Podyjí National Park is one of the Czech Republic’s most valuable protected natural areas. In recent years, visitor numbers have increased significantly, accompanied by a growing popularity of cycling tourism and e-bike use. This trend has led to greater pressure on trails and visitor infrastructure, creating new challenges, particularly in the protection of the park’s rare plant and animal species. To address these issues, Mendel University in Brno is leading an international project aimed at finding a balance between the increasing demand for cycling tourism and the conservation of the park’s unique natural heritage.
The project includes a sociological survey of cyclists, mapping of the most heavily used locations using modern technologies, the exchange of expertise with Swiss partners, and the development of practical measures to protect nature while maintaining high-quality conditions for visitors. One of the project’s key outcomes will be a comprehensive cycling tourism management strategy for Podyjí National Park, providing a framework for the long-term planning of visitor infrastructure, biodiversity conservation, and the sustainable development of tourism.
“This project offers an opportunity to connect research, education, and international cooperation while developing solutions for environmentally responsible cycling tourism in protected areas. A key focus is the transfer of knowledge and experience from Switzerland, as well as the active involvement of our students throughout all stages of the project. An integral part of the initiative will be a design workshop where our future landscape architects will collaborate with architecture students from the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU). During the final year of the project, we will also organize a public exhibition with an accompanying programme and a lifelong learning course designed for both professional and general audiences, including adults and children,” said Barbara Ševčíková, Head of the Department of Landscape Architecture at Mendel University.
The project builds on the long-term nature conservation objectives of Podyjí National Park and will contribute to preserving its exceptional natural values for future generations. At the same time, it will provide valuable inspiration and practical experience for the management of other protected areas across the Czech Republic.
Mendel University in Brno serves as the project’s lead coordinator and is responsible for coordinating its scientific activities. The project team and participating experts are primarily responsible for collecting and analysing visitor data, conducting field surveys and mapping, developing management measures, preparing the comprehensive cycling tourism management strategy, and producing educational and awareness-raising materials. An important part of the project will also be to assess how Swiss experience and best practices can be applied to the specific conditions of Podyjí National Park.
In addition to Mendel University, the project “Sustainable Cycling Tourism in Podyjí National Park – A Comprehensive Strategy for Biodiversity” brings together the Podyjí National Park Administration, the UNESCO World Heritage Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch Management Centre, and the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU). The project is funded through the Swiss–Czech Cooperation Programme and will run from April 2026 to October 2028.
Contact for further information:
Assoc. Prof. Barbara Ševčíková, Ph.D.
Project Coordinator
Department of Landscape Architecture
Faculty of Horticulture, Mendel University in Brno
✉️ barbara.sevcikova@mendelu.cz
📞 +420 777 540 625