Bark Beatles at Šumava – Scientists versus Politicians

We feature an interview with Pavel Kindlmann, professor of ecology at Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic, who performs research on various aspects of biodiversity as head of the Biodiversity Research Centre in Šumava National Park in the Bohemian Forest. Bark beetles, which have become a heated issue with a political dimension, are the focus of his study. On one side, some experts demand that natural processes be allowed to take their course, even if that means the bark beetle would destroy most of that forest. On the other side, experts are insisting on intervention. Anti-intervention forces are supporting the Biodiversity Research Centre.