During the panel presenting the best practices in the field of nature protection from all over the world, Deputy Minister Golińska pointed out that for centuries Poland has been characterized by the richness of nature, expressed in the diversity of habitats and the multitude of species.

For centuries, there have also been numerous activities that meet today's definitions of "pro-nature activities"

– she said.

Deputy Minister pointed out that a species inextricably linked with Białowieża Forest, which is also an icon of nature conservation in Poland, is the bison. Once inhabiting the entire area of Europe, with the transformation of habitats - clearing of forests, and direct exploitation of the species has gradually disappeared over larger and larger areas.

In Poland, a ban on bison hunting was introduced as early as in the 16th century. Despite this, the abundance of the species has steadily declined. Still in 1915, there were 727 bison in the Białowieża Forest, but 4 years later, in 1919, the special commission which was to determine the population size, did not find any living specimen

– she explained.

As Małgorzata Golińska, Chief Conservator of Nature, reminded, in the years 1920-25 numerous nature reserves were created in Poland, and already in 1921 on the area of Białowieża Forest protected areas were established, which were later transformed into the Białowieża National Park. Soon after, in the early 1930s, more national parks began to be established. Also, the European bison - a majestic symbol of wild nature - found itself in the center of pro-nature activities of the reborn Republic of Poland. First 3 bison were brought to Białowieża in 1929.

Tireless work of generations of Polish wildlife experts, including scientists and foresters, brought measurable results - there are more than 9,000 bison in the world, including more than 2,300 in Poland. Most of the herds in our country are free-ranging herds. In Białowieża Forest, currently 715 individuals freely roam the entire area

– reported the Deputy Minister.

Of course, the presence of such large animals also entails challenges, including mitigating the conflicts that might arise. Therefore, Polish law provides for state intervention and, in justified cases, payment of compensation for damage caused both by European bison and other selected protected animal species - wolves, bears, lynxes and beavers.

– she added.

The Deputy Minister of Climate and Environment also emphasized that Poland is conducting numerous activities aimed at restitution and protection of many other animal species. One example is the restoration of Poland's unique population of the peregrine falcon. Another example of species restoration efforts might be the apollo anther, an "umbrella" species important for protecting biodiversity and habitat mosaics.

During the "World Wildlife Day" conference, Deputy Minister Golińska pointed out that there are currently 23 national parks in Poland, over 1500 nature reserves, over 120 landscape parks and about 20% of the country's area is covered by the European Network of Natura 2000 sites. In total, various forms of nature conservation cover over 39% of the territory of Poland.

According to Małgorzata Golińska, one of Poland's priorities at present is to build favourable support from local communities for the idea of creating protected areas and undertaking pro-nature activities.

In the draft law on national parks, we propose - along with the creation of new national parks - that the government prepare a development program for municipalities where national parks are located along with an indication of funding sources. We are also looking for other incentives - such as programs dedicated to park municipalities or preferences in access to external funds that could be used to support investments made within their area

– she added.