The Bakony Expo – Bakony Flavors Fair at the Veszprém Arena showcases the region’s producers, family programs, and innovative initiatives every year. The professional program associated with the fair is organized by the University of Pannonia, and this year’s focus was on Water and Sustainability – Challenges and Solutions.
As part of this, a roundtable discussion entitled “Is Hungary a ‘water superpower’?” was held, where Judit Mádl-Szőnyi (head of József and Erzsébet Tóth Endowed Hydrogeology Chair, ELTE professor), László Bozó (HungaroMet, academician) and Judit Padisák (Pannon University, academician), moderated by Ágnes Rostási (Pannon University, senior research fellow), discussed the real meaning behind the term “water superpower.”
The discussion covered the regional consequences of global climate change and the specific characteristics of the Carpathian Basin’s water balance. Particular attention was paid to the decline in groundwater levels and drying processes, as well as how agriculture, industry, and tourism can become more economical and circular in their use of water. The development of monitoring and nature-based solutions that help retain water locally (such as infiltration and habitat rehabilitation) were also discussed.
The panel’s clear message was that responsible water management, innovative research, and broad partnerships can improve Hungary’s water security and competitiveness at the same time.
