Czech Republic

Fishponds represent a rich natural and cultural heritage of tremendous importance and are of great economic value to the regions in which they are found. This is particularly true of the fishponds found in Central and Eastern Europe, some of which were established 5 and 600 years ago. However, the social, cultural, economic and political upheaval that has characterised the recent history of the region has brought in its wake serious implications for their survival.

Large areas previously occupied by Warsaw Pact forces have been vacated in Central and Eastern Europe after the political changes in 1989 and 1990. Many of these areas are potentially rich in natural resources and variety of habitats.

Written by teams from the two countries, this report presents an integrated picture of the environmental features of agriculture and the accompanying threat to biodiversity, supported by data related to the entire territory of the former Czechoslovakia. A valuable guide to agricultural policy makers and nature protectors even in an era of rapid change.