Ministry of Finance – money for municipalities for protected areas

The Finance Ministry has unveiled a draft law on local government unit (TSU) revenues. The new approach to financing JSTs also includes support for municipalities where areas of special natural value are (or will be) created. The proposal calls for a rate of PLN 620 per hectare of national park. This approach could represent a fundamental change in Poland’s nature conservation policy.

Such support will enable local governments to better manage protected areas. This is particularly important in the context of national parks, nature reserves, landscape parks and Natura 2000 areas, which play a key role in preserving biodiversity and protecting ecosystems in our country.

Protected areas in Poland

Protected areas are areas under special management to protect their natural values. In Poland, there are several types of protected areas that play a key role in preserving biodiversity and unique elements of the natural environment.

1. national parks

National parks are a form of nature protection of special importance. In Poland, 23 national parks have been established to protect unique ecosystems and natural resources. One example is Bialowieza National Park, known for protecting primeval forest.

2. nature reserves

Nature reserves are areas that protect specific natural elements, such as rare plant and animal species and unique ecosystems. There are 1,499 nature reserves in Poland, which play a key role in protecting biodiversity.

3. landscape parks

Landscape parks combine the functions of nature and landscape protection with opportunities for human use. Poland has 122 landscape parks, which offer both protection of natural values and space for recreation and environmental education.

4. protected landscape areas

Protected landscape areas are areas with diverse ecosystems that are protected for their scenic value. There are about 390 such areas in Poland, which provide protection for many unique natural environments.

5 Natura 2000 areas

Poland is part of the European Natura 2000 network, which includes more than 145 special bird protection areas and more than 840 habitat protection areas. The network aims to preserve the most valuable and endangered elements of nature within the European Union.

6 Nature monuments

Natural monuments are individual creations of living and inanimate nature of special value. There are about 36,000 natural monuments in Poland, which include. unique trees, rocks and waterfalls.

7 Documentation posts

Documentation stations protect geological formations, accumulations of fossils and mineral formations. There are about 170 such sites in Poland, which play an important role in scientific research and geological education.

8. ecological uses

Ecological uses are areas that protect remnants of ecosystems important for the preservation of biodiversity. There are about 700 ecological uses in Poland, which include, among others. wetlands, bogs and meadows.

9. nature and landscape complexes

Natural and landscape complexes are areas that protect fragments of the natural and cultural landscape. There are more than 200 such complexes in Poland, which provide protection for unique combinations of natural and historical elements.

10. species protection

Species protection of plants, animals and fungi aims to ensure the survival and maintenance of the proper conservation status of wild species. In Poland, it is regulated by laws that protect both species and their habitats.

Up-to-date information on the established forms of nature protection in Poland can be checked on the GDOŚ geoportal.

New financial support for municipalities

The bill provides special financial support for municipalities where protected areas are or will be created. Subsidy funds will be allocated annually, and the amount will depend on the area and category of the protected area. The proposed rates for 1 hectare of protected area are determined as shown below:

If an area is covered by several forms of legal protection, the form of protection that has the greatest weight is used to calculate the amount of ecological needs.

Changes for the better

The new draft law on local government unit (LGU) revenues, presented by the Ministry of Finance, is an important step towards sustainable development and environmental protection in Poland. Thanks to the proposed measures, municipalities will get better opportunities to invest in the development of local infrastructure and in taking measures to protect valuable natural areas. The support also aims to eliminate obstacles to the creation and expansion of areas of special natural value.

Practical benefits

• Increase funding for municipalities. Municipalities with national parks and other conservation areas in their territory will receive additional funding. These funds will enable better management and protection of these valuable areas.
• Stimulating conservation. The project can motivate other municipalities to actively create and develop protected areas. In the long term, such activities benefit both the environment and local communities, promoting sustainable development.
• Support for local initiatives. The additional funding will allow municipalities to implement local environmental projects more efficiently. This can help improve the quality of life of local residents and increase the regions tourist attractiveness.

Public consultations on the project are currently underway and are expected to end on July 23, 2024. The project is scheduled for adoption by the Council of Ministers in the third quarter of 2024.