Proposed Poloniny Zoning Plan Triggers Sharp Environmental Criticism

A new zoning proposal for the Poloniny region has drawn fierce criticism from environmental groups, who warn the plan could weaken protection for the area's ancient forests. The Poloniny area, located in eastern Slovakia along the borders with Poland and Ukraine, contains some of Europe's last remaining primeval forests and is considered a territory of exceptional ecological value. Environmental activists argue the proposed changes could compromise conservation efforts in this UNESCO World Heritage site, which forms part of the Carpathian Primeval Beech Forests designation and serves as habitat for endangered species including bears, wolves, and lynx.