Almany Mires Reserve in Belarus is expanded by 10,000 hectares.

Belarus encompasses huge wetland areas, crucial for a myriad of globally threatened species; and vast tracts of continuous old-growth forests that harbor significant populations of megafauna. In the south of the country, extending into neighboring Poland, Ukraine, and Russia, lies Europe’s largest remaining inland wetland wilderness: Polesia. The Pripyat, one of the last major rivers on the continent not straightened, diverted, or otherwise modified, flows through the heart of this area. Its water-covered landscapes, especially in spring, turn Polesia into a European Amazon, providing crucial feeding and breeding grounds for millions of migratory birds.
Vast tracts of contiguous old-growth forests have also survived in Belarus when so much of Europe’s forests have been lost. In the west of the country, bordering Poland lies one of the last great lowland virgin and old-growth forests on the continent: Bialowieza Forest. Large herds of bison roam here, and the forest is scattered with impressive veteran oak trees. Part of Bialowieza Forest has remained intact, while other parts have been heavily exploited, areas which now require restoration in order for their ecological integrity to return.
- Developing protected areas
- Administrative support to local NGOs and protected areas
- Ecosystem restoration
- Biodiversity and ecosystem monitoring
- Community work and sustainable livelihoods
- Public outreach
02/02/2022Press release
New economic report indicates E40 waterway would operate at massive loss
02/02/2022Press releaseNew economic report indicates E40 waterway would operate at massive loss
A new economic analysis reveals that the planned E40 waterway would operate at a severe economic loss in the long-term, even under optimistic scenarios.
01/26/2022Press release
Achieving protected status for Polesia, Europe’s largest wetland wilderness
01/26/2022Press releaseAchieving protected status for Polesia, Europe’s largest wetland wilderness
Following important steps taken in Belarus and Ukraine to protect peatlands at the heart of Polesia, conservationists want to see the region awarded UNESCO status.
12/10/2021Project update
Endangered eagle migration patterns key to their conservation
12/10/2021Project updateEndangered eagle migration patterns key to their conservation
The Greater Spotted Eagle is in trouble. Almost extinct in western Europe, Polesia is a stronghold for the critically endangered birds. Roughly 16% of the continent’s population is found in Belarus and 4% in Ukraine. Yet, even in Polesia’s vast network of forests and wetlands, numbers are dropping. Only in … Read more


Salomienka River restoration completed.

Start of ELP-funded project Polesia– Wilderness Without Borders.

Dzikaje Mire restoration completed.

Campaign work against the E40 waterway as part of the international Save Polesia coalition started.

Restoration of Dziki Nikar completed.

FZS initiates transboundary cooperation for the protection of Polesia, including in Belarus.

West Polesie Transboundary Biosphere Reserve, Belarus/Poland/Ukraine, is designated.

Extension of the Bialowieza National Park to Belarus, with the creation of Bielaviežskaja Pušča National Park.

Bialowieza Forest is declared a cross-border UNESCO World Heritage Site.