural values of the Börzsöny-Ipoly Valley based on a survey of local residents

Abstract

The main objective of our article is to explore what the residents of the settlements in the Börzsöny-Ipoly Valley (the area bordered by the western and eastern regions of Börzsöny and the Lower Ipoly Valley) consider the most important natural and landscape values of the region, how and to what extent they are attached to them, and how this shapes their sense of identity. For our research, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 118 local residents in 12 settlements. The interview transcripts were subjected to qualitative and quantitative content analysis. Our results show that locals consider water resources (the Ipoly River, streams, springs, lakes) and wetlands, as well as natural formations and terrestrial habitats to be the most important natural and landscape values of the region. The majority have a present and active connection to the Börzsöny (hiking, excursions, walking), while the Ipoly evokes childhood memories and is a place of spiritual and mental rejuvenation. Water sports are less important to them. Mushroom picking is the most common form of using the natural resources, but locals also collect medicinal herbs, wild plants, and flowers. The changes and transformations in land-use are striking: berry orchards are being dismantled, animal husbandry has largely ceased, and monocultural cultivation and the concentration of land ownership are on the rise. On the positive side, however, some farmers are experimenting with newer, more productive fruit varieties. Respondents' knowledge of nature conservation in the region varies. The protection of natural environmental values is mainly represented by municipal waste collection and river cleaning. Therefore, it would be useful to establish a regional selective waste collection system. The infrastructure elements of environmental education (forest schools, nature trails, visitor centers, greenways) are quite inadequate in the region, and it would be important to expand them. There is a need for organized efforts to shape the attitudes of local residents (some schools have good practices in this regard) and improve their environmentally conscious mindset. All this would have a positive impact on the waste management practices of families and their attitude towards protected areas. In addition to educational institutions and civil society organizations, the Danube-Ipoly National Park Directorate and the professional staff of Ipoly Erdő state forestry company could be key partners in educating locals about the environment and expanding their knowledge. All this is essential for the long-term, conscious and sustainable management as well as for the conservation of natural resources, which are one of the most important foundations of life for the region's population.