Belarusian scientific representatives are raising concerns over Poland's construction of a fence along the border that they argue has disrupted the natural migration routes of wildlife, particularly in the Białowieża Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. They view the forest as a single ecosystem crossing national borders, and this construction is seen as a significant barrier to species that do not recognize human-made borders.

Paweł Gesztowt, Deputy Director of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, emphasised during a press conference that animals, such as lynxes and bears, may face dire consequences due to this fence, as their movements and interactions are crucial for their survival. He pointed out that the bear population in Belarus is growing, but the introduction of this barrier could lead to threats for these species across the border into Poland.

The implications of this construction go beyond wildlife; they highlight tensions between Belarus and Poland, especially regarding environmental protection and biodiversity. The call for a unified approach in managing the Białowieża Forest could foster discussions about cross-border conservation efforts, suggesting that regional collaboration is necessary to maintain the ecological integrity of this vital habitat.