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.<\/p>\n
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 \u201cecological stepping stones.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
The full name of the project is \u201cSupporting Ecological Connectivity Through Biodiversity Stepping Stones in the Forests of the Slovak Paradise National Park.\u201d <\/strong>We are working on it in collaboration with the Slovak Paradise National Park Administration<\/strong><\/a>. We are also joining forces with experts from the Bern University of Applied Sciences\u2014the School of Agricultural, Forestry, and Food Sciences (HAFL)<\/strong><\/a>\u2014and will draw on their expertise as well as the state-of-the-art technologies used in Swiss forests.<\/p>\n The results will be incorporated into the new National Park management plan (2027+) and forest management plans.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Photo: Peter Olek\u0161\u00e1k.<\/p>\n Overview of project activities:<\/strong><\/p>\n Total budget: 526,316 euros<\/p>\n Project grant: 500,000 euros<\/p>\n\n
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\nforest 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n
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