Project code: 0410-2SC-BIO-PC2-002

Project title: Close to Nature based Management Approaches and Modern Technologies

Call: Call for Strengthening Biodiversity in Protected Areas (BIO02)

Title of the support measure: Promoting Sustainable Tourism and Strengthening Biodiversity in Protected Areas

Specific Objective: 1. Protecting the environment and climate

Beneficiary: National Forest Centre

Website:  https://web.nlcsk.org/

Project grant:  497 001,00 €

Project start date: 2.10.2025

Estimated date of project completion: 31.12.2028

Slovak partners: Municipal Forests of Spišská Belá, Ltd. , Pro Silva Slovakia

Swiss partners:

Bern University of Applied Sciences – School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences

Project summary: The project focuses on supporting biodiversity through close-to-nature forest management and the protection of tree microhabitats in the Tatra National Park and its buffer zone. It also includes pilot testing of innovative technologies for monitoring forest ecosystem development and assessing the health status of selected individual trees. Marteloscope plots will be established within the project area – these are designated areas for educational purposes focused on close-to-nature silviculture, including mapping and virtual tagging of trees with microhabitats.

The project also involves planting rare and site-adapted tree species, as well as implementing environmental education and informational activities. Measurable indicators include the number of marteloscope plots (2), marked trees (140), monitoring outputs (1), organized events (18), participants engaged (920), and informational materials produced (18).

Project outcomes: Improved ecosystem protection and increased resilience to biodiversity loss

Project outputs:

2.1 Environmental education and awareness-raising activities about biodiversity conservation and sustainable forms of tourist services developed

2.2 Local people involved in activities for ecosystem and biodiversity protection

2.3 Pilot initiatives and measures for the biodiversity protection mapped, developed, tested and implemented

Project activities:

  • Increasing the diversity of tree species and habitat management
  • Application of innovative technologies and methods
  • Awareness raising and education
  • Engagement of local groups
  • Bilateral cooperation
  • Project staffing / Human resources for project implementation

Project contract:

Link to the published document:  Project contract in Central register of contracts