ŠOP SR

Štátna ochrana prírody Slovenskej republiky (ŠOP SR) is Slovakia’s national professional organization for nature and landscape conservation and operates under the Ministry of Environment. Based in Banská Bystrica, it works throughout the country through its directorate, protected-area administrations, a regional nature conservation centre and the Slovak Caves Administration.

Its work includes caring for protected areas and species, monitoring ecosystems, conducting research and preparing management and conservation programmes. ŠOP SR also operates nature protection ranger services and breeding and rehabilitation facilities, and responds to cases involving injured, stranded or otherwise affected protected animals. It maintains records of protected plants and animals, provides expert opinions, and serves as Slovakia’s scientific authority for CITES.

The organization manages caves and certain lands in protected areas, oversees the national register of protected natural assets, and supports guided activities in protected areas. It also offers environmental education, publications and public outreach, and participates in international conservation projects and agreements.