The network of protected areas in Slovakia has a number of shortcomings. These include a low proportion of national park areas under strict protection, overlapping protection systems that are misconfigured and opaque, and a lack of management plans. This is according to an assessment of Slovakia's environmental performance by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
The OECD report notes that past land use decisions have resulted in large monoculture fields and the removal of landscape features. This situation persists under the Common Agricultural Policy and biodiversity in agricultural land continues to decline. It recommends continuing to promote nature-friendly forestry, as well as restoring grasslands, wetlands and other ecosystems and encouraging landscape planning.
It also advises Slovakia to develop a national strategy and action plan for biodiversity by 2030. This, according to the organisation, provides an opportunity to strengthen the ambition and strategic framework for the country's biodiversity.
The OECD pointed out that Slovakia has met its 2020 climate targets, but national projections suggest that it is not on track for zero emissions. According to the organisation, Slovakia's legislation should include carbon neutrality and define energy poverty.
"The country needs to reduce dependence on cars and shift investment from roads to rail to reduce transport emissions," the OECD said in the report. Slovakia should also seek to phase out fossil fuel subsidies.
In the report, the organisation assessed that air pollution remains a health problem, much municipal waste ends up in landfills and progress in remediating contaminated sites is slow. "The country has improved wastewater treatment but faces the challenge of expanding coverage in many small villages," the report said.
Finally, the Slovak Republic should ensure that Environment Fund spending is in line with environmental and climate objectives.
Source: TASR
