Stepping Stones for Slovak Paradise

Although forests cover 90% of the Slovak Paradise National Park, primeval forests of high ecological value account for only 1.8%. Non-intervention zone A covers only 25% of the territory and is fragmented, which limits genetic exchange and hinders natural ecological processes.

Together with our partners, we are therefore identifying remnants of primeval forests and native forests that were not planted by humans and have not been disturbed by logging for decades. We will prepare the groundwork for expanding non-intervention zone A and, most importantly, strengthen ecological connectivity through a network of “ecological stepping stones.” These will be biodiversity islands outside non-intervention zone A, providing a habitat for species and elements dependent on natural forest structures. We will identify fragments of native forests or areas with the potential to gradually become islands of biodiversity for this category.

The full name of the project is “Supporting Ecological Connectivity Through Biodiversity Stepping Stones in the Forests of the Slovak Paradise National Park.” We are working on it in collaboration with the Slovak Paradise National Park Administration. We are also joining forces with experts from the Bern University of Applied Sciences—the School of Agricultural, Forestry, and Food Sciences (HAFL)—and will draw on their expertise as well as the state-of-the-art technologies used in Swiss forests.

The results will be incorporated into the new National Park management plan (2027+) and forest management plans.

The project includes education and the involvement of the public, schools, and local communities. We will focus particularly on people with disabilities, whether from marginalized Roma communities or the visually impaired.

Photo: Peter Olekšák.

Overview of project activities:

• Project Management
• Identification of native forest structures and assessment of forest habitat quality
  • We will use remote sensing data (LiDAR and aerial imagery) as well as field mapping to identify sites suitable for development as stepping stones.
• Bilateral cooperation on forest habitat assessment and remote sensing methodology
  • The Swiss partner will develop a joint methodology for field inventories and habitat quality assessment.
• Restoration and permanent protection of primeval forests and/or native forests identified in Activities 1 and 2
  • We will develop a proposal to expand the current non-intervention Zone A, which will be incorporated into the new forest management plan (to be finalized in 2027) as well as into
    forest management programs. We will identify 50 sites outside Zone A that will be protected. We will restore at least 10 fragments of old-growth forests in Zone C so that they can serve as stepping stones. For example, we will add deadwood where it is lacking.
• Education and Awareness-Raising Involving Disadvantaged Groups
  • We will help people understand the value of old-growth forests and biodiversity and show why it is important to protect them. In doing so, we will take into account the needs of local (disadvantaged) communities. We will offer experiential educational activities for schools and the public and engage both the general public and experts in discussions, field trips, and nature conservation.

Total budget: 526,316 euros

Project grant: 500,000 euros

Project contract in the Central Register of Contracts.