This is the 4957th most frequent Polish word.
podlega
"Podlega" means "is subject to" or "falls under."
Here, 'podlega' is used to indicate subjection or adherence to a condition, specifically environmental protection.
Ten obszar podlega ochronie.
This area is subject to protection.
In this context, 'podlega' refers to being subordinate or accountable to someone in a hierarchical structure.
On podlega swojemu przełożonemu w pracy.
He reports to his supervisor at work.
Here, 'podlega' is employed to mean being contingent or dependent upon an action or decision, namely approval.