Canada-Hungary National Parks Project 1992–1995

Abstract

The Canada-Hungary National Parks Project was set up in 1992 in response to a request from the Hungarian National Authority for Nature Conservation, for Canadian assistance in developing the fledgling Hungarian national parks system. The Project was supported financially by Canadian External Affairs under its past aid program for Central and Eastern Europe. The project was divided into phases: which included a familiarization visit to Canadian national parks by senior Hungarian officials; the provision of Canadian documents; technical training; professional advice; and extended on-site training opportunities in Canadian national parks. The project was concluded in 1995. Parks Canada acted as executing agency under contract with External Affairs. A fifth phase of the Project, lying outside of the contract requirements, will be conducted by Parks Canada to evaluate the project outcome.

The purpose of this paper is to describe the Project, as an example of international cooperation, and to offer recommendations for further action and research.