Czechast with Jakub Majer, a Czech businessman and activist
Czechast speaks to Jakub Majer, a Czech businessman and activists: why is it not a good idea to have a new Nationa Park stone's throw from Prague?
In this episode, we’re diving into a debate that highlights both the strengths and challenges of Czech civic society. My guest is Jakub Majer, a Czech businessman and activist who, along with his community, is opposing the Czech government’s plan to create a new National Park in Křivoklátsko, which is already an officially protected landscape area near Prague.
At first glance, it might seem surprising that anyone would oppose the establishment of a national park. After all, while about one-fifth of the land in Czechia is protected in one way or another, the country actually lags behind its neighbors, including Poland and Slovakia, in terms of the proportion of protected areas. It also falls short of the European Union’s recommendations. By that measure, more protected areas are clearly needed. However, as Jakub explains, the issue is not the idea of conservation itself but the way the Czech authorities have approached it:
“They are really treating us from a position of power, with a lack of information, sometimes even manipulation through the media. And this is something which I think is not right, and I don't like this, and I don't think we should act like this in a democratic society.”
Jakub also highlighted what he sees as an imbalance of power in the Czech nature protection system:
“They like national parks because… they don’t need to discuss much with others, like they have to in landscape protected areas. Their position there is definitely stronger.”
Despite his criticisms, Jakub acknowledges that dialogue with Czech politicians is possible:
“The good message for me is that you really have the chance to speak to them… usually within 14 days, three weeks, you get the appointment and meet open-minded people who listen to you.”
In an era of increasingly uncompromising and even spiteful political debates—whether in Czechia, Europe, or America—it’s easy to lose sight of the broader picture. This episode offers a deeper understanding of how democracy works in Czechia, especially when local communities take a stand against policies they view as government overreach.
So, whether you’re interested in Czech environmental policy, civic activism, or how citizens engage with government decisions, stay with us for what we hope will be an insightful discussion. And, of course, you will also hear the response from the Ministry of Environment that proposes the park.
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Czechast, Radio Prague International
Czechast is a regular RPI podcast about Czech and Moravian culture, history, and economy.
