Senator Likens Krkonoše to the Klondike Amid Criticism of the Park's New Director

For two months now, the Krkonoše National Park has been led by a new director — Petr Moravec, appointed on June 18 by Environment Minister Igor Červený (Motorists party). However, the choice of candidate has sparked a wave of criticism among environmentalists, local mayors and experts.

Moravec teaches at the Czech Forestry Academy in Trutnov and previously headed the office of the park's former director, Robin Böhnisch, who was dismissed this past March. The minister described the new head as an experienced manager and expert who demonstrated detailed knowledge of the national park's operations during the selection process. The appointment was backed, among others, by Harrachov Mayor Tomáš Vašíček (Changes for Harrachov movement).

Complaints from environmentalists and local authorities

Many opposition deputies, several local mayors and environmental organizations have spoken out against Moravec's appointment. The Duha movement voiced concerns about the park's future direction, calling the decision risky given the new director's apparent focus on logging using harvesters — forestry machines used for fully mechanized timber felling.

Environmentalists also pointed to murky aspects of Moravec's past: he had previously been the subject of a ministry investigation over irregularities in tracking his working hours and use of a company car, which the former park director later took away from him.

A "disgraceful spectacle" — the senator's verdict

Similar concerns were raised by representatives of the Association of Eastern Krkonoše Municipalities in a letter to the minister. The mayor of Vrchlabí, chairman of the Association of Krkonoše Towns and Municipalities, and STAN senator Jan Sobotka, called the process of selecting the park's new director a "disgraceful spectacle."

It remains an open question whether the critics' concerns were justified or premature — and what the Krkonoše National Park truly needs for sustainable development going forward.

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Around Prague, based on reporting by seznamzpravy.cz