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

Image: flock of birds flying above a mountain during sunset
Specialist and migratory birds at greater risk under climate changeClimate

Specialist and migratory birds at greater risk under climate change

By Lauren Quinn, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Following decades of decline, even fewer birds will darken North American skies by the end of the century,…
SourceSourceJune 12, 2024 Full article
Satellite Image: Home Reef volcano, Tonga (15 February 2026) and data visualisation
Image of the day: Home Reef volcano in Tonga grows a new islandNews

Image of the day: Home Reef volcano in Tonga grows a new island

Across the southwest Pacific, a chain of volcanoes marks the boundary where the Pacific Plate descends beneath the Australian Plate. This tectonic boundary forms the…
Muser NewsDeskMuser NewsDeskMarch 15, 2026 Full article
Image: The Pope from behind
Reform, social justice and tackling abuse: 12 years of Pope FrancisNews

Reform, social justice and tackling abuse: 12 years of Pope Francis

Vatican City, Holy See | AFP During his 12 years as head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis was a voice for compassion and peace,…
SourceSourceApril 21, 2025 Full article