National Framework Strategy on Sustainable Development (2012-2024)
The National Framework Strategy on Sustainable Development (NFSSD) is intended to • contribute to developing a common agreement on the definition of sustainability; • promote the determination of the first steps of the transition to sustainability; and • provide long term strategy for public policy development and decision making. The Framework Strategy sets forth responsibilities for the period until 2024; it has defined 34 strategic objectives and 77 tasks (instruments) for the four – human, social, natural and economic – resources.
Overarching goals of the framework strategy on natural resources:
- Natural resources Environmental carrying capacity must be applied as a barrier of the economy. [C3.1 and C3.2]
- Biodiversity, renewable natural resources Conservation of the biodiversity – which is completely unique in Europe – of the landscape and natural resources, and prevention of the depletion of ecosystem-services [C3.5] are all imperative. Maintaining the fertility of the soil [C3.4], reducing the rate of building up of natural areas, as well as utilisation of renewable resources based on sustainable yield [C3.5] are of great importance[1].
- Reduction of environmental loads affecting humans Emissions endangering human health and quality of life must be controlled and appropriately regulated. [C3.6]
- Non-renewable natural resources Rational and frugal management of mineral resources and energy sources is required. [C3.3]
[1] Sustainable yield is measured by the growth of biologically renewable natural resources attained over a certain period.
NFSSD is intended to define a system of policy goals and means that helps maintain the quality and quantity of our national resources • ensuring Hungary's solid and sustained ability to successfully compete with other nations; • facilitating the protection of our natural and cultural heritage for future generations; and • ensuring appropriate enhancement of resources that may be increased. NCSD publishes a Monitoring Report biannually to inform the public and the Parliament on the implementation of the Framework Strategy. Reports were made in 2015, in 2017 and in 2019. The goals and targets of Agenda 2030 are integrated to the NFSSD. Annex of the biennial Progress reports of the NFSSD are reporting about the linkages between SDG's and national goals (2015 Progress report) and the level of implementation (2017 and forthcoming Progress reports).
The 4th Progress Report has been submitted for approval in 2021.
Relevant targets of the framework strategy:
- T3.1 Even though with regards to the conservation of natural resources, actions on the community (state) level are of particular significance due to market failures, citizens can also make fundamental contributions to minimising environmental hazards. Taking individual responsibility to reduce environmental damage and to limit the use of scarce resources on a wider scale of society, has higher efficiency than measures based on community decision, but eventually enforced by the state. Consequently if individuals seek to improve their own well-being while respecting the conditions of environmental sustainability, it will reduce related expenditure required on the community level. Such behavioural patterns may be acquired within the family itself as well.
- T3.7 Switching over to and utilising renewable resources induces extra costs for economic actors presently. Since due to the depletion of non-renewable resources these costs must inevitably be incurred by the economic players, it is legitimate to support such investments that aim to substitute non-renewable resources more efficiently.
- T3.8 Supporting „blue economy” also has great priority among the instruments of the government. „Blue economy” means RDI related to environmental technologies based on a principle similar to the functioning of ecosystems and their application in economic activities. These technologies are mimicking the physical solutions and systems that were developed in nature by evolution (e.g. nanotubes, live filters, self-cleaning systems, etc.). The government may enhance the development of the „blue economy” by supporting among others pilot projects, research and development, innovation, basic and applied research activities at universities, as well as initiatives aimed at the creation of local, ecological production and consumption systems. Green energy production has priority among activities eligible for funding. This means the increase of the proportion of biomass, geothermal, hydro, solar and wind energy, agricultural by-products, as well as agro-fuels and biogas within energy use, which can be achieved by supporting investments into such technologies and consumption. Materials previously considered as waste may be used for longer in the economy thanks to the development of closed material cycles and recycling (thus reducing the amount of disposable waste).
- T3.11 Normative, restricting requirements, or even a complete ban on resource use should be introduced for resources in a critical state, and non-compliance should result in legal consequences.
