The long-term goal of this project is to restore the relationship between land, environment and people. This will include the planning of water management, change in land use as well as local sustainable farming based on changed land use in the areas selected to take part in this model-building project. In order to induce the interest of local farmers in a change in land use, the project will develop an incentive-point plan, trying at the same time to improve their motivation, professional competence and cooperation of farmers through their participation in planning. The project includes carrying out a comprehensive and complex planning of two model areas in Hungary (nearby Markóc and Okorág) and one model area in Croatia (Kriznica Canal and its surroundings). Achievements: The development of models for the introduction of altered land use, one which is more environmentally friendly and which is following the water regime of the local water sources, was the main idea behind the joint project in the fi eld of water management. Two model areas were included, the Korcsina canal in Hungary and the Križnica canal in Croatia, and local stakeholders – decision makers and farmers – were involved in the development process. The application of the model to the whole region will be included in the planning of rural development in the future.