FROM A CZECH IDEA TO THE INTERNATIONAL FINALS

When we first introduced the PROTECTING BIODIVERSITY by ZDEMAR initiative, our aim was to demonstrate that international transport can play an active role in protecting nature.

What began as an idea focused on preventing the spread of the yellow-legged Asian hornet has gradually evolved into a much broader project. Today, it is being discussed with expert institutions, representatives of the transport sector and stakeholders at an international level. And its journey so far has taken us all the way to the finals of the Eco Performance Award 2026.

 

FROM TRANSPORT OPERATIONS TO A BROADER INITIATIVE

Our drivers have also become actively involved in the project. Through training sessions, information materials, a QR code for reporting sightings and signage on our trailers, we have begun developing a system that connects everyday transport operations with the ability to identify and report potential risks at an early stage.

Over time, however, it became clear that the idea had much greater potential. We therefore developed the project into a transferable framework that can be applied to preventing the spread of various invasive species, extended to involve other companies and further developed at an international level.

 

A PROJECT THAT HAS REACHED BEYOND OUR COMPANY

An important step was taking the initiative beyond ZDEMAR and introducing the topic to experts and the wider transport community.

Progress to date includes, among other things:

• expert consultations and support from the Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic,
• in-person meetings with the Czech Ministry of Agriculture and ongoing communication with the Ministry of the Environment,
• a full-page feature in the specialist publication Transport Magazin,
• engagement with representatives of the transport sector and the international organisation IRU.

What matters to us is that biodiversity protection is gradually becoming part of discussions in an industry where the subject has received relatively little attention until now. We see the connection between logistics and nature conservation as one of the most interesting aspects of the entire initiative.

 

ECO PERFORMANCE AWARD 2026: THE ROAD TO THE FINALS

Another significant milestone was entering the initiative into the international Eco Performance Award 2026, which recognises responsible and innovative approaches in the transport and logistics sector.

Presenting the project to an international jury was an important opportunity for us to demonstrate that environmental responsibility in transport does not have to stop at reducing emissions and fuel consumption. It can also encompass biodiversity protection and exploring new ways to engage the entire transport sector.

Our project has made it all the way into the competition's shortlist of finalists!

 

OUR JOURNEY DOESN'T END HERE

We see reaching the finals above all as confirmation that it is worth exploring new approaches and bringing attention to issues that go beyond the traditional boundaries of our industry.

Our ambition is to turn the original initiative into a transferable approach that can inspire other transport companies, both in the Czech Republic and beyond its borders. After all, we believe that transport can do more than connect Europe – it can also help protect its natural heritage.

So, what's next? Our next stop is the Zero Emission Summit, where we will receive our Eco Performance Award Finalist 2026 certificate on 18 November in Bühl, Germany. Will we see you there?