Minister Budaj Appoints Eight New National Park Administration Directors

Bratislava, October 12 (TASR) - Environment Minister Jan Budaj (OLaNO) appointed on Wednesday eight national park administration directors, while the post of head of the oldest Tatra National Park (TANAP) remains vacant for the time being, TASR learnt on the same day. Gabriela Kalasova became the director of the Mala Fatra National Park (NP) administration. The Muranska Planina National Park will be headed by Jan Smidt and the Low Tatra mountains by Marek Kuchta. Vladimir Klc became the director of the Pieniny National Park, Miroslav Bural will manage Poloniny. The Slovak Karst National Park will be led by Milan Oleksak, Slovak Paradise by Tomas Drazil and the Velka Fatra National Park by Eduard Apfel. A selection procedure was also held for the TANAP director. Two candidates advanced to the second round, one of whom decided not to continue. Pavol Majko, who holds the post now, should have been appointed. However, Majko has to explain to Budaj the suspicions that have arisen against him. "He'll be appointed only when he satisfactorily answers and defends his personal integrity," noted the minister. According to Budaj, the appointment of new heads is a step towards Slovakia having autonomous, strong and interesting national parks. Some directors are faced with the task of completing the reorganisation of zones. "Today, they will no longer be just a lifeline to protect natural treasures ​​in times of crisis, but they will be strong partners in the development of regions in national parks," said Budaj. New national park directors were sought after the national parks underwent reform. This ensured a uniform administration of state lands in their territories. am/mcs