![The Zelota Run in the Bor Reserve The Zelota Run in the Bor Reserve](/sites/default/files/styles/banner_image/public/paragraph_image_100/bieg%20zeloty_0.jpg?itok=_sH8n085)
Nature reserves in Podkarpackie Region as a place for shaping residents' health-promoting attitudes
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About this good practice
People have few opportunities to enjoy the natural environment. Therefore, for recreation and health purposes, to counteract the effects of a sedentary lifestyle, it’s necessary to make optimal use of publicly-owned forest areas, which residents can access by residents quickly through, a.o. establishment of educational trails, healthy running and biking routes, resting places, etc. also in nature reserves. Residents and tourists are eager to choose the reserves (99 in the Podkarpackie Region) for sports, recreation and quiet walks, due to their high natural values (the highest level of nature protection).
The Bor Reserve (close to Rzeszow) has become a place for active leisure activities and cyclical sports competitions. Numerous trails have been created to allow various sports. Sports competitions are organized here with the participation of many athletes. In the reserve, many walkers use the designated trails every day (and especially on weekends).
Azalea blossom rallies are organized in the Kołacznia Reserve. All events are held on the days of yellow azalea blooming (May). Since 2019, in addition to the rally, running competitions have been organized. One of the prizes is a seedling of this plant.
The Lisia Góra Reserve (located in Rzeszow) has a wild character due to its centuries-old oak trees, thousands of people use hiking trails.
Protected areas or their individual elements can be used as a symbol, a driving force to motivate the physical activity of people.
Resources needed
Use of the reserves is free of charge. Maintenance of the trails in the reserves is handled by the forest land managers. The organization of the competition requires 10-15 people (volunteers) and 2-3 staff from cooperating entities; cost approx. 10-15€ per person participating in the competition.
Evidence of success
No records are kept of people enjoying walks, sports, etc. in the reserves in the Podkarpackie Region, but there is a steadily growing interest in the use of these areas and trails designated in these reserves (especially on weekends) by the owner/manager of the area, e.g., starting packages for the cyclical “Zelota Run” organized in the “Bor” nature reserve are sold out in a dozen minutes, which proves the popularity of this run, and there are more participants every year.
Potential for learning or transfer
Shaping potential areas of cooperation in the use of nature reserves for sports-recreation-health purposes through:
- shaping cooperation of state/local government institutions with NGOs and universities in the use of nature reserves for sports and recreational purposes;
- the way of taking into account the needs and expectations of residents in conservation plans for activities in nature reserves, making nature reserves available for recreation, which changes the perception of nature conservation often identified only with prohibitions and restrictions;
- building symbolism associated with the place and activities - using the example of the azalea season (Kołacznia Nature Reserve) for outdoor events.
The use of nature reserves, especially those located near cities, which have relatively little green space, is a very important element influencing the formation of positive health habits of residents and their learning about the natural values of their immediate surroundings.
Further information
Images
Website
Good practice owner
The Regional Directorate for Environmental Protection in Rzeszow
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