Today there are over 200 federally protected natural areas (PNAs) in Russia.
PNAs cover a total of 500,000 square kilometers, or 3% of the area of Russia.
The Russian system of protected nature reserves (zapovedniks) is
unique and extremely valuable for maintaining ecosystems, conserving rare
and endangered species and biodiversity as a whole, and developing ecological
monitoring, scientific research and ecological and conservation education.
The dissemination of information about reserves, national parks and federal
protected areas (zakazniks) is vital if one is to promote conservation
ideas, support PNAs and raise people’s ecological consciousness and sense
of responsibility.
Though domestic and foreign specialists have shown a serious interest in Russian protected natural areas, information on the PNAs rather erratic: often the public has no idea it exists or does not know how to access it. Most publications dedicated to PNAs have a very small circulation and exist only in Russian. Very often information on recently established PNAs is not properly covered in print and electronic editions. Circulation of scientific works written by staffers of reserves is also poor. Lists of rare and endangered species in PNAs are also very erratic. Thus, the colossal work of hundreds of naturalists, scientists and enthusiasts remains extremely difficult of get at for specialists, officials, teachers, students, and the public. Therefore, to thoughtfully arrange and regularly disseminate existing information on PNAs is very necessary and urgent.
In February 2003, the BCC launched a new Internet site called Russian PNAs Information System. It provides information on state nature reserves, national parks and federal sanctuaries. The aim of the site is to collect basic scientific, popular scientific, mapped, published and other information on federal-level Russian PNAs in one place.
The development of a site map and gathering of information started at the
end of 2001. A large group of specialists and enthusiasts from the BCC and
other organizations worked together with the support of Academician Y.
Y. Syroechkovsky and Doctor of Biology F. R. Shtilmark.
The new site’s information on PNAs includes date and the purpose of creation,
geographic location, area, number of clusters, subordinate
areas and protection zones (if any), conventions associated with the PNA,
and contacts. Concerning most PNAs there is a detailed description
of their history, physical and geographic conditions, flora and fauna
features, bibliographies, etc. Site navigation makes it easy to find
the required area on the map or in the alphabetic list.
We are still gathering and verifying information for our Russian PNAs website. Nevertheless, certain gaps exist on some PNAs, particularly on recently established ones. Illustrations (maps and photographs) are also scanty. We plan to translate the basic website information into English and German. We also plan to devote pages to general problems of reserve development in Russia: articles and books on natural area protection, results and materials of conferences and meetings, news from PNAs, history of reserves in Russia, changes in legislation, etc. In addition, we will provide complete versions of articles that had to be abridged in our journals (Nature Reserves and National Parks and WildlifeConservation).
Staffers at Russian PNAs have already started using the website to publish their own materials and announcements. Together we shall continue to gather urgent information.
Our website designers welcome the involvement and creativity of all interested experts. We plan to replenish and improve the website on the basis of users’ opinions and comments, and we invite anyone in any way associated with Russian PNAs to participate.
We would very much like to have your opinions and suggestions. We also kindly ask users of the site to inform us of any mistakes, misprints or problems by e-mail: reserves@biodiversity.ru
