Lake Balaton (1412)
Hungary, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1d
Year of last assessment: 2002
National site name: Balaton
Central coordinates: Latitude: 46.9167, Longitude: 17.9000
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 104 to 135
Area of KBA (km2): 599.90689
Protected area coverage (%): 99.93
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A large (77 km long), shallow (1-14 m deep), highly regulated lake, the shore of which is densely built-up. Submerged vegetation covers c.5% of the total surface area of the lake, and the water is moderately rich in nutrients. Human activities include fishing, reed- and ice-cutting, sailing and coarse angling.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that meets the thresholds for at least one criterion described in the Global Standard for the Identification of KBAs.
Additional biodiversity: This site is an important area for wintering wildfowl, especially diving ducks.
Habitats
Land use: fisheries/aquaculture (100%) | tourism/recreation (100%) | urban/industrial/transport (20%) | water management (100%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 100 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The lake is affected by run-off from surrounding agricultural land, development of the lakeshore, and fragmentation of reedbeds (Phragmites). The Hungarian government is making efforts to revert the lake to its original, nutrient-poor state through sediment removal and sewage treatment. Wildfowl hunting is prohibited, and a long-term research programme is underway. A section of the north shore is part of the proposed Balaton-felvidéki National Park.