The Tatra National Park (TANAP) is undergoing a major restructuring under the fourth government of Robert Fico and Environment Minister Tomáš Taraba. A new conservation zoning proposal drastically reduces the extent of strictly protected areas. Although the proportion of non-intervention zones in the highest A category is formally increased slightly, experts argue that the real untouched territory is significantly shrinking—by approximately 6,200 hectares. Critics say this change reverses decades of conservation progress, returning protections to levels from the 1980s. Former park director Pavol Majko warns that TANAP is being converted into a forestry enterprise rather than a protected natural area.
The proposed zoning eliminates or downgrades numerous nature reserves, including precious wetlands like Belianske lúky and old-growth forests in the Western Tatras. Many areas previously protected at the fourth and fifth levels are now being reclassified to lower protections, enabling logging and tourism development. Experts emphasize that rare habitats, such as those of the capercaillie and pristine peat bogs, are at risk. Particularly controversial is the reclassification of valuable forest remnants and the exclusion of entire old-growth reserves from the strictest protection.
This downgrade may have financial consequences. If Slovakia fails to meet EU environmental commitments—specifically to protect capercaillie habitats and untouched forests—it risks losing significant funding from the European Union’s recovery plan. Critics, including opposition politicians and MEPs, accuse the government of trying to deceive the European Commission by loosely interpreting conservation rules and enabling logging even in supposed non-intervention areas.
Public concern is growing over the reclassification of the untouched Jalovecká and Bobrovecká valleys into the lowest protection zone, D, typically reserved for developed or altered lands. Environmentalists warn that these are some of the most pristine valleys in the park. Accusations have surfaced that a recent fire may have been intentionally set to weaken protection measures. Meanwhile, local landowners push for the right to log, despite past compensation agreements. The government faces mounting pressure from experts, citizens, and EU institutions to halt or significantly revise the zoning proposal.
Source: Dennik N
