Peatlands are among the oldest and most valuable habitats in Slovakia. In the context of climate change, they provide essential ecosystem services – they capture carbon and retain water. However, due to insensitive interventions in the past, they are rapidly becoming increasingly rare.
- We support their conservation by maintaining a favourable water regime, mowing, removing shrubs, and, where absolutely necessary, mulching.
- We are establishing management centres in Námestovo and Banská Bystrica, which will be equipped with manual tools, motorised equipment, and heavy machinery. Through these centres, we will ensure the protection of peatland habitats and will be able to appropriately demonstrate restoration and management measures.
- We approach landowners and land users with offers of land management, as cooperation with them is crucial for the long-term preservation of peatlands.
Orava is a region with a diverse mosaic of habitats. Peatlands, mountain spruce forests, and meadows create a unique environment for rare plant and animal species.
Photo: CHKO Horná Orava
The Carpathian newt is a Carpathian–Sudeten endemic amphibian threatened by climate change, as suitable aquatic habitats are drying out or becoming overgrown.
Photo: Peter Drengubiak