We, participants of the meeting of the Public Coordination Environmental Council of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Belarus, representatives of republican and regional public associations, scientific and academic circles, and the youth of Belarus, appeal to the Polish public ahead of the national referendum in the Republic of Poland.
Dear neighbours, friends!
On 15 October this year, you will have to decide on the future of the unique UNESCO World Heritage Site "Belovezhskaya Pushcha" – our common history and pride.
The word "Bialowieza" speaks volumes for Belarusians and Poles! The unique Belovezhskaya Pushcha existed for 600 years before us, it was not destroyed during the First or Second World Wars. It is a national symbol of natural beauty, traditions, resilience, and independence. Together we restored it after the robbery destruction in 1919, together we renewed the Bison population.
We must preserve Belovezhskaya Pushcha, considering its outstanding universal value. After all, it belongs not to us but to our descendants. These are not just words, an appeal, or a slogan. This is an undeniable truth that needs no proof!
The construction of the fence has divided Belovezhskaya Pushcha into two parts, thus causing irreparable damage to the wild animals and plants inhabiting it and to its primaeval relict forest.
We appeal to you to support the elimination of the barrier between the two parts of our unified UNESCO World Heritage Site "Belovezhskaya Pushcha" in the voting during the upcoming referendum.
We appeal to make the decision to demolish the fence, to give votes in favour of clearing the lungs of Europe of the concrete foreign object, and thereby to take care of the future and not to be ashamed later on before the descendants.
For all of us, Belovezhskaya Pushcha is an indicator or marker of the well-being of the environment and thus the well-being of people. We hope that common sense will prevail and the unique natural site "Belovezhskaya Pushcha" will be preserved by joint efforts!
