TANAP National Park Zoning Plan Faces Opposition as Taraba Loses SNS and Academy Support

Environment Minister Tomáš Taraba has lost crucial political and scientific backing for his proposed zoning changes to the High Tatras National Park (TANAP). The Slovak National Party (SNS), a coalition partner in the government, has withdrawn its support for the controversial plan, while scientists from the Slovak Academy of Sciences have also opposed the proposals. The SNS warned that the zoning changes could serve the interests of oligarchs rather than environmental protection. The High Tatras National Park is Slovakia's oldest and most important protected area, covering the country's highest mountain range along the border with Poland. Taraba's zoning proposals have been criticized for potentially weakening environmental protections in favor of development interests, creating tension within the ruling coalition.