East Carpathian Transboundary Biosphere Reserve

This protected area spans mountain forests, meadows, and river valleys across the border between Slovakia and Ukraine, combining natural landscapes on both sides. Marked hiking trails connect different sections, with main entry points near national parks in each country.

The area began as a transboundary project between Slovakia and Ukraine in the early 1990s and later gained international recognition through UNESCO. This cooperation showed that nature protection could work across borders despite political divisions.

Local communities living here practice farming and forestry using traditional methods passed down through generations, and you can see these customs reflected in how they manage the land today.

The terrain is best explored on foot using marked trails of varying difficulty, and visitors should be prepared for changing weather and wear sturdy footwear. The area is accessible from multiple entry points, though some sections may require more effort to reach.

Different ecosystems and animal species from separate climate zones meet here, making it a meeting point where researchers can observe how nature adapts to change. Scientists use the area as a living laboratory to understand forest health across a real landscape.