Restoration of aquatic ecosystems will be an important element of the Eastern Shield

The Ministry of Climate and Environment presented the environmental component of the Eastern Shield, announcing changes in forest management and a new pool of funds to support water-dependent areas. The restoration of border regions is intended to help protect Poland from potential aggression from the east.

Can water stop tanks?

On May 25 this year, a press conference was held jointly by the Ministry of Climate and Environment and the Ministry of National Defence. Representatives of both ministries discussed the environmental aspect of the Eastern Shield and actions planned by the state administration to strengthen the natural defensive potential of Masuria, Podlasie, and the Lublin region.

Among the main directions of action, the restoration of aquatic ecosystems and water-dependent areas along the eastern border was indicated. The Ministry of Climate and Environment revealed that as early as May 29 this year, calls for proposals for funding under the FEnIKS programme (European Funds for Infrastructure, Climate, Environment 2021–2027) will begin. Support will be available for projects implemented by national parks, regional directorates for environmental protection, State Forests, as well as local governments and non-governmental organizations. A total of 450 million PLN will be allocated.

What will the “re-watering” of the eastern border involve? Deputy Minister Urszula Zielińska explained that it concerns measures related to the discontinuation of drainage works, the restoration of wetlands, and increased water retention in order to maintain higher water levels in the area. As part of ecosystem support, the creation of ecological corridors is also planned.

Head of the Ministry of Climate and Environment Paulina Hennig-Kloska emphasized that the planned restoration is of key importance in the context of increasingly frequent droughts and forest fires, as well as shrinking water resources. The minister recalled the April fire in the Solska Forest in the Lublin Voivodeship, which was the largest disaster of its kind in Poland in 30 years.

The Eastern Shield is primarily impassable forests

As part of the environmental component of the Eastern Shield, we are changing forest management to block the movement of hostile forces, the minister Hennig-Kloska announced during the conference.

The changes concern 48 forest districts located within a 50 km zone from the border and include partial bans on logging and clearing of compartment lines. Dead trees will be left where they fall, blocking the path for heavy military equipment. Within a 5 km distance from the border, a so-called no-go zone has been designated, where logging will be completely prohibited.

Interministerial cooperation – for nature and security

The Polish Eastern Shield is a successful example of cross-ministerial cooperation – the working group includes experts from four ministries, the State Forests, the Bureau for Forest Management and Geodesy, the General Directorate for Environmental Protection, and the National Agricultural Support Centre.

The Ministry of Climate and Environment emphasizes that the new programme implements priorities of climate and military resilience as well as nature protection, and that the governments of Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Finland have shown strong interest in it. Unlike many other investments whose scope conflicts with environmental protection goals, restoration activities in the east are aligned with the objectives of the National Defence and Deterrence Programme.

As the Deputy Minister of National Defence Cezary Tomczyk said: It is important to use the terrain and nature as allies of the military. He referred to the experience of the war in Ukraine, noting that Poland has time to prepare for potential aggression and that it should be used wisely.