Many areas along the border between the Czech Republic and Austria are rich in biodiversity and protected under the EU Habitats Directive.

One example is the area which includes the Podyjí National Park in the Czech Republic and the Thayatal National Park in Austria, both Natura 2000 sites.

Podyji and Thayatal National Parks res
Czech-Austrian Border. Credit: European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-2 imagery

Covering an area of 63 km², the Podyjí National Park is a stunning nature reserve known for its diverse flora and fauna and picturesque landscapes of forested hills, valleys and rocky cliffs. It is separated from the Thayatal National Park in Austria by the Dyje River, which forms the border between the two European countries.

Both the Podyjí and Thayatal National Parks are visible in this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image acquired on 21 October 2024.

The Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellites deliver essential information on areas with dense vegetation, helping to monitor and conserve biodiversity around the world.

Featured image credit: European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-2 imagery

Landsat 8 satellite captured this natural color image of Sanaa, Yemen, on June 8, 2024. Sanaa
NASA satellite data highlight the cooling effect of green spaces in urban areasNewsScience

NASA satellite data highlight the cooling effect of green spaces in urban areas

NASA Data Reveals Role of Green Spaces in Cooling Cities During a heatwave, the comfort of a shady tree is a luxury that many urban…
SourceSourceNovember 27, 2024 Full article
Image: cargo ship on sea during daytime (s. maritime emissions)
US threats cast doubt on shipping emissions dealNews

US threats cast doubt on shipping emissions deal

London, United Kingdom | AFP | Muser NewsDesk An ambitious plan by the UN's shipping agency to cut maritime emissions could be scuttled at the last…
SourceSourceOctober 14, 2025 Full article
Image: Large amount of plastic bottles in a cage
Plastic pollution treaty talks end without dealNews

Plastic pollution treaty talks end without deal

Talks aimed at striking a landmark treaty on tackling the scourge of plastic pollution ended Friday with no consensus on a last-ditch proposal aimed at…
SourceSourceAugust 15, 2025 Full article