Bieszczady National Park

Bieszczady National Park ([bʲɛˈʂt͡ʂadɨ]; Polish: Bieszczadzki Park Narodowy) is the third-largest national park in Poland, located in Subcarpathian Voivodeship in the extreme southeast corner of the country. In 2021, the national park became a UNESCO World Heritage Site (as an extension to the Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe).[1]

Bieszczady National Park
Bieszczadzki Park Narodowy
Połonina Caryńska
Park logo with a Eurasian lynx
Map showing the location of Bieszczady National Park
Map showing the location of Bieszczady National Park
Location in Poland
LocationSubcarpathian Voivodeship, Poland
Coordinates49°17′17″N 22°29′49″E
Area292.02 km2 (112.75 sq mi)
Established1973
Governing bodyMinistry of the Environment
Official nameAncient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe
CriteriaNatural: ix
Reference1133ter
Inscription2007 (31st Session)
Extensions2011, 2017, 2021

History

The park was created in 1973. At the time it covered only 59.55 square kilometres (22.99 sq mi), but over the years it was enlarged four times. The last enlargements took place in 1996 (when the park incorporated the former villages of Bukowiec, Beniowa and Carynskie) and in 1999 (when the former villages of Dzwiniacz, Tarnawa and Sokoliki were added).

It occupies 292.02 square kilometres (112.75 sq mi), covering the highest areas of the Polish part of the Bieszczady Mountains. In 1992 the park and its surrounding areas became part of the UNESCO East Carpathian Biosphere Reserve, which has a total area of 2,132.11 square kilometres (823.21 sq mi) and includes parts in Slovakia and (since 1998) Ukraine.

Geography

Forests cover about 80% of Bieszczady National Park. The woods are mainly natural; in some cases it can be said that they have preserved their pristine character. The highest peak in the park, Tarnica, is 1,346 metres (4,416 ft) above sea level.

Fauna

Animal life is abundant with several species of endangered animals thriving in the area, among them brown bears, grey wolf, European wildcat, wild boar, European beavers, European otter, and European lynx as well as deer (such as moose) and European bison (over 500 live in the area). The park contains interesting bird species, including eagles and owls, and is home to the largest Polish population of Aesculapian snakes.

The park is sparsely populated (less than 1 person per km2), which means that animals can roam freely. The region is very popular among tourists, but there are not many facilities. Around 70% of the park is regarded as strict preserve, which means that the use of trails is restricted. The park's authorities promote walking trips.

Occupation

30% of trees inside area 219a were targeted by cuttings. Thus, in January 2021, areas inside the forest were squatted by environmental activists. Occupants were demonstrating against the destruction of biosphere, humanmade climate change, European foreign and refugee policies, and feminism.[2]

The eviction took place on 8 August 2022. The Straż Graniczna and police officially searched for Russian soldiers in that area because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its location at the border. They claimed to have found drugs. After taking the activists to custody, the structures were destroyed.[3]

Hiking trails
  • European walking route E8

References
  1. "Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe (Poland)". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved 29 July 2021.
  2. "Obituary: Nora 219a". Retrieved 24 August 2022.
  3. "Obituary: Eviction in Nora". 9 August 2022. Retrieved 24 August 2022.
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