The Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic conducted a comprehensive public survey on the perception of citizens on the natural world. The survey reveals support for biodiversity and nature conservation amongst the population, whilst also highlighting knowledge gaps. 

This article was issued and written by Tomáš Růžička of the Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic.

Czechs Stand Firm on Nature: New Survey Reveals Support for Biodiversity

The latest Eurobarometer poll underlines that virtually all Europeans consider that halting biodiversity loss is crucial. For 96% of respondents, it is a moral duty to look after the planet, while 95% recognise that our own health and well-being depend entirely on a thriving natural world.

How does this translate to actions on the ground?

Dunajovice Hills Nature Reserve – Jan Miklín, NCA CR

A comprehensive public survey conducted in Czechia (June 2026) by the Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic has taken a deep dive into how citizens truly perceive the natural world. Organised as part of the IP LIFE PROSPECTIVE project, 1535 people were surveyed and the findings reveal that Czechia’s citizens are deeply committed to safeguarding the country’s natural heritage. However, there remains a lack of general awareness of what biodiversity entails.

Green Ambition Meets Economic Reality

Data gathered from the survey showcases that citizens are ready to prioritise nature, though not without some careful pragmatism:

• Nature Foremost: Three-fifths of the Czech population view nature positively, and a remarkable 66% believe that nature conservation should take precedence over other public interests.
• The 30% Target: Two-thirds (66%) of Czechs support the ambitious Global and EU Biodiversity Strategies to protect 30% of the country’s territory. However, this comes under some conditions: While a passionate 24% would champion this expansion no matter the cost, a larger group (42%) underline that this increase of protected spaces cannot lead to economic disadvantages.
• A Space for Nature: Czechs see Protected Areas as vital havens for biodiversity and high-quality landscapes. Only 11% indicate that view them simply as spaces for recreation and weekend tourism.

Driven by Shared European Fears

These trends are fuelled by a greater awareness of the mounting pressures on the natural world. When it comes to the biggest dangers facing biodiversity, Czech citizens closely mirror wider European anxieties emerging in the Eurobarometer, pointing to four major culprits:

• Environmental pollution (the public’s leading concern)
• Deforestation
• Intensive agriculture and forestry
• The spread of invasive alien species

Due to a growing awareness of the impacts on nature and people of these threats, nature conservation is not considered a trend or luxury in Czechia, but as an essential foundation for the future. One that is well worth safeguarding, even when the economic trade-offs get tough.

Nature and Well-being

Protected Landscape Area Žďárské vrchy – Lubomír Dajč, NCA CR

Furthermore, the survey underlined the importance of nature for mental well-being. 89% of the respondents indicate that they turn to nature to cheer themselves up when stressed or out of sorts, proving that green spaces are the nation’s favourite therapeutic tonic. This is underlined by the high frequency in which the Czech population visits nature: the survey reveals that 15% of the population head out into the countryside every single day, while over half (54%) do so at least once a week. Protected Areas, such as National Parks and Protected Landscape Areas, are major drawing cards. Nearly four in five citizens (79%) visit these pristine spots at least once a year, with a dedicated quarter making the trip every single month. These findings highlight that the important of protected spaces goes far beyond conservation alone.

Protection vs. Access

It is clear that the Czech public enjoys being out in nature on a regular basis. An interesting finding from the survey is the level of support for protecting nature, even when that means limiting public access.

• Protected Areas: Almost nine in ten respondents (87%) support “no-access” zones where people are excluded to allow wildlife and ecosystems to develop without disturbance.
• The participation gap: Although 77% of respondents say they would be willing to take part in practical conservation activities, only around half have done so in the past year. The most common reasons were a lack of motivation and not knowing about opportunities to get involved locally.

Pollinators: more than honeybees

Most Czechs recognise that pollinators are under pressure and play an important role in nature. Many also understand their importance for food production. However, the survey also highlights gaps in public knowledge: around one in four respondents said they were unaware of how pollinators benefit people, while 16% could not name a single pollinator species.

Among those who could, honeybees were by far the most commonly mentioned, cited by 81% of respondents. Bumblebees followed at 51%, while only 25% mentioned butterflies. The findings suggest that public awareness is heavily focused on honeybees, with many other pollinating species receiving far less recognition.

What Happens Next?

The survey will be repeated in 2031 at the end of the LIFE PROSPECTIVE project, which focuses on biodiversity conservation in Czechia.

Comparing the results will help the Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic assess how public attitudes have changed over time. It will also show whether outreach and communication efforts have improved awareness of biodiversity, increased understanding of pollinators, and encouraged more people to get involved in conservation activities.

Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Want to submit an article to the EUROPARC website? We are always looking to promote best practice examples or interesting initiatives from the network:

A delegation from the Czech National Parks travelled to Germany to learn more about the creation of a shared brand for Protected Areas. This article was written by: Radek Drahný, spokesperson and head of public relations at Krkonoše National Park Administration, Dobrovský and Mira Franzen, Project Officer in the Department of Protected Area Management & Nature Conservation and focal point for the German Section of the EUROPARC Federation at Nationale Naturlandschaften e.V.  

Learning Across Borders: A Shared Voice for Protected Areas

The ‘Nationale Naturlandschaften’ of Germany and their shared branding

In early May, a delegation from Czech National Parks travelled to Germany with a clear goal: to learn how Protected areas can communicate more effectively through a shared brand, consistent signage, and a common visual identity.

The study visit took the team to Saxon Switzerland National Park, Hainich National Park, and the Spreewald Biosphere Reserve. They also met with Nationale Naturlandschaften e.V. (formerly EUROPARC Germany) in Berlin—the umbrella organisation for Germany’s National Parks, Biosphere Reserves, and Wilderness Areas.

A shared identity without uniformity 

One of the key questions of the visit was how different Protected Areas can be brought together under a common visual identity without losing their regional character. 

The German experience shows that shared branding does not have to mean uniformity. Some areas complement the common visual identity with their own regional logos, reflecting local characteristics and traditions. At the same time, all areas use the shared logo with the concentric circles, making their affiliation with the wider family of Nationale Naturlandschaften immediately recognisable. 

This balance between regional individuality and a strong common identity helps Protected Areas speak with a clearer and more recognisable voice — to visitors, regional partners and political decision-makers alike.

Telling the story of why nature matters 

Getting to know the Spreewald Biosphere Reserve, Picture by Radek Drahný

Positive communication is central to the common branding of the Nationale Naturlandschaften. Therefore, the communication approach aims to convey what Protected Areas mean for society: landscapes, biodiversity, experiences, identity, and a sense of belonging. In this way, the brand becomes more than a visual tool — it helps communicate the value of Protected Areas to the public. 

Partnerships that connect conservation and regions 

Nature conservation works best when local people benefit. The Nationale Naturlandschaften closely cooperate with regional businesses, hotels, tour guides, and local producers. Once these businesses meet specific sustainability criteria, they become certified “Park Partners”. This boosts visibility for eco-friendly businesses and builds strong local support for the parks. 

Lessons for a shared Czech identity 

Czechia is currently holding a competition to create a unified visual identity for its National Parks as part of the project Responsible in Nature: Partnerships for National Parks, funded by the Swiss-Czech Cooperation Programme under project no CH-V1-17. 

The German experience offers valuable inspiration for this transition. Radek Drahný, spokesperson for the Krkonoše National Park Administration, sums up the key takeaway: 

A successful shared brand is about far more than graphic design. It requires shared values, a functioning network, and long-term coordination. It can only succeed if it is understood and supported by the people who manage these parks every day. At the same time, we must respect regional differences and build the system gradually through open dialogue. 

This study visit highlights the core value of the EUROPARC network: by looking beyond borders to share knowledge, European Protected Areas build a stronger, more cohesive voice for nature. 

Want to submit an article to the EUROPARC website? We are always looking to promote best practice examples or interesting initiatives from the network:

The effectiveness of all 16 German National Parks was reassessed. The results are now available and they show a positive trend.

Management Effectiveness Assessment in German National Parks

During the period 2022 – 2024, an external evaluation committee was appointed to assess the Management Effectiveness of all 16 German National Parks. This is the second assessment, after an initial evaluation (2009 – 2012). As part of an interim survey (2015 – 2018), the extent to which the recommendations from the initial evaluation had already been implemented — or at least had begun to be implemented — was examined.

Site Visit in National Park Jasmund

The assessment is timely: Protected Area Management Effectiveness (PAME) is a cornerstone in all leading biodiversity strategies, like the EU Biodiversity Strategy or the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. PAME assessments help identify strengths and weaknesses in Protected Area Management, ensuring nature managers can respond to deliver the best results for biodiversity.

In Germany, the assessment follows the Quality Criteria and Standards for German National Parks. It consists of a self-assessment by the park administration, and on-site visits and interviews with the park administration and the relevant state ministry or ministries by the external evaluation committee. The involvement of relevant stakeholders is key and is intended to strengthen acceptance of and appreciation for the National Parks. The external advisors also surveyed various stakeholders to obtain a broad picture of the current situation in the National Parks. On this basis, the committee prepared a detailed evaluation report for each national park, which are primarily published on their websites.

The evaluation reports

A Promising Trend, But Growing Pressures

The evaluation shows that, overall, Germany’s National Parks have developed positively since the first evaluation. Particularly noteworthy are improvements in the expansion of natural dynamic zones. As a result, numerous National Parks have come significantly closer to the central goal of leaving at least 75 percent of their area to natural dynamics.

Nevertheless, challenges remain. In several National Parks, for example, unfavorable land configurations, third-party usage rights, excessive visitor pressure, or fragmenting roads and utility services hinder the full implementation of this goal. Management measures — such as those aimed at reducing wildlife populations — also still take place in some cases within the natural dynamic zones.

Budget Cuts Threaten Wins For Biodiversity

The financial and human resources available to National Parks, as well as the dedication and qualifications of the staff in the National Park administrations, are crucial to their success. These last two points in particular stand out very positively in all National Parks; in addition, many volunteers are actively involved, including in Protected Area monitoring, visitor assistance in the field, and practical species and habitat conservation. Nevertheless, all National Park administrations face at least some staffing shortages, for example in area control, the ranger service, research and monitoring, or environmental education. This underlines that adequate financial resources are needed to ensure National Parks are delivering on their many goals and objectives.

LIFE PAME-Europe

The project was managed by the German Section of the EUROPARC Federation, Nationale Naturlandschaften e. V. (NNL e.V). They served as a mediator between the interests of the federal government and the states, while also acting as a liaison between the scientific community and administrative practices in the National Parks.

NNL e.V. is also a partner in the EUROPARC-led LIFE PAME-Europe project. Their experiences are feeding directly into the PAME-Europe Framework developed within the project, to assess management effectiveness in Protected Areas. The aim of the project is to produce a Framework that can be applied throughout Europe. The project is currently in its piloting phase, with 47 Protected Areas applying the Framework and providing extensive feedback on its use.

Learn More

A summary of these findings across all the German National Parks is provided in the brochure “Management Quality of German National Parks – Results of the Second Evaluation.”, discover it here:

To the summary

For decades, the Birds and Habitats Directives have protected nature and biodiversity in the European Union. Now, they are under scrutiny. Keep on reading to understand why this matters, and what you can do to help!

The Birds and Habitats Directives: A Cornerstone of EU Nature Conservation Policy

Adopted in 1979 and amended in 2009 (Birds Directive) and 1992 (Habitats Directive), these so-called ‘EU Nature Directives’ have a long and successful track record of protecting Europe’s most vulnerable and valuable species and habitats. They led to the establishment of the Natura 2000 network – the largest coordinated network of Protected Areas in the world.

Natura 2000 Area in Nationalpark Neusiedler See – Seewinkel

For decades these Directives have embodied the EU’s commitment to nature protection and preservation of biodiversity, as the foundation of life and human well-being. They have also become an integral part of Protected Area management across EU Member States.

Now, the Directives are undergoing a ‘Stress Test’ to assess whether they “remain fit to achieve their objectives in a cost-efficient way, including by identifying opportunities to reduce unnecessary administrative burden”.

Nature As An ‘Administrative Burden’?

The Stress Test forms part of the European Commission’s broader simplification agenda, which aims to strengthen EU competitiveness. The exercise seeks to identify opportunities to reduce “disproportionate administrative burden” while maintaining the Directives’ ambition and high standards of nature protection. It also aims to identify existing good practices and solutions.

As the largest network of Protected Area professionals in Europe, EUROPARC’s message is clear: The EU Nature Directives are the cornerstone for the work of our members in the European Union. Together with the EU Nature Restoration Regulation they are the most important tool for nature conservation and restoration in Natura 2000 sites. For this reason, they are also indispensable tools for Natura 2000 site managers and practitioners.

The EU Birds and Habitats Directives are simply crucial tools for achieving our European and international biodiversity commitments, not an ‘administrative burden’.

Says EUROPARC Director Alberto Arroyo Schnell.

The Nature Directives are the way for the EU Member States and the European Union to achieve the international biodiversity targets that have been mutually agreed. These commitments have been made “To take urgent action to halt and reverse biodiversity loss to put nature on a path to recovery for the benefit of people and planet”, as it is stated in the mission of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The EU Member States and the European Union have all committed themselves to achieve these goals.

These Directives have driven nature protection through area-based conservation across EU Member States. It is highly unlikely that conservation efforts on this scale would have taken place without them. 

Nature Is Not a Luxury – It Is a Necessity

The Directives play a vital role in protecting biodiversity and helping to halt its decline. However, their benefits extend far beyond nature conservation alone.

Healthy ecosystems provide essential services that underpin our economies and societies. Weakening the protection of our natural capital would result in significant economic and social costs. The World Economic Forum has highlighted this connection for years, including in its report Nature Risk Rising: Why the Crisis Engulfing Nature Matters for Business and the Economy. Failing to protect nature is, ultimately, a form of economic asset depletion.

While implementation challenges do exist, like knowledge gaps or a lack of stakeholder engagement, these issues generally arise from shortcomings in national implementation rather than from the provisions of the Directives themselves.

The Nature Directives are currently one of the most effective tools we have in Europe to protect nature. Weakening them would endanger biodiversity, people’s wellbeing and the EU’s position in the world as a global leader on nature conservation. 

EUROPARC believes that, rather than reopening or weakening the Directives, attention should focus on addressing the real obstacles to effective implementation: inadequate funding, insufficient human resources, and gaps in skills and capacity.

How can you help?

A public consultation is currently underway to gather the views of stakeholders and citizens on the implementation of the Birds and Habitats Directives.

We strongly encourage those actively working in and managing Europe’s Protected Areas and natural landscapes to respond to the European Commission’s consultation on the Stress Test. The consultation remains open until 10 August.

As nature managers and conservation practitioners, it is essential that we send a clear and united message: nature conservation is not a burden, it is an investment in a resilient, prosperous, and liveable future. All evidence we can gather to convey this message will help.

To the Public Consultation

Your voice matters: provide your evidence!

The Public Consultation particularly looks for good practices related to the implementation of these Directives. It is of great support to have these ready when answering the Consultation. Additionally, you are welcome to share any good practices with the EUROPARC Directorate, so they can feed into our answer to the public consultation.

Next steps

EUROPARC Federation was invited by the European Commission Directorate-General for Environment to take part in the so-called focus group discussions as well as in a targeted survey for stakeholders. Through these, the Commission collects further information on the implementation of the Directives, such as in-depth data, figures and evidence on any disproportionate administrative burden, as well as good practices and potential solutions to reduce it. The Commission conducted these discussions also with selected Member States, and all Member States are invited to answer to the targeted survey.

EUROPARC Federation has provided and will provide information through these different channels, including the public consultation. There will also be in-person “Reality check” events for stakeholders and Member State representatives in Brussels in September.

The Commission aims to have a report on the Stress test results ready by the end of 2026.