SAS Scientists: National Park Zoning Can Be Completed Quickly – Decisions Must Be Based on Data, Not Politics
Teams of scientists and experts from the Slovak Academy of Sciences (Institute of Geography, Plant Science and Biodiversity Centre, Institute of Landscape Ecology, Institute of Forest Ecology, Institute of Zoology) together with the Faculty of Natural Sciences of Comenius University in Bratislava point out that completing the zoning of national parks is realistically achievable within a short timeframe, without lowering protection levels and in full compliance with legislation.
Available expert evidence indicates that, in some cases, only minimal additions to protected areas are needed. For example, in Poloniny National Park, this involves approximately 777 hectares of old-growth forests, about 2.5% of the park's area and just 0.02% of Slovakia's total territory. In the case of Tatra National Park (TANAP), the required area is even smaller. Scientists emphasise that their proposals are based on verifiable data, analytical outputs, and valid legislation. They therefore reject interpretations that challenge their work without factual evidence.
"The discussion on national park zoning must be based on data and expert arguments. This is not an ideological debate, but a matter of applying the law and protecting the public interest," says Jozef Šibík from the Plant Science and Biodiversity Centre of the Slovak Academy of Sciences.
Risks of the current proposal
According to the expert community, the current zoning proposals from the Ministry of the Environment of the Slovak Republic raise serious concerns regarding compliance with national and European legislation. The proposed solutions may lead to:
· prolonged legal disputes,
· increased costs for public finances,
· risks to funding from the Recovery and Resilience Plan,
· negative impacts on biodiversity and the area's natural values.
"If zoning is not in line with the law, there is a real risk that the issue will end up in court. This can halt projects and funding, and ultimately the public will bear the costs," warns Tomáš Olšovský from the Institute of Zoology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences.
A solution is available
Scientists note that they have already submitted a comprehensive expert assessment of the zoning to the ministry, including data that can be applied immediately in practice. This represents a legally robust solution that balances nature conservation with legitimate land use. According to them, the key lies in properly defining zones and establishing clear rules that prevent regulatory gaps and protect the most valuable areas, such as old-growth forests and habitats of endangered species.
A call for constructive dialogue
The scientific and professional community expresses its readiness to continue constructive dialogue with the Ministry of the Environment.
"The solution is already on the table. What is needed now is a substantive, expert discussion based on data and respect for legislative rules," adds Jozef Šibík.
Edited by: Jozef Bednár
Photo: canva.com