Broken Paths

Contemporary tales of an ancient forest

Focussing on two of today’s most pressing global challenges, environmental degradation and migration, ‘Broken Paths’ takes place in Białowieża, Europe’s last primeval forest. Here, we research how political systems have far-reaching ecological, social and cultural impacts.

In response to a migration crisis initiated by Russia and reinforced by European Union border policies, Poland built a 186 km-long wall along its border with Belarus in 2022. As the barrier cuts through ancient forest ecosystems, the region continues to transform into a militarised landscape.

Broken Paths consists of different stories, offering in-depth perspectives on specific subjects within the forest. We collaborate with scientists from the Białowieża Geobotanical Station (University of Warsaw) and the Mammal Research Institute (Polish Academy of Sciences).

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This work was produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Union. Furthermore, this project was made possible with the support of Oog op de Natuur and het Cultuurfonds.

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