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ECOREMEDIATION BY MEANS OFAFFORESTATIONViera Petrášová, Katarína MelichováFaculty of European Studies and Regional Development,Slovak University of Agriculture in NitraAbstract: This paper contains socio-economic analysis, whichstudies impacts of three national projects of afforestation of nonforestland in Slovakia, implemented since the second half of the 20 thcentury. On the basis of historical facts and achieved results, itpoints out strengths and weaknesses of these projects. Paper alsocontains historical facts, that indicate purpose and reason behindafforestation in times, when in land law, rights of use were superiorto proprietary rights. It studies current conditions of afforestation ofnon-forest land, financed trough Rural development plan and definesits socio-economic impacts. In conclusion taking into account allfindings and implications of this comprehensive analysis, papersuggests how to continue with efforts and activities in landprotection by means of forestation, while contributing toimprovement of quality of life in rural areas as well.Key words: Afforestation/ Non-forest land/ Ecoremediation/Socio-economic conditionsINTRODUCTIONMankind has been interested in land and its use since earlyagricultural beginnings. Total land area without the possibility ofexpansion is the most determining factor for man. Optimalexploitation of productive potential of land is subject to intensiveresearch, especially in the last century, when the progress inagricultural production enabled surplus production of agriculturalcommodities and unprofitability of agricultural production. Limitedresources for financial support in case of agricultural productionforce experts from EU countries to revalue the use of agriculturalland. Besides limitations of financial character, many problems with~ 337 ~