The Western Capercaillie has become a symbol of the need to protect Slovakia's forests. (source: Pexels)
A new film by Erik Baláž, the Slovak ecologist, activist and director, is struggling to get a release. This is despite the fact that it's not about an obviously political subject, or a thriller revealing the underworld connections of politicians.
Rather, it's an educational movie from a well-known conservationist about Slovakia's largest woodland bird, the Western Capercaillie. Currently, this species is seriously endangered in Slovakia due to widespread deforestation and habitat destruction.
The film, titled "The Vanishing World of the Western Capercaillie ," was produced for the State Nature Conservancy. It provides a comprehensive view of the bird's life, environmental requirements and conservation methods, and is intended to serve as a lesson in nature preservation by using a specific species as an example.
Filmmakers Karol Kaliský and Adam Baštek collected material for years, intending to educate nature conservation workers and officials. However, shortly after completing the film, they encountered obstacles. The premiere, scheduled for December 6, 2023, had to be cancelled after the State Nature Conservancy's refused to grant permission for its screening. Even attempts to broadcast it on public television were unsuccessful.
The film highlights the destruction of Slovak forests and the plundering of natural heritage. The Western Capercaillie, being an umbrella species, symbolises the protection of entire ecosystems.
Nature is beyond politics
The new leadership of the Environment Ministry and the State Nature Conservancy, under Minister Tomáš Taraba from the Slovak National Party (SNS), has been criticised for its approach, which seemingly contradicts nature conservation efforts. The film's publication was initially authorised but later withdrawn, raising questions about censorship.
Despite the setbacks, director Baláž remains determined to share the film, emphasising its importance for public awareness and the protection of natural resources. "It is a comprehensive look at the Western Capercaillie, its life, environmental requirements, and possibilities for its protection. Essentially, it provides lessons in nature conservation using a specific species as an example. And it also serves as a guide on how to save the [species]," the environmentalist commented to the Sme daily. He views it as a public interest initiative, especially since it was partly funded by European grants, which require it to be freely disseminated.
The decline of the Western Capercaillie population by over 70 percent in recent decades is alarming, reflecting broader issues of habitat destruction and inadequate conservation measures. Slovakia's failure to uphold its commitments to protect the species has even led to legal repercussions from the European Union.
Baláž's film aims to explain the ecological significance of what is one of Slovakia's largest birds, and the necessity of preserving its habitat for the survival of entire ecosystems. Despite the challenges, the director hopes to reach a wide audience and inspire action on nature conservation.
