New EUROPA issue stamp. Underwater ecosystem in rays of light

The Polish Post has introduced a new stamp from the EUROPA issue, focusing on underwater fauna and flora. The stamp features a barbel fish, symbolizing the richness of aquatic ecosystems, the protection of which is crucial to maintaining environmental balance.

This year's issue of stamps from the EUROPA series aims to promote environmental protection and encourage broad initiatives in this area. Primarily, it aims to reverse the trend of degradation of the aquatic environments most characteristic of Europe—the great lowland rivers, which have for centuries played a significant role in the landscape, economy, and community life.

The design by Bożydar Grozdew features a photograph taken by Irena Stangierska, a renowned underwater photographer. A barbel, a freshwater fish ( Barbus barbus ) from the Cyprinidae family, is surrounded by symbols of chemical elements such as lead, mercury, and iron, which are among the environmental pollutants. These symbols form a fish's tail, creating a telling composition. A broader photographic depiction of the aquatic environment, with its flora and fauna, was incorporated into the design of the first-day envelope. The issue is also accompanied by a commemorative date stamp featuring a graphic representation of the water arrowhead, a perennial plant native to shallow waters.

The choice of the barbel for a postage stamp was no accident. As a bioindicator, this species plays a significant role in assessing water quality. Bioindicators are organisms whose presence, behavior, or physiological properties are used to assess the state of the environment. Thanks to its sensitivity to declining oxygen levels in water, the barbel serves as a specific indicator of water quality. Its presence in an ecosystem indicates that the aquatic environment is relatively healthy and free of pollution.

The EUROPA stamp series is a joint project of European postal administrations. These stamps have been issued continuously since 1956 and always feature the official EUROPA logo, the trademark of the association of public postal administrations, PostEurop. The themes of these stamps are usually related to the culture, history, nature, or achievements of a given country or region, and the stamps in the series symbolize cooperation between postal operators and promote shared values. Their thematic diversity and the fact that they are often issued in limited editions or special editions contribute to their popularity among stamp collectors.

About the stamp:

Designer: Bożydar Grozdew
Number of stamps: 1
Value: PLN 4.90
Circulation: 144,000 pcs.
Printing technique: offset
Stamp format: 43 x 31.25 mm
Paper: fluorescent
Sales sheet: 12 stamps (tête-bêche)
Date of circulation: April 25, 2024