Project Supporting Biodiversity in Pieniny National Park Launched in Červený Kláštor

On 18 February 2026, the opening conference of the project “Strengthening Biodiversity, Resilience and Connectivity of Pieniny National Park” took place at the Červený Kláštor Museum. The project is implemented by WWF Slovakia in cooperation with Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica, the non-profit organisation CYPRIAN, n.o., and the international partner WWF Switzerland, which will share examples of best practice in protected area management and stakeholder engagement.

The project focuses on strengthening biodiversity, improving ecological connectivity, and increasing the resilience of Pieniny National Park (PIENAP) and its buffer zone to climate change. Through targeted measures in both forest and non-forest habitats, monitoring the effectiveness of management interventions, and close cooperation with local communities, the project aims to ensure the long-term protection of the area’s natural values.

During the conference, the main objectives and planned activities of the project were presented, including habitat restoration, protection of migratory species, enhancement of landscape connectivity, and educational and communication activities for the public. The programme also featured a presentation of best practice examples from Switzerland.

“The project is built on strong cooperation with partners directly from the region. Together with local municipalities, land managers, the organisation Cyprian and other stakeholders, we aim to ensure that the measures bring long-term benefits to the Pieniny region and the people who live here. The strong expert dimension of the project is ensured through our partnership with Matej Bel University. This combination of local cooperation and professional expertise allows us to deliver real solutions for biodiversity and landscape resilience,” says Katarína Butkovská from WWF Slovakia.

The project is supported under the Swiss–Slovak Cooperation Programme, which focuses on reducing economic and social disparities within the European Union, and  co-financed from the state budget of the Slovak Republic.