The Biebrzański National Park As an Example of Integration of Protection and Agricultural Functions in the Natura 2000 Areas

Abstract

The paper describes the relations between the protection and agricultural activities pursued on the territory of the Biebrzański National Park. The strength and character of agriculture’s impact on the environment are particularly important in the areas of great natural value that are sensitive to man’s interference. The author discusses the positive influence exerted on the natural environment by extensive agriculture supported by the agricultural policy of the European Union through agricultural-environmental programmes which ensure minimal interference in the natural processes and which are conducive to the preservation of environmental equilibrium. The value of this type of agricultural activity consists chiefly in the preservation of the qualities of an agricultural landscape and biological diversity of species and habitats, which is extremely important in the case of areas covered by the European Ecological Network Natura 2000.