Belovezhskaya

Belovezhskaya Pushcha, commonly anglicized as Belovezhskaya, is one of Europe’s oldest and most extensive primeval forests. It lies in the northwest corner of Belarus, near the border with Poland, and forms part of a transboundary forest that extends into the Polish region of Białowieża. The Belarusian portion includes Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park, established in 1939, and constitutes a protected area studied for its ancient tree stands and biodiversity.

Historically, the forest has served as a royal hunting preserve in the era of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and has long been treated as a natural sanctuary. The ecosystem is characterized by mixed stands of oak, birch, pine and fir, with some trees aged several centuries.

Belovezhskaya Pushcha is best known as the habitat of the European bison (wisent), whose population was reintroduced here after near-extinction. The region also supports wolves, lynx, deer, numerous bird species and a wealth of plant life. The area is a focus for scientific research and conservation, with protected zones designed to maintain its integrity.

In 1992, UNESCO inscribed the Belovezhskaya Pushcha/Białowieża Forest as a World Heritage Site, highlighting its outstanding biodiversity and status as a largely intact lowland forest ecosystem. Today, the site is a major destination for ecotourism and environmental education, offering guided tours and observation spots while prioritizing conservation and sustainable visitation.