(De Agostini / G. Cappelli Universal Images Group/Newscom)That this ancient forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, and its wildlife are so well preserved is a testament to decades of conservation efforts. But, despite such protection, the Bialowieza Forest remains threatened by a deadly force: An infestation of bark beetles that are consuming spruce trees at an alarming rate.The situation has splintered environmentalists. Many are adamant the infestation is a natural part of the forest and must be left alone. Others — including the Polish government — are uncompromising in the belief that humans have a duty to actively stop the infestation by chopping down trees where the bark beetles live. For now, the Polish government has won — the logging campaign began in the spring of 2016. But in 2017, a World Heritage Site committee will evaluate the logging's consequences on the otherwise undisturbed ecosystem and determine a new conservation plan. Until then, take a closer look at what's left of Europe's lush primeval forest and its inhabitants.
-
The Icelandic women’s strike 50 years onIn The Spotlight The nation is ‘still no paradise’ for women, say campaigners
-
Mall World: why are people dreaming about a shopping centre?Under The Radar Thousands of strangers are dreaming about the same thing and no one sure why
-
Why scientists are attempting nuclear fusionThe Explainer Harnessing the reaction that powers the stars could offer a potentially unlimited source of carbon-free energy, and the race is hotting up
