SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation - Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences
SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation
Menu Display
SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation
Last modified: 09. November 2024
For detailed information see the topics by clicking on the chapters:
1. WATER USAGE AND CARE
1.1. Wastewater treatment
1.2. Prevention of polluted water entering the water system
1.3. Free drinking water provided on the campuses
1.4. Water-conscious building standards
1.5. Water-conscious planting
2. WATER REUSE
2.1. Water reuse policy
2.2. Water reuse measurement
3. WATER IN THE COMMUNITY
3.1. Water management educational opportunities
3.2. Off-campus water conservation support
3.3. Sustainable water extraction on campus
3.4. Cooperation on water security
3.5. Promoting conscious water usage on campus
3.6. Promoting conscious water usage in the wider community
1. WATER USAGE AND CARE
The following providers ensure the supply and continuous access to high-quality drinking water on our campuses: the DMRV Zrt. https://www.dmrvzrt.hu/hu/Fooldal in Gödöllő and its surroundings, Budapest Waterworks https://ugyfelszolgalat.vizmuvek.hu/ and the Budapest Sewage Works Zrt. https://www.fcsm. hu/ at the Buda Campus, on the Georgikon Campus the Transdanubian Regional Waterworks Ltd. (DRV Zrt.) https://www.drv.hu/, on the Kaposvár Campus the Kaposvár Water and Sewerworks Ltd. (Kavíz Kft.) https://www.kaviz.hu/, in Karcag the Tiszamenti Regional Waterworks Ltd. (TRV Zrt.) https://trvzrt.hu/, and in Gyöngyös the Heves County Waterworks Ltd. https://hmvizmurt. hu/
1.1. Wastewater treatment
Public sewerage (like public drinking water supply) is a public utility service. From an environmental point of view, MATE considers it important to strive for the protection of surface water, groundwater and soil, the good quality of our waters, the preservation of their usability and the careful management of water resources. (This is also stated in the so-called Environmental Order - Környezetvédelmi Rend of the Szent István Campus, p. 13.)
The disposal of waste water
The wastewater generated by the Szent István Campus is discharged to a public sewage treatment plant. The pollutant content of the wastewater generated depends on the technology used, the type and quantity of materials used and discharged into the wastewater. (In: Environmental Order - Környezetvédelmi Rend of the Szent István Campus, p. 13.)
As the following example presents MATE has taking an active role in projects and research which aims to innovate the wastewater aftertreatment:
Hungarian-Chinese innovation for wastewater aftertreatment
A collaboration between Hungarian and Chinese researchers has developed a more efficient technology than ever before for the after-treatment of wastewater. The innovative process involves irradiating the effluent of a wastewater treatment plant with accelerated electron beams, which can greatly reduce the toxicity of the wastewater. The research project also involved the MATE Institute of Food Science and Technology.
https://uni-mate.hu/hír/-/content-viewer/magyar-kinai-innovacio-a-szennyviz-utokezelesere/20123
1.2. Prevention of polluted water entering the water system
MATE considers it essential to prevent polluted water entering the water system, including pollution caused by accidents and incidents at the university.
The university has contracts with various laboratories that regularly dispose of hazardous waste. In addition, the basic rules for working with chemicals include a ban on pouring any chemicals into the tap. All other types of contaminated water are sent to the DMRV Danube Regional Waterworks (DMRV Duna Menti Regionális Vízmű Zrt.): https://www.dmrvzrt.hu/hu/Fooldal
Reducing the pollutant content of wastewater discharged into the collecting system
The Environmental Order - Környezetvédelmi Rend of the Szent István Campus (p. 13) states that the following measures should be taken for the technologies of most concern for harmful pollution: for laboratory technologies, the safety data sheets of the hazardous substances and preparations used should be consulted and the safety data sheets should be followed. Thus, as an environmentally responsible organization, we ensure that all polluted wastewater and contaminants are properly managed and directed into the appropriate collection systems to prevent any discharge into the water system. This includes measures to handle pollution caused by accidents and incidents on campus.
1.3. Free drinking water provided on the campuses
The university provides free drinking water for students, staff and visitors on all the campuses. Tap water is drinkable and of good quality ensured by the standard of the public providers of each campus (DMRV Zrt. https://www.dmrvzrt.hu/hu/Fooldal in Gödöllő and its surroundings, Budapest Waterworks https://ugyfelszolgalat.vizmuvek.hu/ and the Budapest Sewage Works Zrt. https://www.fcsm. hu / at the Buda Campus, on the Georgikon Campus the Transdanubian Regional Waterworks Ltd. (DRVhttps://www.drv.hu/ , on the Kaposvár Campus the Kaposvár Water and Sewerworks Ltd. (Kavíz https://www.kaviz.hu/ , in Karcag the Tiszamenti Regional Waterworks Ltd. (TRV https://trvzrt.hu/ , and in Gyöngyös the Heves County Waterwork https://hmvizmurt.hu/ ), and there are also drinking water fountains at some campuses.
Public drinking water supply (like public sewerage) is a public utility service. From an environmental point of view, MATE considers it important to strive for the protection of surface water, groundwater and soil, the good quality of our waters, the preservation of their usability and the careful management of water resources. (This is also stated in the so-called Environmental Order - Környezetvédelmi Rend of the Szent István Campus, p. 13.)
In general our Campuses are supplied with drinking water from the public drinking water supply network, and the Central Campus in Kaposvár has its own well and hydroglobe as well. In the Wildlife Centre (Vadgazdálkodási Központ), animals are also partly watered by their own wells. A borehole is also available at Iregszemcse and at the horticultural centre of the Training and Experimental Station (Tan- és Kísérleti Üzem), but is not in operation. The quality of drinking water from the wells is regularly monitored. The water is drawn from the wells on the basis of a water permit issued by the Baranya County Directorate for Water and Water Protection (Baranya Megyei Katasztrófavédelmi Igazgatóság Vízügyi és Vízvédelmi Hatóság: http://www.baranya.hu/dokumentum/1709). The validity of the permits is monitored by the Environmental Protection Officer. (In: Environmental Instructions - Környezetvédelmi Utasítás, Kaposvári Campus, p. 14).
Quality of the water
The quality of the water supplied from the aquifers is regularly monitored by the Environmental and Water Quality Protection Department of DMRV Zrt. (DMRV Zrt. Környezet- és Vízminőségvédelmi Osztálya) in accordance with the relevant legal requirements and the water quality testing plan approved annually by the Public Health Authority. Water quality testing is carried out partly by DMRV ZRt's accredited laboratory and partly by external accredited laboratories.
The quality of the water supplied complies with the requirements of Government Decree 201/2001 (X. 25.) on "Quality Requirements for Drinking Water and the Monitoring Procedure" (https://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/hun97809.pdf) and the water quality limits set out therein.
The water supply of Gödöllő is only partially provided by local aquifers, the missing water is bank-filtered water of Danube origin, which is supplied by regional pipelines and mixed with water from aquifers.
https://www.dmrvzrt.hu/hu/godolloi-vizminoseg
1.4. Water-conscious building standards
Since its founding, MATE has been working to develop and implement a plan to modernise the buildings on its campuses. In doing so, it is important that buildings become energy sustainable. This includes setting building standards to minimise water use.
Recent upgrades to the MATE colleges have included e. g. the following water-conscious building standards: sensor urinals, push-button urinals with flush valves, water-saving hand-held showerheads, water flow regulators in bathrooms and restrooms; also sensor urinals, push-button urinals with flush valves and water flow regulators in restrooms in the main buildings.
Environment and Energy Efficiency Operational Programme
In the framework of the Operational Programme for Environment and Energy Efficiency (Környezeti és Energiahatékonysági Operatív Program), two successful tenders have been awarded to increase the energy efficiency of the buildings of the Hungarian University of Agricultural and Life Sciences - by increasing the use of renewable energy (2022-2023), and to prepare the transition to a circular economy for agricultural and green waste (2021-2023). https://palyazatok.uni-mate.hu/kehop-6.2.1-23-2023-00009
Increasing the energy efficiency of the buildings of the Hungarian University of Agricultural and Life Sciences by increasing the use of renewable energy (January 2022-December 2023)
The energy retrofit of the Gödöllő Campus buildings (built 1860–1970) aimed to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Previously, the buildings had outdated, inefficient heating systems and poor thermal insulation, leading to high energy consumption and heat loss. To address these issues, the project included window and door replacements, building insulation, heating modernization, and solar panel installation, all in line with Hungary’s 2006 TNM energy standards.
The project supported the goals of the EU’s Energy Efficiency Directive and Hungary's Operational Programme for Environment and Energy Efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and overall energy costs. This investment promoted sustainable development by encouraging energy efficiency, reducing national greenhouse gas emissions, supporting climate change mitigation, and fostering an eco-conscious mindset within the institution and beyond. The upgrades aim to create a safer, healthier, and more environmentally friendly campus, aligning with national and EU energy policies.
https://palyazatok.uni-mate.hu/kehop-6.2.1-23-2023-00009
Energy improvement of the buildings of the National Centre for Agricultural Research and Innovation (May 2019-December 2023)
The direct objective of the investment was to reduce the energy use of the building operated by the National Centre for Agricultural Research and Innovation by increasing energy efficiency and using renewable energy sources, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. The objectives of the project were to comply with the energy efficiency directives set by the European Union and to modernise the energy performance of the buildings involved in the development, reducing maintenance and operating costs. The energy performance of the building to be modernised did not comply with the requirements of the current TNM Regulation 7/2006 (24 May 2006). The energy investment reduced the global environmental burden and greenhouse gas emissions, thus enhancing the environmentally friendly use of energy in the buildings operated by the National Centre for Agricultural Research and Innovation.
https://palyazatok.uni-mate.hu/kehop-5.2.2-16-2017-00122
1.5. Water-conscious planting
As an agriculture-focused university, MATE is constantly working on how it can initiate and implement research that will enhance environment-conscious thinking, lifestyle and economic activity. As a result of climate change, the drought of recent years has posed a major challenge for agriculture, including water management and irrigation. Our university has a research centre and is continuously working on several projects to address these, including plant landscapes to minimise water usage. (e.g. use drought-tolerant plants).
Research Centre for Irrigation and Water Management (ÖVKI) in Szarvas
The Research Center for Irrigation and Water Management (ÖVKI) focuses on three strategic research areas: agricultural water management, irrigation management, and rice research.
In agricultural water management, they are working on the adaptation techniques to extreme hydrological events (excess water, drought) caused by climate change and on the development of excess water management (assessment of excess water hazard and alternative land use by GIS-based mapping). They are also operating remote sensing techniques (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) for surveying agricultural areas (e.g., describing the hydrological status of the soil-water-plant system).
Their mission in irrigation management and rice research is to improve the Hungarian irrigation management practice, contribute to the expansion of irrigated areas, and breed abiotic stress-tolerant rice genotypes for conventional, organic, and aerobic cultivation.
They promote the water-saving and environment-friendly irrigation technologies (e.g., lysimeter studies to measure water use and nutrient uptake of crops and energy plants; irrigation scheduling; modern sensor systems; reuse of agricultural effluents for irrigation; agroforestry system development; adaptation of up-to-date irrigation methods).
MATE ÖVKI is the centre of Hungarian rice research and breeding. We are working on the breeding of new, high-yielding varieties with good quality and tolerance to temperate climatic conditions (low temperature, short duration, long day length). Besides conventional breeding, we integrate biotechnological methods into traditional breeding (DH-lines via androgenesis – isolated microspore culture) in cooperation with the Cereal Research Non-profit Co., Szeged. They are maintaining a rice gene bank of Hungarian and international varieties to support breeding and rice research at the University and other Hungarian institutes.
They also operate a Demonstration and Training Center for Irrigation Management with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture to develop the efficiency and the area of the Hungarian irrigation sector.
To achieve their goals, they are open to cooperation on national and international levels (joint research projects, development programs, extension and breeding projects). Among others, they have active collaboration in the Philippines, Chile, Laos and Thailand.
The main infrastructures for research, development, education and extension are the MATE ÖVKI Rice Research Station, MATE ÖVKI Lysimeter Station, MATE ÖVKI Irrigation Research Station, and the Radiological Research Station. They are closely cooperating with other Institute of Environmental Sciences (KÖTI) Departments and MATE Institutes in Szarvas and other Campuses.
https://kornyezettudomany.uni-mate.hu/en/ontozesi-es-vizgazdalkodasi-kutatokozpont-en
Research on soil-plant-water-atmosphere systems under field conditions (irrigation, nutrient management, breeding)
One of the projects is the research on soil-plant-water-atmosphere systems under field conditions (irrigation, nutrient management, breeding) realized by the MATE ÖVKI Lysimeter Station. Knowledge of soil water and nutrient cycling, accurate determination of water use and water requirements of crops, analysis of the efficiency of different irrigation methods and practices are fundamental to the effectiveness of environmentally conscious economic decisions. MATE KÖTI ÖVKI's Lysimeter Station (320+8 lysimeters) and the associated state-of-the-art instrumentation background also allow the testing and development of innovative methods and products.
https://uni-mate.hu/w/talaj-növény-víz-atmoszféra-rendszer-kutatása
Preparing for water-saving farming - a workshop held by The Maize Circle Association in October 2022 in Gödöllő.
In the year 2022, the spring drought was followed by a severe summer drought, which sealed the fate of the maize harvest. The Maize Circle Association sought to find answers on the day to what cereal growers can do to end the year with a better average yield in a similar drought year and how they can prepare for the challenges of climate change. They also sought solutions to problems with the involvement of experts, providing relevant and useful information and forward-looking practical solutions for arable crop farmers.
űOne of the experts presented the situation of irrigation in Hungary, its anomalies and the causes of the problems, and participants then discussed the problems of crop production caused by the changed climate in Hungary and the possibilities of its elimination. They stressed the importance and the necessity of modern irrigation solutions that take into account soil characteristics and their control and regulation solutions. The audience was also given an insight into some of the remarkable results of irrigation experiments in the Szarvas region.
Another expert said that among the expected local effects of global warming, changes in the amount and distribution of precipitation have already been observed in the recent past. The precipitation deficits of recent years, especially in the summers of 2021 and 2022, have resulted in drought with a much larger than usual spatial impact in Europe and Hungary. The presentation also looked at past, present and expected future precipitation patterns, which can help agricultural professionals to prepare for the problems caused by water scarcity. The expert also presented an irrigation time forecasting method for maize, which allows water-saving irrigation by monitoring a stress index based on the detection of plant temperature.
In general our Campuses are supplied with drinking water from the public drinking water supply network, and the Central Campus in Kaposvár has its own well and hydroglobe as well. In the Wildlife Centre (Vadgazdálkodási Központ), animals are also partly watered by their own wells. A borehole is also available at Iregszemcse and at the horticultural centre of the Training and Experimental Station (Tan- és Kísérleti Üzem), but is not in operation. The quality of drinking water from the wells is regularly monitored. The water is drawn from the wells on the basis of a water permit issued by the Baranya County Directorate for Water and Water Protection (Baranya Megyei Katasztrófavédelmi Igazgatóság Vízügyi és Vízvédelmi Hatóság: http://www.baranya.hu/dokumentum/1709). The validity of the permits is monitored by the Environmental Protection Officer. (In: Environmental Instructions - Környezetvédelmi Utasítás, Kaposvári Campus, p. 14)
2. WATER REUSE
Use of rainfall
According to an article published by MATE's Centre for Circular Economy Analysis, the quality and quantity of rainwater collected in cities means that the current spectrum of uses is somewhat limited, with rainwater currently collected mainly from family homes and public and commercial buildings, but with the use of rainwater in these places already planned. It is mainly used for watering plants and flushing toilets, but literature also reports on its use for washing clothes, cleaning and washing cars.
Source: A csapadék felhasználása a jövő városaiban – problémák, akadályok és kihívások (Using rainfall in the cities of the future - problems, obstacles and challenges), https://korforgas.uni-mate.hu/h%C3%ADr/-/content-viewer/a-csapadek-felhasznalasa-a-jovo-varosaiban/3045980 , published on 29th November, 2023)
2.1. Water reuse policy
MATE’ unified policy to maximise water reuse across the university is under development and is scheduled for release next year. Each campus has its own internal rules on this.
Recovery of waste water at the Kaposvár Campus
Only legally compliant wastewater, sewage sludge and sewage sludge compost may be used on agricultural land. This means that the Kaposvár Campus cannot use its own wastewater, but can use the material from the municipal wastewater treatment plant for soil improvement. The agricultural use of wastewater, sewage sludge and sewage sludge compost is authorised by the soil protection authority for a maximum period of 5 years.
- Sewage sludge may not be stored on land. Only the quantity of sewage sludge that can be used and processed immediately may be transported to the agricultural area designated for use.
- The sewage sludge shall be applied below the surface of the soil or, in the case of surface application, shall be worked immediately after siltation. The sewage sludge compost shall be applied immediately after surface application.
- The use of sewage, sewage sludge shall be prohibited for the cultivation of vegetable crops and fruit in contact with the soil and in the preceding year. For other crops it may be used outside the growing season or between harvest and the next sowing.
(In: Environmental Instructions - Környezetvédelmi Utasítás, Kaposvári Campus, p. 15)
2.2. Water reuse measurement
The university' school hotel (Hotel Opál *** Superior) has won Green Hotel Award
In 2023, Hotel Opál*** Superior in Gyöngyös achieved a silver certification in the "Green Hotel" program, recognizing its eco-friendly efforts. The program, initiated by the Hungarian Association of Hotels and Restaurants, promotes environmental awareness in the hospitality industry. Participating hotels, like Hotel Opál, demonstrate sustainability by conserving energy and water, using eco-friendly products, and sourcing goods locally.
Hotel Opál prioritizes sustainability not just for accolades but as a commitment to environmental responsibility. Their goals include reducing energy consumption through efficient practices, and they plan to install solar panels to further cut energy costs. Despite economic challenges, such as rising energy prices, they aim to maintain quality without impacting the guest experience, emphasizing the prevention of energy waste and strict cost control. Hotel Opál’s dedication reflects their belief in creating a sustainable, eco-conscious hospitality model for the future.
3. WATER IN THE COMMUNITY
3.1. Water management educational opportunities
MATE provides educational opportunities for a wide audience to learn about good water management, for local communities as well.
MATE’s Department of Water Management and Climate Adaptation encourages the students to engage with their local communities and share their knowledge and skills related to water management
Besides providing regular classes and carrying out research, the department also aims to provide off-campus water conservation support. Students of their general courses (Agrometeorology and Water management [KORTU017N], Water Treatment and Utilization [KORTU193N], Water Management, Water Quality [KORTU187N], Water Resources Engineering [KORTU191N]) are encouraged to engage with their local communities and share their knowledge and skills related to water management. We are particularly focused on engaging with communities within the watershed of the Rákos-stream (our local stream close to Szent István Campus). They have recently demonstrated their related expertise at a conference organized by local NGO’s (link). Data from their meteorological station in Gödöllő is publicly available (link), and they are also currently developing a local soil moisture estimation system, to provide timely information for irrigation to locals, based on the results of their research project (FK12480).
https://environment.uni-mate.hu/en/department-of-water-management-and-climate-adaptation
College of Fishing and Angling
The basic objective of the College of Fishing and Angling is to provide its members with a practical knowledge of fishing and angling (more broadly aquaculture, ornamental fish farming, fish processing, etc.), which is limited by the compulsory and optional subjects. It also aims to provide students of outstanding ability with the specialised knowledge necessary for practical or scientific work in their field of interest.
https://szentistvancampus.uni-mate.hu/halaszati-es-horgaszati-szakkollegium
Agricultural Water Management College
The Szarvas-based Agricultural Water Management College was founded in 2016 by the Szent István University, Faculty of Agricultural and Economic Sciences, the predecessor institution of the Hungarian University of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Today, it is an organised, centrally supported talent management system based at the Institute of Environmental Sciences of MATE, which provides students with the opportunity to acquire additional knowledge in their field of interest and to carry out research work with the help of the student support system.
https://szentistvancampus.uni-mate.hu/mezogazdasagi-es-vizgazdalkodasi-szakkollegium-szarvas-
Advanced training as an energy management engineer/consultant
The aim of the training to educate professionals with general knowledge of energy and energy management and the application of renewable energy sources. Priority is given to renewable energy sources (e.g. water) and their integration into the energy system. Renewable energy basic equipments (biomass, solar, wind, hydro, geothermal), the basic units of power plants, their operation and technical characteristics are also discussed.
MSc in Agricultural Water Management Engineering
The program aims to train professionals in agricultural water management, with a special focus on sustainable integrated water resources management. The program focuses mostly on water management and engineering related subjects, with additional courses in agricultural and natural sciences, economics and legal studies. Besides providing a strong theoretical base, we aim to equip our students with a sound practical background as well, utilizing advanced methods of earth observation and modeling, complementing related field and laboratory work. Building on the international experience of our staff, this course aims to provide students with the knowledge they need to succeed in today’s world.
https://environment.uni-mate.hu/agricultural-water-management-engineering-msc-
Master's degree in Ecotoxicology
The aim of the course is to train ecotoxicology specialists who are able to independently identify ecotoxicological phenomena on the basis of their knowledge of natural sciences, biology (mainly ecology and toxicology) and social sciences. They are familiar with the principles of the most important methods of ecotoxicology and the ways in which they can be applied. They are capable of assessing and remediating the environmental damage detected and of placing their work in a social context. Our qualified ecotoxicologists can find employment in many areas of the labour market (industry, research and development-innovation, services, public administration and all areas where knowledge of environmental risk assessment in line with European Union standards is required).
The ecotoxicologist among other things has a knowledge of the possible behaviour of pollutants in the environment, their detection and monitoring methods, has an bility to assess the effects of pollutants in different media (soil, water, air) and the responses of different objects (populations, communities, ecosystems, biosphere) to pollutants, has a knowledge of global environmental problems, their economic and social context and the measures taken to address them, has a knowledge and application of environmental risk assessment.
https://genetika.uni-mate.hu/képzés/-/content-viewer/okotoxikologus-mesterkepzesi-szak/20123
MSc in Agricultural Water Management Engineering
The program aims to train professionals in agricultural water management, with a special focus on sustainable integrated water resources management. The program focuses mostly on water management and engineering related subjects, with additional courses in agricultural and natural sciences, economics and legal studies. Besides providing a strong theoretical base, we aim to equip our students with a sound practical background as well, utilizing advanced methods of earth observation and modeling, complementing related field and laboratory work. Building on the international experience of our staff, this course aims to provide students with the knowledge they need to succeed in today’s world.
https://environment.uni-mate.hu/agricultural-water-management-engineering-msc-
3.2. Off-campus water conservation support
MATE’s Department of Water Management and Climate Adaptation supports water conservation off campus
Besides providing regular classes and carrying out research, the department also aims to provide off-campus water conservation support. Students of their general courses (Agrometeorology and Water management [KORTU017N], Water Treatment and Utilization [KORTU193N], Water Management, Water Quality [KORTU187N], Water Resources Engineering [KORTU191N]) are encouraged to engage with their local communities and share their knowledge and skills related to water management. We are particularly focused on engaging with communities within the watershed of the Rákos-stream (our local stream close to Szent István Campus). They have recently demonstrated their related expertise at a conference organized by local NGO’s (link). Data from their meteorological station in Gödöllő is publicly available (link), and they are also currently developing a local soil moisture estimation system, to provide timely information for irrigation to locals, based on the results of their research project (FK12480).
https://environment.uni-mate.hu/en/department-of-water-management-and-climate-adaptation
3.3. Sustainable water extraction on campus
Where water is extracted (for example from aquifers, lakes or rivers) the University utilises sustainable water extraction technologies on associated university grounds on and off campus.
The quality of the water supplied from the aquifers is regularly monitored by the Environmental and Water Quality Protection Department of DMRV Zrt. (DMRV Zrt. Környezet- és Vízminőségvédelmi Osztálya) in accordance with the relevant legal requirements and the water quality testing plan approved annually by the Public Health Authority. Water quality testing is carried out partly by DMRV ZRt's accredited laboratory and partly by external accredited laboratories.
The quality of the water supplied complies with the requirements of Government Decree 201/2001 (X. 25.) on "Quality Requirements for Drinking Water and the Monitoring Procedure" (https://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/hun97809.pdf ) and the water quality limits set out therein.
3.4. Cooperation on water security
MATE cooperates with local, regional, national, or global governments on water security within national and international projects.
Danube Agrifood Master (DAFM)
Joint Master degree study "Sustainability in Agriculture, Food Production and Food Technology in the Danube Region" (Danube AgriFood Master – DAFM) focuses on sustainable development as competent response to the upcoming challenges of climate change and protection and promotion of livelihoods. It uses the Danube region as a model region for all riparian regions worldwide.
DAFM program aims to educate students, who are sensitive to sustainable agriculture and food production. To enhance the safety and stability of food production beside sustaining the environmental resources and eco-system services is crucial for adaptation to climate crisis, overpopulation and natural resources depletion.
The 120 ECTS joint degree MSc DAFM combines the unique expertise of the HEI-consortium to provide top-quality research-based education in sustainable agriculture, soil, water, climate, food security, food production, food technology and intellectual learning as core contents. Program provides a solid basis in all relevant disciplines from natural sciences, engineering, economics to social sciences, offering extensive opportunities for interdisciplinary approaches and intercultural communication and promotes the idea of sustainable bioeconomy.
Full partners offering the DAFM Joint Degree are the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) (HU), the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU) (CZ), the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) (AT), the Slovak University of Agriculture Nitra (SUA) (SK), the University of Zagreb (UNIZG) (HR), the University of Novi Sad (UNS) (RS) and the University of Life Sciences „King Michael I”, Timisoara (ULST) (RO).
https://agrifoodmaster.eu/index.html
E³UDRES² - Engaged and Entrepreneurial European University as Driver for European Smart and Sustainable Regions
E³UDRES² is a European University Alliance - a network of higher education institutions located in Europe, that have decided to closely work together and collaborate in the fields of research, teaching, innovation and much more.
Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) fully engaged in E³UDRES² activities, currently holding the status of Associated Partner due to restricted access to EU funding.
https://eudres.eu/
https://en.uni-mate.hu/international-projects
3.5. Promoting conscious water usage on campus
MATE actively promotes conscious water usage on the campuses by organizing conferences and presentations. E. g. each year, the United Nations Water Organization (UN-Water) focuses on a specific theme, which is linked to the World Water Day motto.
Water Conference 2023 (Víz konferencia 2023)
Water Conference 2023 (Víz konferencia 2023) professional conference was organized by The Institute for Agricultural and Food Economics on the occasion of the World Water Day on sustainable water management.
The conference emphasized conscious water usage in various sectors, particularly agriculture. It focused on green innovations in agricultural water management, exploring sustainable technologies to optimize water use and reduce waste in farming. It also addressed the legal regulation of bathing areas and waters, highlighting the importance of maintaining water quality in recreational spaces. Another significant topic was the legal framework for irrigation, discussing international models for regulating irrigation practices and potential future directions for lawmaking to ensure efficient and sustainable water use. The Öko-Völgy Foundation's water management project was presented as a model of best practices in water conservation. The conference also touched on the issue of drinking water waste in Europe, urging a shift toward more conscious consumption. The role of water in circular and energy management was explored, emphasizing its importance in both environmental and energy systems. Innovative practices such as aquaponics for water-efficient home gardening were discussed as a means of sustainable food production with reduced water usage. Lastly, the conference highlighted current water protection issues in Hungary, identifying key challenges and offering solutions to safeguard water resources for the future.
The overarching theme of the conference was the need for conscious water usage, sustainable practices, and innovation in water management across different sectors.
https://uni-mate.hu/esemény/-/content-viewer/víz-konferencia-2023/20123
3.6. Promoting conscious water usage in the wider community
MATE actively promotes conscious water usage in the wider community. The Department of Water Management and Climate Adaptation encourages to engage with their local communities and share their knowledge and skills related to water management.
Besides providing regular classes and carrying out research, the department also aims to provide off-campus water conservation support. Students of their general courses (Agrometeorology and Water management [KORTU017N], Water Treatment and Utilization [KORTU193N], Water Management, Water Quality [KORTU187N], Water Resources Engineering [KORTU191N]) are encouraged to engage with their local communities and share their knowledge and skills related to water management. We are particularly focused on engaging with communities within the watershed of the Rákos-stream (our local stream close to Szent István Campus). They have recently demonstrated their related expertise at a conference organized by local NGO’s (link). Data from their meteorological station in Gödöllő is publicly available (link), and they are also currently developing a local soil moisture estimation system, to provide timely information for irrigation to locals, based on the results of their research project (FK12480).
https://environment.uni-mate.hu/en/department-of-water-management-and-climate-adaptation