The Krzemionki Opatowskie and Świętokrzyski National Park UNESCO World Heritage Sites are two highly valuable natural and cultural attractions in the Świętokrzyskie province. Both were seriously threatened by administrative decisions concerning the construction of a dolomite mine (near Krzemionki) and reduced size of the Świętokrzyski Park adjoining the Holy Cross Monastery.
We organised a scientific conference to publicise the threat and we informed the media about the assumptions of the project. We also informed MPs interested in this topic about the planned activities. We trained a volunteer group to monitor and document phenomena having negative impact on the Park area and to react to illegal deeds. Finally, a report summarising their work was prepared. Project activities helped us halt investments in the mine near Krzemionki Opatowskie and prevent the reduction of the Świętokrzyski National Park territory by 5 hectares. 1.3 hectares have been excluded from it recently, yet we have managed to reach an agreement and finally the territory of the Park has been enlarged by 40 hectares.
We have also involved local community in this initiative, which we consider a major success. After our workshop meetings, the community and local authorities decided to establish a Culture Park protect the vicinity of Krzemionki Opatowskie, covering the site itself, too.