R-Princip (Czechia)

The functions of vegetation cover in a landscape disturbed by opencast mining in West Bohemia were investigated. The aim of the restoration strategy was to achieve a functional landscape. We defined the functions of the landscape in terms of solar energy flow and ways of utilising it in the water cycle and flow of matter, which are inseparably interconnected. Vegetation plays an important role in effective dissipation of solar energy and is very important for the function of the ecosystem. The results show the positive efficiency of particular vegetation cover types in new landscape units, and their importance for restoring the short water cycle. Quite rapid functional stabilisation of permanent grass covers, including rapid development of their species diversity, appears to be a significant outcome.

The states of Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt in central Germany have a long history of heavy industry. This tradition was continued following the foundation of communist East Germany in 1949. However, throughout its lifetime, much of East German industry remained of pre-war vintage. Until the regime collapsed in 1989, efforts were primarily directed towards boosting industrial output, with scant attention being paid to the environmental costs. A similarly negligent attitude prevailed in Poland, Czechoslovakia, and the other Eastern Bloc countries.