The water level on the picturesque Neusiedl lake between Austria and Hungary is so low that windsurfers get stuck in the mud. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed basin with its saline soils could dry up completely due to climate change, experts warn. But the idea of feeding it with an arm of the Danube is controversial.
” We can’t sail anymore, just row, that’s a big deal “, laments Tobias Monte, co-organizer of the mobilization day at the beginning of June. ” Our lake must not die More than a hundred men rowed under the blazing sun to save this sunset, whose shores are flourishing with gray geese and stilts. The ecosystem is suffering from meteorological disturbances, with more heat waves and rains that now fall more in summer when water evaporates faster, explains file manager Christian Seiler.
Wildlife is under threat
Salt marshes in the region are already scarce. irretrievably lost “, laments Johannes Ehrenfeldner, head of the national park. With inevitable consequences for the 350 species of birds recorded around this westernmost steppe lake in the Eurasian zone. ” Eyes wide open, we run towards our own destruction – he is alarmed, fixed his binoculars on the black and white bird of the swamps.
In order to avoid the disaster, the authorities have developed a solution. on the Hungarian side a canal is to be dug from a tributary of the Danube, with the design of extending to Austria, of irrigating the surrounding area, or even of supplying the lake itself. ” Permits have been granted and the necessary land has been acquired by the government, but as far as I know, the project is currently at a standstill. “, the source of the relevant municipality of Yanosomorja elaborates.
Natural drying
This causes the country’s economic difficulties since the war in Ukraine and the blocking of European funds linked to the lack of respect for the rule of law. The idea also worries environmentalists, who warn against interference.” in the natural cycle According to WWF Austria Biodiversity Program Manager Bernard Kohler.
The shallow Neusiedl lake dries up naturally for about a century before being filled with rainwater. During this time, the algae, plankton and mud exposed to the air are decomposed and carried away by the wind. Bringing in water from outside would lower salinity levels and cause irreparable damage to the ecosystem, says Kohler.
If he is also worried about the effects of climate change, he sees in this project a remedy worse than a disease. If even the lake dries up, it will reform. We just have to learn to live with it “.
Apocalypse
” The concept of this channel is unacceptable Katalin Rodics from Greenpeace Hungary is also enthused. ” Take water from the Danube that doesn’t have it, (…) and then pour it into a lake with a completely different chemical composition. “a deviation in the eyes of this activist who is also concerned”. Corruption surrounding the operation.
Environmentalists are condemning the awarding of the construction contract to a company owned by tycoon Lorinz Meszaros, a childhood friend of sovereign leader Viktor Orbán. Who at the same time manages a huge real estate project of 45 billion forints (110 million euros) – hotels and luxury apartments, a sports complex, a port … on the shore of the same lake called Ferto in Hungary.
For residents and local actors who make a living from tourism, “ letting the lake and the region disappear is not an option “, answers Austrian Regional Councilor Heinrich Dorner in the face of criticism. During the last episode of drought dating back to the 1860s, historians have described an apocalyptic landscape, killing fish, clouds of dust destroying crops.
The “curse” was finally broken and the water miraculously returned. But that was a different time the area has nothing to do – warns Mr. Seiler, convinced that it is necessary. save » the lake, what can it be?
Source: Le Figaro
