On November 12-15 the first live LIFE4AquaticWarbler project partners meeting took place in Hortobágy National Park, Hungary. 

Conservationists and researchers from five countries came to discuss how they are going to collaborate on safeguarding Europe’s most endangered songbird, the aquatic warbler, within a new nine-years-long project. Hosted in the breathtaking Hortobágy National Park, this gathering set a dynamic tone for the years ahead.

Participants delved into current situation of the species, key challenges for its survival, habitat restoration works and species recovery through translocation. The agenda featured presentations from project leaders, discussions on the most important aspects, and a field trip to project sites within Hortobágy. These activities fostered an understanding of the sites’ importance and the planned actions to preserve them.

Beyond technical discussions, the meeting emphasized team building and creating a shared vision. “This gathering is not just about strategies—it’s about building a community to secure a future for the aquatic warbler,” noted project leader Žymantas Morkvėnas.

The meeting concluded with a clear roadmap for 2024, focusing on effective collaboration and setting the groundwork for future conservation successes.