Since the beginning of the project, we have managed to:
Since the beginning of the project, we have managed to:
Since the beginning of the project, we have managed to:
10
feasibility studies and preparatory documents
prepared for the project areas of Poľana, Muránska Planina and Záhorie. For the Záhorie site, we also prepared extensive technical project documentation. In Námestovo and Banská Bystrica, technical documentation was developed for management centres used for the management of peatlands in central and northern Slovakia (storage of equipment and tools).
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methodologies and proposed measures
developed to achieve the project objectives. These include, for example, a Methodology for assessing ecosystem services in pilot sites, a Methodology for monitoring the impact of specific project actions on biodiversity, a Study of protective elements threatened by habitat fragmentation, and the Identification of model features of European importance from the perspective of improving the coherence (connectivity) of the Natura 2000 network.
10
outputs for both professional and general audiences
available for download on our website, including the Catalogue of old and traditional fruit tree varieties cultivated in the Podpoľanie region, a brochure on agroforestry, a Communication handbook for nature conservation practitioners, brochures for individual project areas, and a Proposal of measures in the field of game management aimed at improving the living conditions of the Western Capercaillie.
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indicator habitats and species / species complexes
were selected to monitor the impacts of specific project activities on biodiversity in the pilot sites of Orava, Poľana, Muránska Planina, Záhorie and Latorica. In 2022 and 2023, baseline monitoring (prior to management interventions) was carried out, and its results will be compared with data from the subsequent monitoring phase following the implementation of conservation measures in 2027.
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trained professionals from the State Nature Conservancy of the Slovak Republic, Muránska Planina National Park, farmers, foresters, inspectors and agri-environmental advisors
on the topic of the Strategic Plan of the Common Agricultural Policy 2023–2027. Foresters and farmers from the project areas were invited. In early 2024 and 2025, four communication training sessions were delivered for staff of the State Nature Conservancy of the Slovak Republic and Muránska Planina National Park. A dedicated training course on the conservation of the Carpathian longhorn beetle was also organised.
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schoolchildren learned about the Natura 2000 network
as part of educational activities aimed at raising public awareness of the Natura 2000 network and ecosystem services. In total, 20 Natura 2000 Days and 5 pilot Natura 2000 Weeks were organised. A set of educational and didactic materials was also developed and is used during the various activities and events.
Preparatory actions
During the preparatory project activities, we worked on four major areas, focusing on the following tasks:
A.1 Preparation of studies, technical documentation, and permitting procedures
The feasibility study for the Záhorie project area defined the bio-ecological requirements, examined potential measures, and clarified which actions could be realistically implemented. Based on this study, technical documentation for Záhorie was developed. Another feasibility study proposed measures for the Poľana and Muránska Planina project areas, including mosaic and light mowing for monitored species, stakeholder communication, and soil mulching. Necessary equipment for peatland restoration was also purchased. Two management centres were established (in Banská Bystrica and Námestovo), and revitalization works commenced.
A.2 Preparation of integrated management plans
Different types of management plans were compared to identify those that needed to be integrated, and the scope and focus of the integrated management plan for the protected area were defined. The need for legislative changes to implement and approve the integrated management plans was identified. The pilot integrated management program for the Poľana site is in the final stage of review, while the program for the Záhorie site is expected to be completed during 2025.
A.3 Preparation of strategy for stakeholder involvement and communication
A Strategy for stakeholder engagement and improved communication was developed, including a stakeholder analysis, results from personal interviews, and stakeholder engagement plans for each pilot site.
A.4 Consultation with land users
To work effectively with landowners and land users where management measures are planned, guidelines for communication with land users were prepared, and a database of owners and users in the project areas was created. The State Nature Conservancy of the Slovak Republic employed four site managers for the Záhorie, Latorica, Muránska Planina, and Poľana project areas to ensure the implementation of activities in the field and to communicate directly with landowners/users, local authorities, and stakeholders regarding the planning of management measures (e.g., in forests or grasslands) and the possibility of land acquisition.
Concrete (conservation / implemetation) actions
During the project implementation phase, we have seven activities focusing on the introduction of specific management measures. This is what makes our project unique.
C.1 Increasing the effectiveness of Natura 2000 sites management
We collected data on forest habitats and selected species (fish, invertebrates – beetles and butterflies, bats) in SCI/SAC sites with missing data records. The collected information was checked and evaluated, and the data are stored in databases for each habitat/species group. Field surveys involved 80 experts, who recorded over 8,000 observations of animal species.
C.2 Monitoring and evaluation of conservation target features status at sites level
Methodologies for monitoring target species and habitats have been completed. Monitoring of species and habitats was conducted (prior to the impact of project actions) in areas selected for management interventions.
C.3 Improving resilience of Natura 2000 target features towards climate change
Measuring instruments (climatic devices for recording temperature, humidity, and precipitation) were installed at all pilot sites: Záhorie, Upper Orava, Latorica, Muránska Planina NP, and Poľana. We are currently collecting data from these devices.
C.4 Enhancement of Natura 2000 network connectivity
We prepared the study Identification of model features of European conservation importance for improving the coherence (connectivity) of the Natura 2000 network. The analysis covered 133 species and 65 habitat types representing conservation features of sites of European importance in Slovakia.
C.5 Implementation of concrete conservation actions in project demonstration sites and development of new management approaches
This is the most extensive project activity and is therefore divided into several sub-activities:
C.5.1 Protection and restoration of peatland habitats through management centres.
Small machinery was purchased for the management centres. Implemented measures included mowing with brushcutters and biomass removal in sites that were not heavily affected by succession. In areas where succession had progressed and shrubs and trees of various sizes had spread, these were removed using brushcutters and chainsaws. Additional staff and machinery such as a tractor or two-wheel tractor will soon help increase the efficiency of these works.
C.5.2 Establishment of agroforestry systems.
In the Záhorie and Poľana project areas, agroforestry systems were restored or established over 72.3 ha. At Vrchdetva in the Poľana area, management activities were carried out on 26.4 ha of juniper pastures to conserve the habitat Common Juniper Stands and restore sheep grazing, without which this habitat in Poľana would be at risk of disappearing. In the Záhorie area, new agroforestry systems were established on 45.9 ha of arable land at Rúbanice and Na dieloch. Old varieties of apple and pear trees are being mapped in the Poľana project area. Results were published in the Catalogue of old and traditional fruit tree varieties cultivated in the Podpoľanie region. New varieties were last added in January 2026 (Download tab). The NLC has started propagating seedlings of the mapped apple and pear varieties, which were used to establish a variety archive in Hriňová and at the NLC facility in Zvolen.
C.5.3 Integrated nature conservation and landscape management.
Poľana: We successfully restored the habitat for the European-important species Thesium ebracteatum in the Hradné lúky site (33.21 ha), exceeding the original target of 30 ha. A suitable location for a small water body (0.5 ha) was also selected, providing new habitats for the Eleocharis carniolica and various aquatic invertebrates. A lease agreement is currently being prepared.
Muránska Planina: In cooperation with the hunting association Voniaca and Tisovec Municipal Forests, approximately 6.5 ha of meadows were restored for target species Maculinea arion and Parnassius apollo. Restoration included removal of encroaching trees and subsequent mowing in Martinkuľa, Tomovka, Dížďovnica, Voniaca, Vrbjarka meadows, and the Dielik quarry. Conditions were also improved for target species Anthus trivialis and Lanius collurio. For the protection of Pseudogaurotina excellens, over 110 ha of its habitats were mapped, marked in the field, and measures were implemented to protect its host plant, the black honeysuckle, during forestry activities. A specific hunting management plan has been designed and is being implemented in the Poľana and Muránska Planina areas to reduce predation by 30–40% on the Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) in these SCI sites (Download tab). Measures to improve Capercaillie habitat conditions continue, along with monitoring through field observations and camera traps.
Záhorie: Project documentation is being prepared for the restoration of the Morava River banks. An addendum to the feasibility study included the Hanšpíle (Rudava) site as a priority area for water regime restoration. In 2024, the spread of Robinia pseudoacacia was mapped and updated in the Kalaštovský bor and Kalaštovský potok nature reserves over 90 ha. This invasive tree will be removed.
Latorica: Habitats for the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) were restored over 30 ha. Preparation for construction permits at the Tajba and Tice sites continues. Approvals for tree felling were obtained. The Chotárny canal was cleaned for water supply to the Tice branch. Manual clearing, removal of invasive species (Robinia pseudoacacia, Ailanthus altissima), and biomass collection were carried out over 12.09 ha in the Tarbucka PR, improving habitats for multiple protected plant and animal species.
C.6 Land purchase, lease or other compensatory payments in project demonstration sites
We are actively searching for suitable plots for purchase in the project areas, communicating and negotiating with landowners in Záhorie. At Vysoká Bazička (Belianske lúky), 1.472 ha of land were purchased for peatland restoration. In the Tarbucka area, 12 ha were leased for the management of habitats for xerophilous grassland- herb communities and the species Iris aphylla subsp. hungarica.
C.7 Evaluation of socio-economic benefits and ecosystem services of Natura 2000 network
To assess ecosystem services, an analysis of available GIS (Geographic Information System) data was conducted to identify missing data requiring further mapping.
Monitoring of the impact of the project actions
The monitoring phase has been ongoing practically since the beginning of the project, as it was necessary to monitor all parameters before the implementation of management measures. Within the monitoring framework, we focus on four activities:
D.1 Monitoring of concrete project actions´ impact on biodiversity
Based on the Methodology for monitoring the impacts of specific project actions on biodiversity, developed in the first project phase, baseline monitoring was carried out. In 2024, we published the Report on baseline monitoring conducted at the project sites in 2022 and 2023.
D.2 Monitoring of socio-economic impacts of the Project and ecosystem services
We prepared a Handbook for monitoring the socio-economic impact of the project, based on which we collect relevant data. It contains indicators in four areas (biodiversity, climate change, economy, society, awareness). All indicators are related to the corresponding ecosystem services. The first public survey on awareness of the Natura 2000 network and ecosystem services was conducted. We also developed a Methodology for assessing ecosystem services in pilot sites.
D.3 Monitoring of PAF implementation
In the first project phase, a database for monitoring PAF implementation was designed. It is now operational, and an online form is available on our website (tab Natura 2000 in Slovakia). Within this activity, we also completed the first progress report on PAF implementation.
D.4 Monitoring and assessment of KPIs
The project’s coordinating partner, the Ministry of Environment, assigned the preparation of the database to the partner, the State Nature Conservancy of the Slovak Republic. During intensive consultations with the external monitoring team, the first data record was created. Project KPIs are regularly entered into the LIFE KPI web tool.
Public awareness and dissemination of results
Raising public awareness of the Natura 2000 network and our project is one of our priorities. To ensure effective project communication and dissemination of its results, we focus on the following activities:
E.1 Dissemination of information and raising awareness about the Natura 2000 network – public relations
At the beginning of the project, a visual identity and a Communication Strategy were created. Based on these, we launched the project website and Facebook page, where we continuously provide updates on our progress. However, we do not share information solely online. As part of this activity, we continuously publish printed promotional materials, which are part of the Natura 2000 portfolio. Information boards have been installed in all project areas. A manual was created that briefly explains the basic principles of filming with drones and GoPro cameras and also offers a recommended scenario for documentary/reporting videos (available in the Download section).
E.2 Dissemination and communication for professionals
Since the introductory conference organized in November 2021, we have continuously worked on training professionals involved in nature conservation in Slovakia.
In 2023, at the beginning of the current programming period of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 2023–2027, we organized a series of training sessions for employees of the State Nature Conservancy of the Slovak Republic (ŠOP SR) and land managers. In 2025, building on these trainings, we held four workshops focused on the implementation of the CAP in the context of nature conservation and biodiversity, particularly within Natura 2000 sites. The trainings took place in Košice, Zvolen, Nitra, and Bratislava and were primarily intended for inspectors and agro-environmental advisors. A total of 170 participants attended these sessions.
We also conducted trainings on public communication and crisis communication for nature conservation staff, accompanied by e-learning courses. Based on these trainings, we developed the Communication Handbook for Nature Conservation Practitioners, which provides a concise, systematic guide on how to act as a nature advocate, whether in the field or in the office. Other completed trainings include sessions on the protection of black honeysuckle (Lonicera nigra) as a host plant for the Carpathian Longhorn Beetle (Pseudogaurotina excellens); trainings on communication with landowners and land users; and workshops on stakeholder engagement in relation to nature conservation.
In total, 463 professionals have been trained, including staff from ŠOP SR, Muránska Planina NP, farmers, and foresters.
E.3 Dissemination of results, replication and networking with other projects
As part of raising awareness about agroforestry, we created a brochure that presents this sustainable land-use approach in an easily understandable way. In June 2025, we organized the workshop Agroforestry in Slovakia: Examples from Practice and a field excursion to the Vrchdetva site.
We regularly participate in various conferences and meetings, aiming to disseminate the results of our project, gain new perspectives, and exchange experiences with other projects. We have established contacts with representatives of LIFE Jedna příroda, the Educational and Information Centre Bílé Karpaty, o.p.s., and BROZ (Bratislava Regional Conservation Association).
We have attended numerous events, including: the LIFE Project Coordinators Meeting in Helsinki, October 2022; the LIFE Living Rivers and LIFE Danube Floodplains – Implementation of the Slovak Water Plan in Selected River Basins, November 2023; the LIFE Platform Meeting: Amphibian and Reptile Conservation – Challenges and Opportunities in Europe in Cantabria, May 2024; and Safeguarding Biodiversity: Red Lists and Beyond Latvia within LIFE FOR SPECIES in Lithuania, September 2024.
In April of this year, we participated in a workshop focused on adapting forest ecosystems to climate change – the LIFE Upscaling Workshop in the Czech Republic – and in June at the LIFE Platform Meeting in Brașov, Romania, focused on forest restoration in Europe.
E.4 Environmental education in relation to Natura 2000
A total of 30 Natura 2000 Days and 10 pilot Natura 2000 Weeks were organized. A set of educational and didactic materials was also developed and is used during various activities and events. Educational activities aimed at increasing public awareness of the Natura 2000 network and ecosystem services are carried out in all project sites. Five types of information materials – brochures about Natura 2000 (one for each pilot site) – and seven types of educational materials were created and printed; their online versions can be found on our website in the “Download” section. In 2024, we developed and conducted a university course on Natura 2000 and ecosystem services at the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava. Based on feedback, the course was further improved and will be delivered at two universities. We also train teachers and environmental education staff in protected areas on Natura 2000 and ecosystem services. Numerous experiential programs and excursions are organized for children, teachers, and parents, with an updated list regularly available on the “For Schools and the Public” subpage. An educational program Get Your Paws Moving for kindergartens and families about Natura 2000 habitats and species is being prepared; in the 2025/2026 school year, it will be launched in 100 kindergartens across Slovakia, accompanied by an awareness campaign. Our knowledge and experience will be implemented in other Natura 2000 sites across Slovakia in the future.
Project Management and monitoring of project progress
Project management is a crucial part of every project. Here, we focus primarily on coordination and supervision of activities:
F.1 Project management
Project management ensures overall operation, coordination, and administration of the project. To effectively manage the project, several working groups were created: the Project Management Group, the Complementary Activities Working Group, and the Communication Team.
F.2 Preparation of the After-LIFE Plan
This activity will be carried out in the final phase of the project.
