Nature Reserve Near Prešov Faces Reduced Protection to Allow Logging

Slovakia's Šarišský hradný vrch National Nature Reserve near Prešov faces a reduction in its protection status that would permit commercial logging for the first time. The reserve currently holds the country's highest fifth-level protection status, which prohibits timber harvesting entirely. However, a document under review at the Prešov District Office proposes lowering this protection level. The protection project was not prepared by state conservation authorities but by Ligularia, a private company commissioned by the town of Veľký Šariš. Slovakia operates a five-tier nature protection system, with fifth-level reserves representing the most pristine and sensitive ecosystems requiring absolute protection from commercial activities.