The nature reserve known as "Na Plachtě" is situated in the southeastern part of Hradec Králové. Despite its uniqueness, its proximity to urban development poses a significant threat to its natural habitat.

"Na Plachtě" boasts an impressive biodiversity, hosting approximately 720 species of higher plants, 69 species of moss, 107 species of fungi, and 2,250 species of animals found in forest, meadow, or wetland habitats. Among these, about 107 species are protected under Czech legislation, with an additional 19 species of European significance. Some animal species found in "Na Plachtě" are rare within the Czech Republic. From both botanical and zoological perspectives, "Na Plachtě" is considered exceptional, with its uniqueness further accentuated by its proximity to the city.

Efforts to eradicate "Na Plachtě" date back to the 1960s, particularly during socialist urban planning initiatives. Construction of a sewer system for a large housing estate posed a significant threat in the late 1980s, prompting the relocation of protected animals before the project was ultimately abandoned.

Since 2008, various development plans have threatened "Na Plachtě," including proposals for residential complexes, warehouses, and office buildings. In 2009, STAKO Ltd. began land clearing activities, jeopardizing habitats of protected species by depositing 1,300 tons of waste in amphibian wintering grounds.

Conservationists have been advocating for the protection of "Na Plachtě" since the 1980s. In 1998, it was designated as a nature reserve, but the protection afforded by this designation was deemed insufficient. To address this, efforts were made to expand the protected area to include "Na Plachtě" 3 and integrate it into the Natura 2000 network of European protected areas. A public campaign, including a petition signed by 14,000 citizens, played a crucial role in securing the expansion of the nature reserve in 2012.

The aim is to preserve this unique natural paradise for future generations. 

http://www.naplachte.cz/ohrozeni-lokality/ 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DrkgneB5PM
https://www.youtube.com/@Kopidion/videos
https://hradecky.denik.cz/zpravy_region/prirodni-unikat-na-okraji-hradce-vznikl-i-diky-vojakum-20230316.html 

DIRECT SDGs:

• (SDG 15) Land degradation due to human activity

INDIRECT SDGs:

• (SDG 11) Sustainable cities

Justification:

SDG 15 Reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.
SDG 6 Ensure cities and human settlements to be sustainable for future generations.
 

1. How are human activities responsible for land degradation?
2. What actions can individuals take to preserve nature?
3. What is the official name of the document outlining the European significant site network of protected areas? 
    

In this protected natural monument we can see wild horses and buffaloes there which returned back to this place.

Tibor Schwarz, Michaela Vachunová and Roxana Vachunová
Spolek absolventů a přátel zemědělské školy v Chrudimi z.s.