Bialowieza Forest is one of the last and largest remaining parts of the immense primeval forest that once stretched across the European Plain. The forest is home to 800 European bison, Europe's heaviest land animal. UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme.

Actions of the Polish environment minister, threaten the forest’s World Heritage status. UNESCO obliges Poland to halt logging in the forest. The decision is based on a report by independent UNESCO experts who visited Białowieża Forest last year. It happened despite pressure from the Polish Ministry of Environment and State Forest Holding, who tried to convince delegates to change their decision. This huge success is a victory for Poland, Białowieża Forest and the international community.