The Association of Cultural Heritage Managers (KÖME) and the Cultural Heritage Studies programme of Central European University in association with the Duna-Ipoly National Park and Fülöp Farm has been working on the establishment of a new training centre. The unique feature of this centre is its holistic approach to the traditionally separated fields of nature conservation and cultural heritage. We are aiming for showing the historical interaction between Man and the landscape.
The farm, where the centre is located is a special place. Goats are grazing in the forest as they would do it hundreds of years ago and the remnants of a small church and glass-manufacture can be found as well. The farm is at the heart of the Pilis Biosphere Reserve – one of the biggest boreal forests in Europe. The high biodiversity and the good ecological quality is the result of a historically unique menegement: this forest belonged to the king through centuries.
The goal of the centre is to show the historical interactions of forest and farming in a compelling way and to give a chance to personally connect to the players of these interactions. Historical forms of farming, forest-grazing, traditional gardening are to be found here, but organic cheese-production and a sustainable building are also offering a glimpse of a more environment-friendly future.
We are expecting here tourists, families with children, but also schools, students or civic organizations who are interested in our programmes. The education programme of CEU’s Cultural Heritage Studies is eminent among our offer they are teaching students while accessing an active archaeological dig. The interpretation techniques showing the features of the farm to the public are also the results and the focus of educational processes about heritage communication and management.
It is unique in Hungary that an interpretive master-plan is being developed for this site. For us this centre is not just to show the values of this place, but also a model for interpretive communication in Hungary. To develop these interpretive tools, we are working together with the German KON-TIKI office.