On 30 May 2025, a remarkable volunteering initiative took place in the village of Štiavnické Bane, led by staff from Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica. The activity was carried out within the framework of the SECreTour and Mining Treasures projects, in cooperation with UMB Engage – the University Centre for Community Partnerships. Academic and administrative staff from UMB actively participated in the preservation of the historic water management system of Banská Štiavnica – a network of reservoirs (tajchy) and channels (jarky) that form part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The main objective of the volunteering effort was to maintain and clean historic water channels that once collected and transported water to artificial reservoirs – the tajchy – which powered mining machinery in the region. During the day, the volunteers raked leaves, cut overgrown branches and manually removed sediment that was blocking the flow of water. Their efforts helped to clear a section of the historic channel and symbolically contributed to reviving the ancient water system that once supported the life and work of the mining town.
This activity also confirmed that the academic community can play a key role not only in research and education, but also in the practical protection of cultural and natural heritage.
Read the full articles by Darina Rojíková here;
banickepoklady.com: https://banickepoklady.eu/en/articles/article/tajchy-ozivaju-aj-vdaka-dobrovolnikom-z-umb
