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Ecosystems suchs as forests, natural habitats and protected areas fulfil a range of functions. On the one hand, they serve as recreation areas; on the other, they bring economic benefits, through timber or tourism for example. On top of this, they also perform a valuable ecological task by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen and, naturally, ecosystems sustain innumerable forms of life. However, as a result of continuing climate change and the impact of other environmental factors, the very existence of many of these ecosystems is under threat. This applies to Slovakia too: 40% of the country is covered by forest and a further 30% of the land area is made of up a network of natural areas. In many rural areas of Slovakia a large part of the population is either directly or indirectly engaged in the timber industry or tourism. Consequently, forests and natural areas in Slovakia are synonymous with jobs. As part of its EU enlargement contribution, Switzerland is supporting two projects in Slovakia to protect these areas.
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