Russia's unique institution of strict nature reserves (zapovedniks)
has existed for more than 80 years and includes 99 reserved territories.
It has made possible the preservation of virgin natural landscapes and
rare species of animals and plants. Russia's system of reserves has gone
through good and bad times. The reserves, however, have always been supported
by indefatigable and enthusiastic staffs, whose professionalism and devotion
remain the guarantee for the preservation of Russia's natural heritage.
Some 5,000 people work in Russia’s various reserves for the good of nature
and ourselves. October 14, 2000, marked the second annual celebration
of nature reserve staff in Russia (this holiday was established in autumn
1999 at a meeting of reserve directors in Vladivostok).
On October 11, 2000, an official meeting devoted to the "Fate of the
Reserves" was held in the Main Hall of Russia's Culture Fund. The meeting
focused on the staff of Russia's zapovedniks and their professional holiday.
An excellent exhibition of works by artists among the reserves’ staff
was held during the holiday. Some 60 pictures (oil, water color, pencil,
ink and pastel) were shown. A spot opinion poll among viewers named I. A. Filus
of Altaisky Reserve and K. N. Tkachenko of Bolshekhekhtsirsky
Reserve the two best artists. Other events held during the holiday included:
presentation of the best inspectors – winners of the "Ranger-99" contest;
and the best reporters – winners of the "Crystal Magpie" contest with
special prizes;
congratulations from time-honored colleagues who have devoted more
than 30 years of their lives to reserves, as well as from representatives
of the labor dynasties;
performances by singer-poet-musicians.
The main heroes of the event were the representatives of four dynasties
from different reserves (Shpilenkov from Bryansky Les Reserve, Borodiny
from Nurgush Reserve, Megalinskiye from Pechoro-Ilychsky Reserve and Polivanovy
from Teberdinsky Reserve); staff members who had devoted more than 30
years of their lives to reserves; directors and other reserve staff. All
the honored guests received diplomas, gifts and flowers.
Yu. P. Kovalev of Basegi Reserve, A. V. Lipatkin
of Khakassky Reserve and independent reporter V. Sharov were the
singer-poet- musicians. They sang wonderful songs, popular ones and ones
they’d written themselves.
The event was organized by the Russian Culture Foundation, Section of
the Natural Protected Territories of the Department of Environmental Protection
and Ecological Safety of Ministry of Natural Resources of the Russian
Federation, Dersu Uzala Ecotourism Development Fund, and the Zapovedny
Vestnik Newspaper (Yoshkar-Ola).
A number of non-profit organizations and foundations supported the event:
Siberian Interregional Resserves Center, Global Environmental Facility
Project “Biodiversity Conservation” of the Russian Federation, WWF Russian
Programme Office, International Fund for Animal Welfare, Ecological Tourism
Center, Environmental Education Reserves Center, World Conservation Union
(IUCN) Representative Office for the CIS, National Parks Fund, Biodiversity
Conservation Center, Ecotok Independent Non-profit Environmental Organization,
Dlya Zapovednikov Non-profit Partnership, and several individuals.
The exceptionally warm spirit of the evening turned the event into a
real holiday as well as a wonderful opportunity to meet friends, colleagues
and people who care about nature conservation.
N. I. and A. A. Troiskiye,
Staff members of the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources’ Department
of Environmental Protection and Ecological Safety
From the editor: we hope that this day will become the professional
holiday not only for the staff of the zapovedniks (strict reserves) but
also for the staff of other natural protected territories: national and
natural parks, federal zakazniks (reserves) and natural landmarks.
