The Minister assured the residents living in the area of the Primeval Forest that all attempts are being made to save the remains of the stand from the area of the Białowieża Forest. “That is why the Ministry of Environment conducts a constructive dialogue, because only by way of compromise can the Białowieża Forest be saved.

I hope that the final decisions regarding the Białowieża Primeval Forest will be made in an atmosphere of compromise and will take into account the demands of all stakeholders. That is why I am asking for your cooperation and support, said Minister Henryk Kowalczyk.

I would also like environmental organisations to be involved in further consultations. We want to invite everybody to talk and debate with us, the Minister added.

Vice-Minister Małgorzata Golińska reminded about the origins of the tree stand problem in the Białowieża Primeval Forest – a forest that is a vital part of our national heritage. The issue of the CJEU judgement, fully respected by Poland, as a country governed by the rule of law, was also raised.

Our main concern is the safety of the residents and the full restoration of tourist traffic in the region. Our planned tasks will be in line with the CJEU judgement. Future activities will be subject to an environmental impact assessment in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. We are also going to use the latest available data on objects of protection in the Natura 2000 area, said Vice–Minister Golińska.

A visit to the Military Base

Minister Kowalczyk and Vice–Minister Golińska also visited the area of the military base in Hajnówka. The commanders of the unit presented the current situation caused by the gradation of spruce bark beetle together with the local foresters.