The White Carpathians (Bilé Karpaty) are a mountainous area stretching out along the border between the Czech Republic and Slovakia over a length of some 80 km. It belongs to the westernmost part of the Carpathian range. The area is particularly valuable because of its high species diversity and well-preserved meadow and forest ecosystems. In 1980 a total area of 715 km² was designated a protected landscape area (PLA). In 1996 the Bilé Karpaty PLA was included in the UNESCO network of biosphere reserves for its rich culture and the important role of manin the conservation of the area.