Svoboda & Williams Partner of the Srdce Poohří Environmental Institute

One of the most important areas in the Podkrušnohorské region is the valley of the Ohře River, which flows through the town of Stráž nad Ohří. Both banks of the river fall under the Doupovské Hory Site of Community Importance, and the extensive Stráž nad Ohří Nature Park, which preserves the character of the local landscape, is also located here. Distinctive basalt hills and a diverse fauna and flora are the hallmarks of the region. Since the 1980s, experts have been advocating for the preservation of its natural environment by creating a protected landscape area. Their efforts continue to this day, and many rare plant and animal species are thriving, such as the Aesculapian snake, the black stork, the Eurasian eagle-owl, the Peregrine falcon, the edible dormouse, the fire salamander, Carabus irregularis, Arum maculatum, or the elder-flowered orchid.

In appreciation of these efforts, Svoboda & Williams decided to support the creation of the Srdce Poohří Environmental Institute for the Study, Protection, and Promotion of Biodiversity, which will operate under the auspices of the Zamenis association. The Institute’s goals include, first and foremost, protecting endangered species and nurturing important habitats in the Střední Poohří region, organizing educational programs, workshops, and cultural events related to environmental awareness, collecting and evaluating data to further existing findings about animals and plants, regularly participating in administrative proceedings to eliminate negative impacts on rare species, or collaborating with other entities active in nature conservation at home and abroad. The Institute is also working towards the establishment of the Střední Poohří/Doupovské Hory Protected Landscape Area.

The Zamenis association has long been involved in efforts to preserve the environment around Stráž nad Ohří, focusing especially on the Zamenis longissimus snake. The only isolated original population of this snake species in the Czech Republic is found in this region.