42
R. Cie´ sli´ nski
Fig. 3.4 Location of national parks, nature reserves, and landscape parks in Poland [own study]
Nature reserves (Fig. 3.4) are defined as areas maintained in the natural state or
slightly altered, ecosystems, natural habitats, plant habitats, animal habitats, mushroom habitats, as well as inorganic formations and elements characterized by unique
environmental, scientific, and cultural value or landscape value. Restrictions placed
upon nature reserves are exactly the same as those for national parks. A nature reserve
differs from a national park in the purpose of the near-reserve area and the absence
of a minimal surface area requirement. Poland is home to a total of 1,481 nature
reserves with a total surface area of 165,733 hectares.
Landscape parks (Fig. 3.4) are established due to their environmental, historical,
cultural and landscape value. Farmland and forests, as well as other types of real
estate, found within the limits of a landscape park may be used for economic purposes.
What is characteristic of parks such as these is the degree of influence exerted over
them by local governments. Environmental protection laws in Poland only provide
a list of suggested restrictions for landscape parks. The number of landscape parks
in Poland is 122, with a total surface area of 26,100 km
2 . The first landscape park
R. Cie´ sli´ nski
Fig. 3.4 Location of national parks, nature reserves, and landscape parks in Poland [own study]
Nature reserves (Fig. 3.4) are defined as areas maintained in the natural state or
slightly altered, ecosystems, natural habitats, plant habitats, animal habitats, mushroom habitats, as well as inorganic formations and elements characterized by unique
environmental, scientific, and cultural value or landscape value. Restrictions placed
upon nature reserves are exactly the same as those for national parks. A nature reserve
differs from a national park in the purpose of the near-reserve area and the absence
of a minimal surface area requirement. Poland is home to a total of 1,481 nature
reserves with a total surface area of 165,733 hectares.
Landscape parks (Fig. 3.4) are established due to their environmental, historical,
cultural and landscape value. Farmland and forests, as well as other types of real
estate, found within the limits of a landscape park may be used for economic purposes.
What is characteristic of parks such as these is the degree of influence exerted over
them by local governments. Environmental protection laws in Poland only provide
a list of suggested restrictions for landscape parks. The number of landscape parks
in Poland is 122, with a total surface area of 26,100 km
2 . The first landscape park