{"id":1464,"date":"2026-01-22T10:59:51","date_gmt":"2026-01-22T10:59:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/swiss-contribution.sk\/?post_type=biodiverzita&p=1464"},"modified":"2026-06-22T14:26:46","modified_gmt":"2026-06-22T14:26:46","slug":"support-for-ecological-connectivity-through-biodiversity-stepping-stones-in-the-forests-of-slovensky-raj-national-park","status":"publish","type":"biodiverzita","link":"https:\/\/swiss-contribution.sk\/?biodiverzita=support-for-ecological-connectivity-through-biodiversity-stepping-stones-in-the-forests-of-slovensky-raj-national-park&lang=en","title":{"rendered":"Support for ecological connectivity through biodiversity stepping stones in the forests of Slovensk\u00fd raj National Park"},"content":{"rendered":"

Project code:<\/strong> 0410-2SC-BIO-PC2-003<\/p>\n

Project title<\/strong>: Support for ecological connectivity through biodiversity stepping stones in the forests of Slovensk\u00fd raj National Park<\/p>\n

Call: <\/strong>Call for Strengthening Biodiversity in Protected Areas (BIO02)<\/p>\n

Title of the support measure: <\/strong>Promoting Sustainable Tourism and Strengthening Biodiversity in Protected Areas<\/p>\n

Specific Objective:<\/strong> 1. Protecting the environment and climate<\/p>\n

Beneficiary:<\/strong> DAPHNE Institute of Applied Ecology<\/p>\n

Website:<\/strong>\u00a0 www.daphne.sk<\/a><\/p>\n

Project grant:<\/strong>\u00a0500 000,00 \u20ac<\/p>\n

Project start date: <\/strong>2.10.2025<\/p>\n

Estimated date of project completion: <\/strong>31.12.2028<\/p>\n

Slovak partners: <\/strong>Administration of the Slovak Paradise National Park<\/a><\/p>\n

Swiss partners<\/strong>: Bern University of Applied Sciences BFH, School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences HAFL<\/a><\/p>\n

Project summary: <\/strong>The project aims to support the long-term conservation of biodiversity and enhance the ecological resilience of forest ecosystems in Slovensk\u00fd raj National Park. Its main goal is to identify old-growth and primary forests, expand the non-intervention zone A from 25% to at least 40% of the park\u2019s area, and strengthen ecological connectivity through a network of \u201cstepping stones.\u201d Innovative methods such as LiDAR, Sentinel-2, orthophotos, and vegetation indices are combined with detailed field inventories. The project integrates research, practical conservation, and environmental education with an emphasis on the inclusion of disadvantaged groups. Outputs will be incorporated into the new management plan of the national park (2027+) and forest management programs. The partnership with a Swiss expert institution fosters know-how transfer and long-term sustainability. The project also encourages active involvement of the public, local communities, and schools. It contributes to the protect<\/p>\n

Project outcomes<\/strong>: Improved ecosystem protection and increased resilience to biodiversity loss<\/p>\n

Project outputs:<\/strong><\/p>\n

2.1 Environmental education and awareness-raising activities about biodiversity conservation and sustainable forms of tourist services developed<\/p>\n

2.2 Local people involved in activities for ecosystem and biodiversity protection<\/p>\n

2.3 Pilot initiatives and measures for the biodiversity protection mapped, developed, tested and implemented<\/p>\n

Project activities:<\/strong><\/p>\n