Polsko-czechosłowackie powiązania w działalności Walerego Goetla (1889–1972)

The text presents the fi gure of Walery Goetel, who in the fi rst half of the twentieth century and at the beginning of the second half of this century worked hard to protect the geological and natural values of the Tatra Mountains. Through his research activities, the scientist fostered Polish-Czechoslovak cooperation, an easy task particularly in the interwar period. Notwithstanding a diffi cult geopolitical situation, together with researchers from the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Walery Goetel attempted to establish a national park for the whole Tatras. It was intended that researchers would carry out their studies within the park, and its natural assets would be enjoyed by both Polish and Czechoslovak tourists. Even after the annexation of Zaolzie by Poland in 1938, Walery Goetel looked for every opportunity to work with Czechoslovak scholars, criticising the policy of his own government towards the southern neighbour. The Polish geologist’s commitment resulted in the establishment of landscape parks at the Polish-Czechoslovakian borderline after the Second World War.