KONFLIKTY ŚRODOWISKOWE ZAGOSPODAROWANIA ZŁÓŻ KOPALIN EKSPLOATOWANYCH METODĄ ODKRYWKOWĄ, ZLOKALIZOWANYCH NA OBSZARACH EUROPEJSKIEJ SIECI NATURA 2000 – PRZYKŁAD WOJEWÓDZTWA MAŁOPOLSKIEGO

Abstract

ENVIRONMENTAL CONFLICTS OF OPEN-PIT EXPLOITATION OF MINERAL DEPOSITS INSIDE THE EUROPEAN NATURA 2000 NETWORK – A CASE STUDY FROM MAŁOPOLSKA VOIVODSHIP

Abstract. Małopolska Voivodship is a specific region of Poland rich in mineral deposits, with high population density, and characterized by significant nature and landscape values. It causes several environmental and spatial planning conflicts. They appear especially in the areas of the European Natura 2000 network. There are 98 such areas in this region. Most of them are large areas of habitat protection (PLH) but also several birds refuges (PLB), designated along almost all Carpathian river valleys, where natural aggregates deposits occurred. The paper shows some results of detailed study of the specific environmental conditions determining the inclusion of the selected areas into the Natura 2000 network, as well as research of possible negative environmental impacts of mining activity. In any case the mining activity was not shown as a source of the threat to the ecological equilibrium and cohesion of habitats. To solve the problem firstly – a real identification of nature conditions, based on a complex research and prudent description of environmental requirements of mining activity is necessary. Secondly – a complex environmental report, proper way of future reclamation of post-mining area, and promotion of pro-ecological effects have to be made. The last one could be helpful to create a new image of mining – the sustainable mining.