August 11 marks a significant date in the history of Białowieża National Park, one of Poland’s most treasured natural reserves. Officially established on this day in 1932, the park is a testament to conservation efforts aimed at preserving the last remnants of Europe’s primaeval forests. Located in the northeast of Poland, within the Podlaskie Voivodeship, Białowieża National Park is a sanctuary for a unique ecosystem that has remained largely unchanged for millennia.
Historical Roots and Creation
The park’s origins can be traced back to 1921 when a forest reserve was created to protect the ancient woodlands of the Białowieża Forest. This reserve was transformed into a national park in 1932, a pivotal moment in Poland’s environmental history. The park’s official establishment on August 11 of that year marked the beginning of a new era in conservation. After World War II, in 1947, the park was officially renamed Białowieża National Park, a title it proudly carries to this day.
A Natural Treasure
Covering an area of 10,517 hectares, Białowieża National Park is home to the best-preserved fragment of the Białowieża Forest, the last remaining stretch of the primaeval forests that once covered much of Europe’s lowlands. This forest, with its mix of deciduous and coniferous trees, offers a glimpse into the natural world as it existed thousands of years ago.
Read more: Białowieża National Park: A Living Relic of Europe’s Primeval Forests- 10 Must-Visit Destinations in Poland: Bialowieza Forest
- Polish National Parks – Białowieża National Park
The European Bison: A Symbol of Survival
Perhaps the most iconic inhabitant of Białowieża National Park is the European bison or żubr. The park is the last refuge of the lowland bison, Europe’s largest land mammal. Once on the brink of extinction, the species was saved by a reintroduction program that began in Białowieża. Today, the park boasts the world’s largest free-living population of European bison, with around 800 individuals roaming the forest. The bison is more than just an inhabitant of the park; it is its symbol, representing the success of conservation efforts in the face of environmental challenges.