The Black Stork is the symbol of 2026 in Belarus

This mysterious and rare bird inhabits the shadows of dense forests, far from human eyes. It is not just a beautiful representative of fauna – it is a true treasure of Belarusian nature, an indicator of its "health" and wild purity.

Unlike its white relative, the black stork avoids people, builds nests high in trees in hard-to-reach marshy areas, preferring solitude. To see it in the wild is a real stroke of luck and a sign that an untouched ecosystem has been preserved nearby.
In Belarus, the population of the black stork remains relatively stable – about 1,200–1,500 pairs, but it is still a rare species listed in the Red Book.
If you ever encounter a black stork – do not make noise and do not approach. Just freeze and admire. Before you is a rare messenger of the wild, a living reminder of how beautiful and vulnerable our planet is.