The conference was organized by Wigierski National Park (WPN) in Gawrych Ruda from 27 to 28 May 2014.

During the conference, we got acquainted with the activities of the National Park in terms of this project, focusing on its achievements and experiences. This knowledge was shared in lectures and presentations on the first day of the meeting, by means of insights and research results gathered by the Park employees. Presentations covered the following topics:

• Characteristics of the project - Active protection of endangered species and habitats in the Natura 2000 “Refuge Wigierska" (Lech Krzysztofiak)
• The purchase of land for the protection of species and habitats (Dorota Zaborowska)
• Combating Impatiens glandulifera in WNP (Lech Krzysztofiak)
• Protection of amphibians in the "Refuge Wigry" (Anna Krzysztofiak)
• Educational activities within the project LIFE + (Joanna Adamczewska)
• Soil biodiversity conservation of Natura 2000 “Refuge Wigierska" in the light of pilot studies on the fauna of springtails (Skarżyński Dariusz, Krzysztofiak Anna, Piwnik Agata, University of Wroclaw, WNP).

In addition, participants were shown educational facilities in the Gulf of Słupiańska at Lake Wigry (Centre for Environmental Education), where practical classes are held. In this way, the public can see for themselves the richness and diversity of flora and fauna of Wigry and their protection. In the sessions invited guests also made speeches. These included scientists and other employees of National Parks who presented various forms of protection of individual elements of the environment and their risks. The presentations tackled the following issues:

• Predator-prey relationship . Is it possible to reduce the impact of predation by American mink on bird populations? Example Biebrza National Park (Urszula Biereżnoj - Bazille; BNP)
• Active protection of rare species of invertebrates and birds in open habitats Kampinoski National Park (Danuta Pepłowska - Marczak, Dawid Marczak; KNP)
• Active protection of the European pond turtle on the Natura 2000 „Refuge Poleska" (Radoslaw Olszewski; PNP)
• Protection of the pond turtle and toad in the lowlands of northern Europe (Mark Maciantowicz; RDLP in Zielona Góra)
• Protection of Capercaillie in the Augustowska Forest, a LIFE + project (Tadeusz Wilczyński, Dorota Ławreszuk; Nadleśnictwo Głęboki Bród)
• Active protection of species of plants and fungi is needed? (Wiesław Faltynowicz, Warsaw University)
• Implementation of the selected active conservation measures in the framework of the LIFE + project (Barbara Tokarska - Guzik, Artur Wojtasik, University of Silesia in Katowice, Landscape Parks Province of Silesia )
• Invasive plant species in lowland forests, example of economic LKP Forests Barycz Valley - patterns of distribution and abundance of the population (Zygmunt Dajdok, Marek Malicki, Remigiusz Pielech, Ewa Szczęśniak, University of Wrocław)
• Active protection of natural habitats in the Natura 2000 „Refuge Poleska " (Marzena Kaczor, PNP).

The second day of the conference provided us with the results of previous activities in the framework of the LIFE project implemented by Wigierski National Park. Some of the information was presented during the field session and covered: culverts for amphibians, nature trails and teaching, the results of combating invasive plants or mechanical methods to protect groundwater and soil from manure (concrete slabs).

Participation in the Scientific Conference organized by WNP provided employees of PPN involved in the project LIFE Pieniny PL with opportunity to gain new experiences. These may be used in the PPN to improve measures to protect the environment and raise the awareness within local communities of biodiversity in Pieniny and its importance for future generations.

By Agnieszka Trzaska