27 1. THE ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND HIS DEPUTIES IN 2019 Lake Balaton Water protection In the framework of a workshop discussion, we examined the sources of conflicts related to the building of residential wells, proposing the elaboration and implementation of a specific action plan for the comprehensive assessment of these wells, with a view to protecting these indispensable residential drinking water sources. The development of irrigation cannot be viewed separately from the other types of water needs, either, including the water need of the natural environment; also, soil conservation should be given high priority. This is why, in the case of irrigation communities, procedural rules that allow the consideration of different interests are necessary. Protection of the built environment and heritage The cancellation or weakening of the existing procedural guarantees has emerged as a problem in this area as well. In 2019, the protection of the cultural heritage came to the foreground primarily in the context of the conservation of historical (listed) monuments, typically related to the complaints concerning the cancellation of the protection of monuments, or priority investments affecting the values of monuments. The Deputy Commissioner drew attention to the phenomenon that in the case of investments that have been declared to be of key importance for the national economy, the procedural guarantees have changed in such a way that the simultaneous preservation of the protection level of constitutional values and rights is not ensured. It may be a legitimate interest to simplify the procedure, but this should be balanced with the set of criteria for environmental protection and nature conservation, as well as with the protection of cultural heritage. Waste and waste management The Deputy Commissioner monitored waste management in Hungary, for by the reduction of waste production and the appropriate utilisation of waste, we can decrease the burdens of future generations and preserve the natural resources, while we can also improve the quality of life of our own generation. The source of the problems, among others, is in the wrong incentive system. The Deputy Commissioner emphasised that, based on the waste hierarchy, the utilisation of the material of the waste has priority over incineration. In the case of incineration that may become necessary, the emission limit values of the power plants to be involved in waste burning, as well as the technical parameters of combustion devices should be assessed. Human rights and sustainable development The Deputy Commissioner consistently advocates the close connection between human rights and sustainable development both in Hungary and abroad. The Sustainable Development Goals of the UN can only be understood and achieved in conjunction with ensuring the enforcement of human rights. The respective activities of the Deputy Commissioner will be discussed in Chapter 2.7.