rezerwat

Rezerwat, in Polish usage, refers to a nature reserve, a category of protected area designed to preserve valuable natural features. A rezerwat przyrody is typically established to protect rare or representative ecosystems, habitats, species, or geological formations, as well as ongoing natural processes. The primary objective is to maintain the natural state of the feature with limited human intervention.

The protection and designation of rezerwaty are governed by national law on protection of nature. They are created and managed by competent authorities at regional or national levels, often following a formal decision that defines the boundaries, legal regime, and permissible activities. Rezerwaty are smaller in scale than national parks and landscape parks and may be situated within larger protected areas or stand alone as local priorities.

The protection regime in a rezerwat przyrody restricts activities that could harm the protected value. Prohibitions commonly cover direct disturbance of habitats and wildlife, removal or damage to organisms, and construction or industrial impacts. Access can be unrestricted in some reserves, while others restrict entry to certain zones or times; scientific research and educational use may be allowed with permits.

Rezerwaty are one of several levels of nature protection in Poland, positioned between stricter categories and ordinary protected areas. They often safeguard species or habitats of regional or national significance and may contribute to ecological networks, including Natura 2000 sites.

For visitors, information is typically available from regional environmental protection authorities or reserve managers, indicating which areas are open to the public and what restrictions apply.