Main information
Lubelskie is one of the greener and ecologically clean regions in Europe. Almost a quarter of the area, due to its special nature values, is legally protected under: two National Parks, 17 landscape parks, 17 protected landscape areas and 123 areas of NATURA zones. The two Transborder Biosphere Reserves prove the uniqueness of the region’s natural environment – Polesie and Roztocze, classified by UNESCO as one of the most valuable natural areas in Europe.
Transboundary Biosphere Reserve “Polesie Zachodnie” covers the areas on the Ukrainian-Belarusian-Polish border, including Lubelskie voivodeship and Poleski National Park. Park protects most valuable clusters of peat bog and marsh vegetation, which are a substitute for the northern tundra and lasotundra. It is also a mainstay of many species (over 150) of water birds, but also the biggest Polish mammals – mooses and very rare reptiles – pond turtles.
Transboundary Biosphere Reserve “Roztocze”, on the other hand, complements the forest areas of the Polish-Ukrainian border, including the Roztocze National Park located in the Lublin region, protecting the valuable fir and beech forests.
The local government aware of the natural wealth, pursues a sustainable development policy consisting in planning and implementing investments with respect for the natural environment and its resources. They invest a lot in the environment protection – in the past years, the amount of funds has reached over 5% of total investment expenditure, significantly exceeding the national average. The majority of funds are allocated to investments aimed at air and climate protection, preservation of biological and landscape biodiversity, protection of soil, groundwater and surface waters, and waste management. High hopes are associated with pro-ecological investments in renewable energy sources, organic farming, and also, development of agritourism and ecotourism, which focuses on relax and rest in close contact with unspoiled nature of the region.
