FAQ · Environment & Climate 23

Protected areas in Slovakia are designated due to their environmental, historical, or cultural value to the nation. These areas are managed by various institutions and organizations that are governed by the Ministry of the Environment. There are several different types of protected areas including National Parks, Protected Landscape Areas, and Nature Reserves. Other categories include National Nature Monuments, Protected Sites, and Protected Bird Areas. Specific examples of Protected Landscape Areas include the Little Carpathians and the White Carpathians. This system ensures that diverse locations like the Kysuce or Poľana areas receive necessary protection.

Slovakia is home to 77 mammal species, which include various levels of conservation status. Among these, one species is classified as critically endangered. Additionally, there is one vulnerable species and seven species that are considered near threatened. Rodents represent the largest group, making up over 40% of the mammalian species found in the country. This group includes animals such as the European hamster, which is critically endangered.

A documentary titled Wild Slovakia with Nigel Marven was filmed throughout 2022 and 2023 by a British-Slovak film-making team. This film premiered on 1 January 2024 on the Slovak RSTV channel Dvojka. In 2025 and 2026, the film was shown internationally on Viasat Nature. A sequel titled Wild Slovakia with Nigel Marven 2 was later released on 2 January 2026 on the Slovak TV channel TV JOJ.

You can visit the Museum of Homeland History in Krásno nad Kysucou to see presentations of the fauna and flora of northwestern Slovakia. This museum features a life-size replica of a female mammoth as a major attraction. Additionally, the St. Hubert Arboretum is located in Vychylovka. This arboretum is part of the Museum of the Kysuce Village. These sites offer insights into the natural history of the region.

The Carpathian Mountains stretch across several countries including Slovakia, Poland, and Romania. These mountains provide habitat for many species and contain significant forest areas. Unfortunately, rates of forest loss due to clearcutting are high in the Carpathians. Additionally, deforestation due to illegal logging is also high in this region. This impact affects the mountain range that forms an arc across Central and Southeast Europe.

Slovakia has established a specific plan regarding its energy transition. The country aims to increase the use of renewable sources of energy up to 19.2% by the year 2030. Currently, the nation relies on nuclear power generation and power generation from renewables. This follows the closure of two coal power stations in 2023 and 2024. Slovakia does not currently have thermal powerplants in operation.

Slovakia has seen a significant trend in its CO2 emissions per capita since the mid-1980s. In 1985, the emissions level was recorded at 11.486152. Since then, the figures have generally decreased over the decades. By the year 2024, the emissions per capita reached 5.282773. This data shows a long-term downward trajectory for the country.

Radioactive waste in Slovakia is disposed of without any reprocessing. The spent fuel remains at the reactor site, although some spent fuel has been exported to Russia. Slovakia has also started searching for a high-level waste repository. To support this, a fund of approximately €775 million has been established to build it.

Slovakia is located within the biomes of temperate broadleaf and mixed forests along with Pannonian mixed forests and Carpathian montane conifer forests. The country's vegetation and animal communities form different height levels as altitude changes, including oak, beech, spruce, scrub pine, alpine meadows, and subsoil. Forests are a major feature, covering 44% of the territory. Within these forest stands, 60% consist of broadleaf trees and 40% are coniferous trees. The richness of the flora and fauna is determined by the geographical position of the country.

Slovakia is considered to be at high risk of wildfires. This natural hazard is one of several risks the country faces alongside river flooding, urban flooding, and landslides. Additionally, the nation experiences a medium risk of earthquakes and extreme heat. These environmental factors are part of the country's natural hazard profile. Understanding these risks is important for residents and visitors alike.

Earthquakes do occur in the country, such as a magnitude 4.1 earthquake that hit the Trnava Region on 21 February. This specific seismic event caused damage to several buildings in the area. While such events are mentioned in recent records, they are part of the regional activity. Residents should be aware of these occurrences. This information is based on documented events in the country.

There is a 2025 historical drama film titled Flood, which is directed and co-written by Martin Gonda. This film is the first fictional feature film in the Rusyn language and depicts the displacement of the Rusyn people. The story is set in 1980 in the village of Ruské due to the construction of the Starina reservoir. It follows a fifteen-year-old girl named Mara who intends to become a pilot. The film was released in Slovak theaters on 4 December 2025.

In the winter, snow and ice are common on the roads. Because of these conditions, using winter tires is recommended for your vehicle. In cases of extreme weather, some minor mountain roads might require the use of snow chains. You must also remember that headlights must be switched on at all times regardless of the weather conditions. Always drive safely and follow local regulations during the winter season.

The first Poland-Slovakia border was established in 1939 and included several specific elevations. It began at 1,058 metres above sea level west of the Mały Połom mountain. The border also ran through Polom Mountain at 1,067 metres above sea level. Finally, the course ended at the top of Czernin at 929 metres above sea level. These points were located near the Łupków pass area.

Slovakia possesses a rich diversity of fauna and flora determined by its geographical position. The country's biodiversity includes various animals, fungi, micro-organisms, and plants. More than 11,000 plant species and nearly 29,000 animal species have been described throughout the territory. Forests cover 44% of the country, consisting of 60% broadleaf trees and 40% coniferous trees. As altitude changes, different vegetation associations and animal communities form distinct height levels. Endemic biodiversity is also common within these diverse ecosystems.

The entire area of the Bratislava Forest Park serves as an official and active hunting ground. Hunting activities are managed by the Bratislava City Forests using their own hunters and eight hunting dogs. This company is also responsible for selling hunting tickets. The park features several facilities including seven crops fields for wild animals, three Red deer feeders, 25 Roe deer feeders, and 16 hunter's watch towers. Please note that there is no hunter's lodge located within the park.

Fishing on the Danube was critical in the Middle Ages, but its importance has declined dramatically. While some fishermen remain active at certain points, the river's resources have faced issues from pollution and major infrastructure development. Large hydropower dams have created barriers for migratory species that spawn in the upper parts of the river. This has contributed to the decline of sturgeon stocks, which were once a world-renowned commercial fishery. Although the river contains many fish species, several sturgeon species are now threatened or have largely disappeared.

Conservation efforts for Jasenov Castle were first attempted in the early 1900s when Gejza Andrássy funded the reconstruction of certain parts. These early repairs included the main outer gatehouse and the re-roofing of the original keep's tower. However, these efforts were halted by World War I and the restored roofs eventually rotted away due to neglect. A new systematic effort for archaeological research and ruin conservation was launched at the start of the 2010s. Currently, the local historical association Združenie na záchranu Jasenovského hradu manages the site with professional experts and volunteers. Their ongoing work focuses on clearing vegetation and performing masonry conservation on the most affected parts of the ruin.

The dispute arose because Hungary suspended and later tried to terminate the joint project due to environmental and economic concerns. While the original plan was a cross-border barrage system, only a portion was completed in Slovakia as the Gabčíkovo Dam. Slovakia proceeded with an alternative solution known as Variant C, which involved diverting the Danube river. This decision led to an unresolved international disagreement between Slovakia and Hungary. Consequently, both parties turned to the International Court of Justice for a ruling.

One unique plant to look for is Daphne arbuscula, which is a flowering species native only to Slovakia. This dwarf evergreen shrub is an endemic species found in the Muránska planina National Park. It is known for having highly fragrant pink flowers that grow in dense clusters during the spring. Because the species is endangered, it is protected by both Slovakian and European law. You can find it growing on sunny rocky slopes and limestone bedrock at certain altitudes.

While the text does not mention active glaciers, it does identify several ice age relicts found in the area. These include species such as the glacier crowfoot and yellow mountain saxifrage. Other relicts include Ranunculus alpestris, Dianthus glacialis, and Gentiana frigida. You can also find Primula minim and the dwarf willow or net-leaved willow in these regions. These plants serve as biological remnants from the ice age.

Slovakia is a party to several international environmental agreements. These include agreements concerning biodiversity, climate change, and endangered species. Most importantly, the country is a party to the international agreement on wetlands. This commitment is part of its broader involvement in various environmental protection treaties. These agreements cover topics ranging from air pollution to the protection of the ozone layer.

Slovakia is a party to several international environmental agreements. These include agreements related to biodiversity, climate change, and the protection of wetlands. Notably, the country is also a party to the agreement on desertification. This shows its involvement in international efforts to address environmental issues. The nation also participates in various treaties concerning air pollution and endangered species.