Venturing off the beaten path into the tranquil zones of Šumava, Czech Republic, can now result in hefty fines of up to a hundred thousand crowns, as authorities crack down on undisciplined tourists who share photos on social media from prohibited areas. Areas near Roklanská cottage, Jezerní Mountain, or Bílá Strže have become particularly problematic, prompting the National Park Administration to handle dozens of cases annually.

Facebook and Instagram have become inadvertent tools for park rangers, with tourists often incriminating themselves by sharing photos from restricted areas. Jan Dvořák, a spokesman for the park administration, highlighted the severity of such cases, emphasizing that these posts serve as invitations for others to venture into forbidden places, perpetuating the issue.

The administration identifies offenses through various means, including state administration colleagues who come across such photos during proceedings or through active monitoring of social media. Once identified, the authorities feel compelled to act, as they can clearly pinpoint where the photos were taken.

Several higher fines have already been issued, with a notable case involving a recidivist who shared photos from quiet zones two years ago. The individual, tracked down with the assistance of the Czech Police, faced fines in the tens of thousands of crowns and was even expelled from several Facebook groups.

Dvořák stressed that the designation of quiet areas with entry bans is a deliberate effort to protect nature, focusing on preserving endangered animals and biotopes, such as peat bogs. Notably, the enforcement of quiet zones in Šumava has contributed to the well-being of the capercaillie population, with over five hundred now thriving in the region. Dvořák reiterated that allowing entry into these protected areas could jeopardize the rich biodiversity achieved in recent years. The fines serve as a deterrent, signaling the importance of respecting environmental regulations for the preservation of Šumava’s unique ecosystems.

Article by Prague Forum