Czech Parliament Approves Křivoklátsko National Park Proposal

The news in Czech

Translation

The Czech parliament has approved a proposal to create a national park in the Křivoklátsko region. The national park aims to protect nature and ecosystems. It will cover about 105 square kilometres. Although the ministry promises minimal impact on local residents, some local officials and businesses disagree. The park is set to open in 2026.

Exercise: Text comprehension

Question 1: What is the purpose of creating the Křivoklátsko National Park?

The purpose is to protect nature and ecosystems.

Question 2: When is the Křivoklátsko National Park expected to open?

It is expected to open in 2026.

Exercise: Vocabulary

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▌14/02/2025

The Czech Parliament has endorsed the proposal to create a national park in the Křivoklátsko region, amidst fierce opposition from local officials and businesses. If enacted, this would be the fifth national park in the country, focusing on protecting and preserving the natural landscape.

According to the approved government legislation, the proposed site will encompass approximately 105 square kilometres, primarily composed of state-owned forests and meadows. The initiative focuses on bolstering environmental conservation of the region's valuable ecosystems, which proponents argue will enhance ecological stability and biodiversity.

The Ministry of the Environment, led by Petr Hladík, has argued that turning Křivoklátsko into a national park will facilitate easier access to European and national funding for environmental measures. The ministry assures that the change will not substantially affect local life and pledges that activities like berry picking and forest access will remain unaffected.

Despite these assurances, the proposal has faced considerable opposition. Many municipal leaders and associations, including the Hospodářská komora (Chamber of Commerce), oppose the shift, citing concerns about possible restrictive measures on forestry and land use. Critics have described the move as governmental overreach, highlighting that only two of the 29 local municipalities support the park's establishment.

Czech Parliament Approves Křivoklátsko National Park Proposal (Illustration)

Karla Maříková, a representative from the opposition party SPD, referred to the proposal as "governmental arrogance" in centralising environmental decisions, potentially limiting local management autonomy. This sentiment echoes the unease of local stakeholders who fear losing control over regional development.

The environmental NGO, Hnutí Duha, champions the national park's creation, arguing for the extended protection it would provide to one of the most ecologically significant areas in the republic. They assert that transforming the words into action has been awaited for decades, emphasising the park's potential role in conserving natural habitats.

The debate surrounding the Křivoklátsko national park also underscores the broader tension between environmental conservation and local economic interests—a common challenge in regional policy decisions. While proponents hail the potential ecological benefits, the opposition fears it might stifle agricultural and forestry activities essential to the regional economy.

Legal proceedings against the decision initiated by dissenting municipalities could still influence the ultimate outcome. The new national park, pending further approvals, is slated to officially begin operations by the start of 2026.

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