In fresh years, the construction of bicycle paths has become a symbol of ecological activities. However, not all specified investments are implemented in accordance with nature conservation rules. There are more and more criticisms in Poland, especially in the context of planned tree cuts for fresh cycling routes. Examples of specified controversial projects can be found in Białowieża and in Wolina, where more than 4.5 1000 trees are planned to be cut together.
Tree cutting in the Białowieża Forest under the Construction of the Cycle Path
One of the loudest projects is the planned construction of a cycle way on the Bialowieża-Hajnówka route, which requires the removal of as many as 4.4 1000 trees, including almost 2,000 in the Władysław Szafer scenery Reserve. This area, which has been protected for over 100 years, is part of the Białowieża Forest, which belongs to Natura 2000 sites and the UNESCO protection zone.
Organic organization laboratory for All Beings warns that this investment will destruct a unique forest complex in Poland, including centuries-old oaks and graves. Ecologists emphasize that this task not only violates the conservation regulations, but besides distorts the thought of green investments.
Controversy Around Environmental Decisions
Despite environmental concerns, the General manager of Environmental Protection concluded in 2022 that the construction of a cycle way on the Bialowieża-Hajnówka way does not require an environmental impact assessment. This decision is controversial as it means that investment can be made without a full analysis of its impact on valuable natural areas. Ecologists fear that specified an approach can become a precedent that threatens another protected areas in Poland.
Bike way in Wolinski National Park – Another Tree Cut
Similar controversy concerns the construction of a cycle way in the Wolin National Park, where 200 trees are planned to be cut out. Regional Environmental Directors have besides resigned from the full environmental assessment, which raises objections from environmental organisations. The case is presently pending, and environmentalists are fighting to overturn the decision.
Broader Background: Treecuts for another Investments
Bike paths are not the only origin of logging. another investments are besides carried out in Poland, which have a major impact on the environment, specified as the construction of a atomic power plant in the Choczewo Forest. As part of this project, about 40 hectares of forests have already been cut out, and a further cut is planned on the surface of at least 650 hectares.
Are Ecological Investments Always Ecological?
The current situation shows that not all investment promoted as environmentally friendly is. Mass logging, even to build bike paths, can do more harm than good. It is so crucial to carefully analyse its environmental impact, especially in protected areas, before starting any investment.
On the 1 hand, cycling infrastructure is crucial for reducing exhaust emissions and promoting sustainable transport. On the another hand, it must be implemented in a way that minimises the negative impact on nature in order to actually meet environmental objectives.
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Are Bike Paths truly Ecological? Controversy Around Mass Tree Cut
