The Ministry of the Environment (abbreviated MŽP) is a central body of state administration of the Czech Republic and the body of supreme supervision in matters of the environment[1]. According to the ministry's simplified description, its task is to protect nature and the environment in the Czech Republic[2].
History
The ministry was established on 19 December 1989 by Act No. 173/1989 Coll. of the Czech National Council, effective from 1 January 1990[1]. The first minister, from 1 January 1990, was Bedřich Moldan, who held the post until 24 January 1991 for Civic Forum, later for ODS[1]. Since the institution was founded, the post of minister has been held in turn by a number of figures from various political parties and as non-party members. Other ministers have included, for example, Ivan Dejmal (ODA, 1991–1992), František Benda (KDS, later ODS, 1992–1996), Jiří Skalický (ODA, 1996–1998), Martin Bursík (KDU-ČSL, 1998, later again SZ, 2007–2009), Miloš Kužvart (ČSSD, 1998–2002), Libor Ambrozek (KDU-ČSL, 2002–2006), Petr Jan Kalaš (non-party, 2006–2007), Ladislav Miko (non-party, 2009), Jan Dusík (non-party, 2009–2010), Jakub Šebesta (non-party, 2010), Rut Bízková (non-party, 2010), Pavel Drobil (ODS, 2010), Tomáš Chalupa (ODS, 2011–2013), Tomáš Jan Podivínský (non-party, 2013–2014) and Richard Brabec (ANO, 2014–2021)[1]. From 17 December 2021 to 31 October 2022 the office was headed by Anna Hubáčková (KDU-ČSL), and then from 1 November 2022 to 9 March 2023 by Marian Jurečka (KDU-ČSL)[1]. From 10 March 2023 to 15 December 2025 the minister was Petr Hladík (KDU-ČSL)[1]. From 15 December 2025 to 23 February 2026 the office was headed by Petr Macinka (Motoristé sobě), and since 23 February 2026 the minister has been Igor Červený, likewise for the movement Motoristé sobě[1].
Scope of responsibility
According to its description, the ministry is the central body of state administration for the protection of natural water accumulation, the protection of water sources and the protection of the quality of groundwater and surface water[1]. It is also responsible for air protection, the protection of nature and landscape and the protection of the agricultural land fund[1]. Its tasks include the performance of the state geological service, the protection of the rock environment including the protection of mineral resources and groundwater, geological work and ecological supervision of mining[1]. The ministry also ensures waste management and the assessment of the impacts of activities and their consequences on the environment, including impacts crossing state borders[1]. Its remit also covers hunting, fisheries and forestry in national parks and the creation of state environmental policy[1]. According to its own statement, the ministry coordinates the procedure of all ministries and other central bodies of state administration of the Czech Republic in matters of the environment, in order to secure and monitor the activity of the Government of the Czech Republic[1].
Position
The ministry carries out its tasks under the laws of the Czech Republic and under the rules of the European Union[2]. The abbreviation MŽP is commonly used instead of the full name[2].
Pages that link here
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- Flood in Czechia (2002)
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- Třeboňsko Protected Landscape Area