Cooperation with ČSOP
Salamandr continues

Thanks to our partnership, the conservationists from ČSOP Salamandr can continue to improve and care for biologically valuable sites in the Beskydy Mountains. They are also supported by a Hyundai Kona Electric.

Our cooperation with the Czech Union for Nature Conservation Salamandr began back in 2021. This year, we extended it by another five years, until 2030. Thanks to this partnership, the conservationists can take care of more than 50 hectares of meadows and pastures across the Beskydy Mountains — from the Vsetín region to Staré Hamry, Bílá, and Čeladná.

What does it involve?

It mainly involves mowing, sheep grazing, and planting native herbs, but also monitoring insects and flowers. In the future, a small breed of cows will also be integrated into the grazing program. We also collaborate with the conservationists to increase biodiversity at our plant. In 2024, ČSOP Salamandr prepared a study for us focused on enhancing environmental diversity at the HMMC site. This includes planting new perennials and shrubs, adjusting mowing regimes, and creating ponds to support local biodiversity. And as the cherry on top, thanks to Salamandr, we have planted over 22,000 new trees in the Beskydy Mountains!

Joint care of the Beskydy landscape

The aim of the project is to care for meadows covering approximately 50 hectares, which would often otherwise go unattended, thereby maintaining and supporting biodiversity at all levels. The care includes gentle mowing, sheep grazing, and planting native plant species that help restore natural communities and promote biodiversity.

Ecology is one of the key pillars of our CSR strategy. That is why our long-term cooperation with ČSOP Salamandr brings us joy, and we recognize its contribution to the preservation and restoration of the original Beskydy landscape,” said Barbora Hermanová, Head of the PR Department.”

The project also includes entomological and botanical monitoring focused on bees, butterflies, and native meadow plant species. In addition, more than 10,000 seedlings of meadow species will be grown and planted to help revitalize the landscape.

In cooperation with ČSOP Salamandr, we also regularly organize volunteer days at the Hyundai Meadow in Krásná near Lysá hora, where a model restoration project ‘from forest back to meadow’ has been ongoing for several years. Thanks to this work, most of the invasive shrubs and trees have been removed from the overgrown and neglected meadow, and many new plants have appeared – with the help of our employees as well.

Kona Electric in action

Since this spring, the staff of ČSOP Salamandr have also been using our Hyundai Kona Electric. The free five-year loan is part of our long-term cooperation. ‘We use it mostly for regular checks on our sheep. During the season, we have sheep in several herds across the Beskydy Mountains, and during a single day of routine checks, we often cover over 100 kilometers,’ said Vojtěch Bajer, Chairman of ČSOP Salamandr.