Polish National Park expands with private funding
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Karkonoski Park Narodowy in Poland increased its protected land thanks to a donation from the Drzewo i Jutro Foundation. The foundation gave 29.58 million złoty to purchase 112.98 hectares of the Stawy Podgórzyńskie wetlands and 2.8968 million złoty for 29.31 hectares of Łąki w Niedamirowie meadows.
This is the first time in Poland a private donor has fully funded the purchase of land to become part of a national park.
The Stawy Podgórzyńskie area is the largest historic fishpond complex in the Sudetes mountains, dating back to the 15th century. It provides habitat for around 180 bird species, including eagles, and functions as a vital water retention area, protecting the region from floods and drought. The Łąki w Niedamirowie meadows contain protected plant and animal species, including rare orchids, and serve as a crucial ecological corridor connecting the Karkonosze mountains with the Jeleniogórskie Basin.
The Drzewo i Jutro Foundation, founded by James and Agnieszka Van Bergh, previously gained experience with land conservation through partnerships with The Nature Conservancy of Canada. Inspired by the Canadian model, the foundation sought to quickly secure valuable land in Poland against commercial development. Before this large purchase, the foundation and the park collaborated on educational projects for local children and communities, building a foundation of trust. The park named a protected area within the new land “Stawy Podgórzyńskie im.
Jamesa Van Bergh” in recognition of the foundation’s support.
