Poland's EU border: A threat to nature and people | DW News

Key Concepts

• Białowieża Forest: Europe's last primeval forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, spanning Poland and Belarus.
• Border Fence: A 2021 construction by Poland along its border with Belarus, intended to prevent asylum seekers from entering the EU.
• Hybrid Warfare: The accusation by Poland that Russia is using migrants as a tool to destabilize the EU.
• Biodiversity: The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
• Ecosystem Processes: The natural cycles and interactions within an ecosystem, such as decomposition and nutrient cycling.
• Genetic Bottleneck: A sharp reduction in the size of a population due to environmental events or human activities, leading to reduced genetic variation.
• Inbreeding: The mating of closely related individuals, which can lead to a higher incidence of genetic disorders.
• Wildlife Crossings: Structures designed to allow animals to safely cross human-made barriers like roads or fences.
• One Health: A concept that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

The Białowieża Forest Border Fence: Human and Environmental Costs

Introduction to Białowieża Forest

The Białowieża Forest, Europe's last primeval forest, is a vast ecosystem covering 1,400 square kilometers, with one-third in Poland and two-thirds in Belarus. Declared a World Heritage site in 1979, it is renowned for its unique biodiversity and natural processes. Nature conservation expert Mateo Shimura highlights the importance of dying and dead trees for the ecosystem, noting that fallen trees can take around 40 years to decompose, releasing minerals and providing habitats for insects and fungi. The forest's dynamic nature means its future appearance is unpredictable.

The Border Fence and its Impact

In 2021, Poland constructed a border fence through the middle of the forest, separating it from Belarus. This measure was implemented to halt the influx of asylum seekers from Syria, Afghanistan, and African countries, who Poland claims Russia is channeling into the EU as part of a hybrid warfare strategy. Border authorities have recorded thousands of attempted crossings annually, with up to 60% occurring within the Białowieża Forest due to its dense undergrowth.

Environmental Consequences

Environmental expert Katina Novak details the significant impacts of the fence and ongoing border fortifications on the forest's ecosystem.

• Habitat Fragmentation: The fence acts as a multiple barrier system, obstructing animal movement and potentially affecting their genetic makeup. Wolves and lynxes are unable to mate with their Belarusian counterparts.
• Disruption of Natural Processes: The constant human activity, including the use of large machinery, construction vehicles, razor wire, dragon's teeth (anti-tank obstacles), and road paving, disrupts the forest's natural state.
• Wildlife Mortality and Waste: Animals are run over by vehicles, and plastic waste is accumulating in the forest. A bison was observed separated from its pack by the fence.
• Threat to UNESCO Status: The ongoing human presence and infrastructure development year-round, driven by the migrant situation, could lead to the Białowieża Forest losing its UNESCO status.

Security Measures and Asylum Policy

The Polish border along the forest is guarded by 5,000 border guards and soldiers. The 50 km long fence has been heavily reinforced with barbed wire, cameras, and surveillance systems. The number of successful crossings has dramatically decreased. In 2025, the Polish government suspended the right to asylum in this area, with migrants and aid organizations reporting pushbacks to Belarus. Backpacks with thermal blankets and empty bottles, likely left by volunteers assisting refugees, have been found near the border.

Impact on Bison Population

The Białowieża Forest is home to a significant population of European bison, with 880 individuals in the Polish section. These animals, rebuilt from near extinction by the late 20th century, are crucial for preserving the ecosystem through their feeding habits. However, the species faces a critical issue: a small gene pool. A bull named Push, for example, has approximately 36 descendants, and his genotype constitutes a large proportion of the current bison population. This genetic bottleneck and high inbreeding pose a significant threat to the species' long-term survival. The border fence restricts the movement of these animals, exacerbating the genetic isolation.

Global Context and Potential Solutions

The summary draws parallels with other border fences globally, such as the 1,100 km fence between Mexico and the United States, which impacts rich habitats and large predators like jaguars. The former "Balkan route" fence between Slovenia and Croatia, which failed to stop migration, is now being dismantled. In contrast, there are no plans to dismantle the Polish fence, and wildlife crossings built into it remain unopened, indicating that national security is prioritized over environmental protection.

Katagina Novak advocates for increased cooperation between border guards and nature conservationists. She suggests measures such as discouraging the feeding of wild animals along the border to prevent unnatural concentrations of animals and people, which can lead to pathogen transmission. The presence of domestic animals (like cats kept by soldiers) at border outposts, interacting with wild animals and people, highlights a "One Health" issue that requires a collaborative approach.

Conclusion

The summary concludes that for the ecological diversity of Białowieża National Park to survive for millennia, border protection and nature conservation efforts must work more closely together, with transparent environmental monitoring being a crucial component. The current situation exemplifies the conflict between national security policies and the imperative of nature conservation, with significant human and environmental costs.