Poland

This review of the European bison’s (Bison bonasus) status clearly indicates that, through proper management and conservation, its present numbers and distribution have improved significantly since its extinction in the wild at the beginning of the 20th century. The Action Plan briefly summarizes the history of extinction in the wild and present status of the European bison, as well as the reasons of extinction.

After an introduction to the European common agricultural policy and to sustainable rural development, examples are given on how sustainable rural development takes place in various regions of Poland. Prepared in the framework of the project "Integrating Nature Protection and Agricultural Policy".

After a general overview of the state of Poland's surface waters, the influence of agricultural activity on the (ground and surface) water quality is highlighted, and rules on how to protect water resources by applying suitable agricultural practices are being formulated. This document is developed within the project "Integrating nature protection and agricultural policy".

In the European Union methods of farm production in accordance with the demands of environmental protection and conservation of landscape are regulated by the European Council. Several Polish regional and national programs are planned, regarding mainly the protection of biodiversity on farmlands, promotion of organic agriculture, soil erosion prevention and counteraction, as well as the depopulation of agricultural regions.