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No. 27 Fall 2001

Special issue: Biosphere Reserves in Russia In cooperation with support of the UNESCO MAB program:

PROMOTING BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION IN RUSSIA AND THROUGHOUT NORTHERN EURASIA Russian #27 15/11/01 10:49 Page 2

CONTENTS CONTENTS

Voice from the Wild (a letter from the editor) ...... 1 Sayano-Shushensky Zapovednik: Hunting and Wildlife Management ...... 26 AN INTRODCUTION Teberdinsky Zapovednik: TO BIOSPHERE RESERVES Environmentally Sustainable Tourism...... 28

A Glossary of Key Terms...... 2 Sikhote-Alinsky Zapovednik: Being an Advisor to the Region ...... 30 The Anatomy of a Biosphere Reserve ...... 3 Tsentralno-Lesnoi Zapovednik: The History of the Biosphere Reserve Concept...... 6 Environmental Education...... 32

The UNESCO-MAB Training Seminar in Krasnoyarsk...... 9 Tsentralno-Chernozemny Zapovednik: Scientific Research in Biosphere Reserves...... 34 Do Biosphere Reserves Need Coordinators or Managers? ...... 10 Belovezhskaya Pushcha: A View from the Other Side...... 11 Creating a Trans-Boundary Biosphere Reserve...... 36 The Particulars of Russian Biosphere Reserves ...... 13 Kavkazsky Zapovednik:

A Personal Appraisal of the Seville Strategy in Russia...... 15 Biosphere Reserve Development in Adverse Conditions...... 38

A Comparative Study of Implementing the Seville THE FUTURE Strategy in Russia and Germany ...... 18 Key Areas of Development in Russian Biosphere Reserves...... 40 A Critical Opinion of Changes in Biosphere Reserves...... 20 New Biosphere Reserves Established in Northern Eurasia...... 41

CASE STUDIES The Krasnoyarsk-Shushenskoye Resolution, June 2001...... 42

An Introduction ...... 21 RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY Katunsky Zapovednik: A Message from the Russian MAB Committee ...... 45 The Transition from Zapovednik to Biosphere Reserve...... 22 A List of Helpful Resources...... 45 Laplandsky Zapovednik:

Collaboration in the Transition Zone...... 24 CONTACT LIST ...... Back cover

The mission of the Pocono Environmental Education Center This issue of Russian Conservation News is to advance environmental awareness, knowledge, and was produced with support from the Wee- den Foundation, the Morrison Family Foun- skills through education in order that those who inherit the dation, the Species Action Fund of the World planet may better understand the complexity of natural and Wildlife Fund, and many individual donors. human-designed environments. Special thanks to Andrea Williams, Charles Dewey, Jonathan Sacbs, Andrew Sabin and The mission of the Center for Russian Nature Conservation (CRNC) is Rodney Cole for their generous support of to promote the conservation of nature in Russia and throughout the this journal. former Soviet Union, and to assist conservation groups in that region through information exchange, coor-

dination of professional and educa- Copyright 2001 Pocono Environmental tion exchanges, and provision of Education Center and The Center for Russ- technical assistance to protected ian Nature Conservation/Tides Center. areas. CRNC is a project of the Tides Center. ISSN 1026-6380 Printed on recycled paper. Russian #27 15/11/01 10:49 Page 1

Voice from the Wild (A letter from the Editor)

n this special issue of Russian Conservation News, we examine a unique I element of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in northern Eurasia: biosphere reserves. Guided by the Man and Biosphere Pro- gram of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization EDITORIAL BOARD (UNESCO), the world network of biosphere reserves stretches across the Executive Editor: Margaret Williams entire globe, conserving a diversity of ecosystems from the Amazon rain- forests to the Arctic tundra to the deserts of North Africa. Biosphere reserves Special Editor from UNESCO: Uli Grabener are intended to demonstrate sustainable interaction between people and nature. The understanding of what this interaction should be has evolved Editor: Lisa Woodson greatly over the thirty-year history of biosphere reserves, and has been applied Managing Editor: Nikolai Maleshin in ways as varied as the landscapes which they cover. Graphics Artist: Maksim Dubinin In Russia the changing understanding of biosphere reserves and their pur- Design and Layout: Design Group A4 pose has created a number of misunderstandings and challenges. When Intern: Elizabeth Zelljadt biosphere reserves were first conceived in the 1970s, they were intended as Subscriptions Manager: areas to be protected from human influence, devoted to conservation and Kate Brimblecombe study. Theoretically all Russian zapovedniks fulfilled this principle, so those Environmental Education Advisor: zapovedniks deemed most worthy of international distinction were chosen Natalia Danilina to become biosphere zapovedniks. But as time passed, the biosphere Translators: Lisa Woodson, reserve concept evolved. Now more than ever it emphasizes the sustain- Anastasia Telitsina able development of communities in and around the reserve in addition to conservation and monitoring. Copy Editing: Margaret Williams Contributing Authors: E. Amirkhanova, Implementing these changes has proven challenging in Russian reserves. Lan- A. Ananin, A. Astafev, I. Ballarin Iribarren, guage and other communication barriers excluded most of the Russian pro- F. Bioret, V. Brinikh, U. Grabener, H. Kazul- ka, V. Melchenko, T. Minaeva, V. Neronov, tected areas’ staff from contributing to or even learning of changes in the A. Rassolov, J. Robertson, M. Rubtsova, Y. biosphere reserve concept. To this day, key documents explaining the current Sarkisyan, S. Shestakov, V. Stepanitsky, A. idea of biosphere reserves have not been translated into Russian, and the Vlasov, G. Yankus, A. Zateev, E. Zelljadt. majority of biosphere zapovednik staff lack a complete understanding of the Contributing Artists and Photogra- multiple principles of UNESCO biosphere reserves. Even when aware of the phers: V. Brinikh, M. Dubinin, A. Gilyaev, need to change reserve management, Russian zapovedniks purposefully locat- U. Grabener, S. Koroleva, N. Maleshin, ed far away from human settlements had difficulty trying to support the T. Minaeva, Y. Sarkisyan, S. Shestakov, development of non-existent communities. Moreover, the financial destitu- I. Shpilenok, A. Vlasov, V. Voronin, L. Woodson, M. Zhukov. tion of zapovedniks – including biosphere zapovedniks – in the past decade has hindered all aspects of the reserves’ work, especially the creation of new programs to support local development. Suspicion arose in the international ON THE COVER community that Russian biosphere reserves had fallen behind international standards. For this reason, Russian biosphere reserve staff met with international specialists at a training seminar held in Krasnoyarsky Krai in June 2001 to discuss the current status of Russian biosphere reserves.

This issue of RCN is devoted to exploring this subject in depth. In the upcoming pages, we offer a description of UNESCO biosphere reserves, as well as a thorough history of the development of the biosphere reserve concept. Then moving closer to Russia, we compare various aspects of reserve management in Russia and the West. In the second half of the journal, we invite you to visit nine biosphere reserves in Russia and Belarus through a series of case studies, each addressing a specific aspect of implementing the current biosphere reserve concept in individual nature reserves. Finally, we take s look at the future of biosphere reserves in Rus- sia, describing the founding of new reserves and publishing in full the resolution passed at the training seminar last June. Given the historical misunderstanding of specific terminology, we invite you to begin your study by looking at the glossary on page 2. «Rural Landscape» Cover drawing by Vladimir Voronin. The RCN Editorial Board would also like to express its gratitude to Biosphere reserves emphasize the inter- UNESCO, which provided financial, organizational, and editorial support to action of people and their environment. this issue of Russian Conservation News.

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An Introduction to Biosphere Reserves An Introduction of Biosphere Reserves phere reserve’s core area used for ecologically safe activities that may include environmental education, recreation, tourism, and scientific research. Some low-impact economic activity may be pemitted.

Transition area. An area of a biosphere reserve that includes human settlements and involves several forms of agricultural activity or which is used for other purposes. Local stakeholders work together to manage the region’s resources in a sustainable way.

Biosphere zapovednik. A Russian strictly protected area (zapovednik) that is a certified part of the World Biosphere Reserves in the Former Soviet Union Network of Biosphere Reserves. As an Russian Federation 17. Baikalsky 31. Chernomorsky administrative structure, the bios- 1. Laplandsky Kavkazsky 18. Barguzinsky 32. Askania-Nova 2. Vodlozersky 19. Daursky phere zapovednik generally repre- 3. Tsentralno-Lesnoi 20. Kronotsky Estonia sents the biosphere reserve as a 33. West Estonian Archipelago 4. Prioksko-Terrasny 21. Sayano-Shushensky whole; geographically, the strictly pro- 5. Oksky 22. Sikhote-Alinsky 6. Nerusso-Desnianskoe- 23. Sokhondinsky Latvia tected area of a biosphere zapovednik Polesie 24. Taimyrsky 34. North Vidzeme usually functions as its core area. 7. Tsentralno-Chernozemny 25. Ubsunurskaya Kotlovina 8. Voronezhsky Kyrgyzstan 9. Chernye Zemly Belarus 35. Sary-Chelek Biosphere polygon. A Russian term 10. Kavkazsky 26. Berezinsky 36. Issyk-Kul 11. Teberdinsky 27. Belovezhskaya Pushcha that describes n area legally and/or 12. Astrakhansky Turkmenistan functionally attached to a biosphere 13. Pechoro-Ilychsky Ukraine 37. Repetek 14. Visimsky 28. East Carpathians zapovednik that can act as a part of 15. Katunsky 29. Carpathian Uzbekistan the corresponding biosphere reserve’s 30. Danube Delta 38. Mount Chatkal 16. Tsentralno-Sibirsky buffer or transition zone. The purpose Map by M. Dubinin of the biosphere polygon is to implement scientific research, ecological monitoring, and also test methods of Glossary of Key Terms sustainable/low impact nature use. Particular regulations for biosphere Biosphere reserve. An area of ter- Core area. One or more areas with- polygons vary according to the legisla- restrial and/or coastal-marine in a biosphere reserve ensured long- tion that founded them and the ecosystems that has received inter- term protection and used for conser- administration of the biosphere national recognition from the vation of biological diversity and zapovednik to which it is attached. UNESCO “Man and Biosphere Pro- study of intact ecosystems. Core gram,” and which includes three areas are granted strict protection, Cooperation zone. Similar to and in elements – a core area, a buffer and human activities within them some cases synonymous with a bios- zone, and a transition area – and are highly restricted. phere zapovednik’s transition area, the fulfills three integrated functions: cooperation zone is a region specially conservation, development, and Buffer zone. An area or areas usual- designed for collaboration between logistic support. ly surrounding or bordering a bios- the zapovednik and local stakeholders.

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cal regions. The Secretariat is The Anatomy responsible for facilitating the day- to-day implementation of the MAB of a Biosphere Reserve Programme and is provided by UNESCO’s Division of Ecological By Jane Robertson Vernhes pating country sets up a MAB Sciences. Although MAB activities National Committee, consisting of a are mainly funded by the countries iosphere reserves are a creation mix of scientists, representatives of themselves, UNESCO provides “seed B of UNESCO’s Man and government agencies, and individ- money” for national and regional the Biosphere or MAB ual private persons. As of mid 2001, activities. programme, which there were 144 MAB National itself began as a Committees established in the The basic idea of biosphere reserves result of the 188 Member States of was to obtain a network of sites that 1968 “Biosphere” UNESCO, as well as Conference of one in the United UNESCO. The States of America. MAB programme The governing body of was set up in 1970 as an MAB is the International interdisciplinary research pro- Coordinating Council gramme, combining the natural and (ICC), consisting of 34 the social sciences, designed to Member States elected by improve the relationships of people UNESCO’s General Con- with their environment. ference. The ICC meets every two years and The MAB programme helps govern- elects a Bureau (1 Chair- ments to support the planning and person and 5 Vice-Chair- implementation of research and persons) representing training programmes. Each partici- UNESCO’s six geopoliti-

Photo by A. Fyodorova, courtesy of Raritet Publishing Company, Kyrgyzstan.

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would offer a representative cover- age of the major ecosystems of the world, thus providing an international logistic base for the intergovernmental MAB Programme. Today, biosphere reserves are defined as «areas of terrestrial and coastal- marine ecosystems which are internationally recognised for promoting and demonstrating a balanced relationship between people and nature.”

The functions and the zonation system of biosphere reserves have been More than a Protected Area refined with time. A biosphere reserve has three functions. The con- The International Conference on Biosphere Reserves held in Seville, Spain, servation function contributes to the in March 1995 reviewed biosphere reserves in the light of the results of the conservation of landscapes, ecosys- 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. The tems, species and genetic variation. Seville Conference gave rise to the Seville Strategy for Biosphere Reserves The development function forests and the Statutory Framework for the World Network, which were adopted economic development which eco- by the UNESCO General Conference in 1995. logically and culturally sustainable. The logistic support function facili- The Seville Strategy sets out goals and objectives for biosphere reserves at the tates research, monitoring, training, site level, the national level, and the regional and international levels. It thus and education related to local, sets the course for action for the next ten or so years. In particular, it gives a regional, and global conservation «vision» for biosphere reserves in the 21st century. This «vision» breaks new and development issues. It is the syn- ground in stating that a biosphere reserve is «more than a protected area» ergetic combination of these three but rather a «pact» between the local community and society as a whole. functions which characterises the Management should be open, evolving and adaptive. This approach is biosphere reserve. intended to ensure that biosphere reserves – and their inhabitants – are better placed to respond to Biosphere reserves are organized external political, economic into three interrelated zones which and social pressures. enable them to carry out the different activities involved. The core The Statutory Framework sets area is legally established to ensure out the rules for governing long-term protection and which the functioning of the World should be large enough to meet Network, giving a formal defi- defined conservation objectives. nition, a set of functions and Human activity in this area is limit- criteria, and a designation ed. The buffer zone is located procedure. In particular, it around or next to the core. It can sets out a periodic review of be an area for experimental biosphere reserves designated research to use the natural over ten years ago to bring resources sustainably and in an them up to the revised stan- economically viable way. It is the dards and criteria. area for ecosystem restoration, and can accommodate education, training as well as carefully designed tourism and recreation facilities. Photo by V. Filipenko, cour- The outer transition area or area of tesy of Raritet Publishing co-operation has unfixed limits. It Company, Kyrgyzstan. is here that the local communities,

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Moving Forward: Seville +5

At the request of the MAB ICC, a “Seville +5” international meeting of experts was organised in October 2000 in Pamplona, Spain. Aimed at taking stock of the first five years of implementation of the Seville Strategy, the meeting highlighted the following points:

Use biosphere reserves to implement the Convention on Biological Diversity The biosphere reserve concept encapsulates the three major concerns of the Convention on Biological Diversity (conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use and sharing of benefits at the local, national and international levels). Moreover, this Convention has now adopted the “Ecosystem Approach,” which is close to the principles of biosphere reserves.

Develop biosphere reserves in a wide variety of environmental, economic, and cultural situations Since 1995, an increasing number of biosphere reserves worldwide founded in coastal marine areas. Biosphere reserves have been established in previously un-represented regions noted for their exceptional biodiversity, and are also increasingly being established near or around important urban centers.

Explore and demonstrate approaches to sustainable development on a regional scale Since 1995, the new biosphere reserve nominations demonstrate a clear rise in the size and complexity of decision- making in biosphere reserves. In some cases, these recent biosphere reserves correspond to entire “bioregions,” spanning several administrative areas. As a result, interest in creating transboundary biosphere reserves has grown. The Seville +5 meeting produced specific recommendations for transboundary biosphere reserves.

Bring together all interested groups in a partnership approach In this process of creating larger sites, the biosphere reserve often consists of multiple units, with several core areas and buffer zones within a large transition area. The coordination mechanisms of such sites are often innovative, consisting of a consortium or a committee on which all stakeholders are represented, usually with a rotating chair. New funding mechanisms are also being tried.

Strengthen regional networks as components of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves Computer technology increases the ease of informal communications and access to information and has enhanced cooperation in regional groupings. Various sub-networks include ArabMAB, AfriMAB, IberoMAB (19 countries of Latin America plus Portugal and Spain), EABRN (East Asian Biosphere Reserves Network) and EuroMAB (including North America). A new MAB network for South and Central Asia was recently formed.

nature conservation agencies, sci- Biosphere reserves today offer a 21 and the Convention on Biologi- entists, cultural groups, private number of additional values. They cal Diversity. Finally, biosphere enterprises and other stakeholders provide United reserves offer a should agree to work together to Nations recogni- «label of excel- manage and develop the area’s tion of local and lence” for attract- resources for the benefit of the national efforts at ing funding. people who live and work there. reconciling conservation and Additional infor- As of the end of September 2001 the development mation is available World Network of Biosphere Reserves needs, backed by on: www.unesco. is made up of 411 biosphere reserves science. They also org/mab in 94 countries. The periodic review facilitate the shar- Recreation in Parc National des of the Statutory Framework for Bios- ing of experience Jane Robertson Luberon, France. phere Reserves is stimulating a com- and building Photo courtesy of Vernhes is a Senior plete revision of existing biosphere capacity through a Parc National des Luberon. Programme Spe- reserves in several countries and also structured World cialist of the the withdrawal of sites that cannot Network as well as provide a con- UNESCO Division of Ecological Sci- meet the Seville criteria. crete means to implement Agenda ences.

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The History of the Biosphere Reserve Concept

By Ignacio Ballarin Iribarren intergovernmental, and interdisci- and mountain systems. These pro- plinary program on Man and the grams were aimed at investigating s with the birth of a human Biosphere. The goal of this program serious results of human activity, A child, the birth of the UNESCO was to ensure the harmonious including pesticide and fertilizer Man and Biosphere (MAB) program coexistence of rural populations use, engineering works, industrial- came after extensive prenatal with the environment in which ization and urbanization. Council development. Environmental theo- they live. An International Coordi- members realized the need for spe- ries of the late 1960s emphasized nating Council and national com- cial places to conduct research and the need for using sound scientific mittees would become the main monitoring. Though these field lab- knowledge as a guide for using and tools for governing the program. oratories were not called biosphere preserving the world’s biological reserves at this time, the idea diversity. In particular, discussions The first meeting of this Interna- marked the first appearance in the that followed the 1968 biosphere tional Coordinating Council in program of areas devoted to both conference conceived the idea of a November 1971 marked the official conservation of biodiversity as well worldwide network of national birthday of the MAB program. At as research, long-term monitoring parks, nature reserves, and other this point the “man” in Man and of ecological processes, and evalua- protected areas. International Biosphere was viewed largely as an tion of human impact. exchange and cooperation began aggressive element whose activities to develop and soon became a key had an undesirable impacts on the In the years following, the precise feature of what was to become the environment. Preservation of valu- form and scientific mission of bios- MAB program. In essence, the pro- able ecosystems was the dominant phere reserves began to take shape. gram originated as an international theme guiding the program. The Panels created by the United scientific research program. council established research pro- Nations and other organizations grams to evaluate human impact first introduced the concept of zon- In 1970, delegates at the UNESCO on a variety of major natural sys- ing that became foundational to the General Conference gave their sup- tems, including tropical and tem- formation of biosphere reserves. In port to the creation of a long-term, perate forest, steppe, desert, coastal, 1974, American scientists founded

The biosphere reserve concept focuses on the interaction between people and their environment. Photo by I. Shpilenok.

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the first biosphere reserves, which at this point were focused solely on Landmarks in the History of the Man long-term scientific research. At a and Biosphere Programme UNESCO meeting in 1976, 59 biosphere reserves in eight countries 1970: UNESCO General Conference. Delegates support the formation were officially established. Within of the Man and Biosphere program, intended to ensure harmonious coex- five years – the ten-year anniversary istence between rural populations and the environment from which they of the Man and Biosphere Program derive their subsistence. – a total of 200 biosphere reserves existed in 55 countries across the 1971: First meeting of the MAB International Coordinating Com- world. For the most part, these “first mittee. The official birthday of the MAB program sees the establishment generation” reserves were based in of 13 (later 14) research programs aimed at evaluating human impact on protected areas that had already various natural systems. existed (such as national parks and nature reserves), in which scientists 1972: UN Conference on Human Environment, Stockholm. Recom- now conducted ecological research mendations are made for establishing a global network of protected areas under the MAB label. Only a limited to conserve representative examples of ecosystems around the world. number of biosphere reserves also fulfilled their development function 1976: UNESCO meeting on the designation of Biosphere Reserves. and cooperated with local popula- A total of 59 biosphere reserves are established in eight countries. tions. Few biosphere reserves actually included buffer or transition 1983: First International Biosphere Reserve Conference, Minsk. zones. Delegates develop a detailed action plan for biosphere reserves, including proposals for research, monitoring, training, education, and local participa- The next major step in the devel- tion. opment of biosphere reserves came in 1983 at the First International 1992: Earth Summit, Rio de Janeiro. The Convention on Biological Biosphere Reserve Congress, held in Diversity (CBD) introduced the “ecosystem approach,” promoting holistic Minsk, USSR. Delegates at the con- analysis of environmental as well as social and economic problems. The gress developed an Action Plan for Agenda 21 Action Plan advocates conserving local environments and Biosphere Reserves. The plan con- involving the local population in conservation and development. firmed the multiple functions of the biosphere reserves and devel- 1995: UNESCO Seville Conference. The “Seville Strategy” is adopted, oped proposals for research, moni- emphasizing the importance of sustainable development in biosphere toring, training, education and local reserve creation and management. The Statuary Framework is drawn up participation. It also set up a regarding the nomination, approval, networking, periodic revision, and detailed timeline for work between withdrawal of biosphere reserves by UNESCO. 1985 and 1989. But when the expected financial support from 2000: Seville +5 Meeting, Pamplona. Delegates review the implementa- UNEP and IUCN did not material- tion of the Seville Strategy over the past five years on the international ize, the action plan was left a plan level. without action.

Nonetheless, biosphere reserves and support of research and training.” environmental programs. For the theory behind them continued This definition corresponded to a example, the Convention on Bio- to develop. In 1985, the MAB Coun- new paradigm in nature conserva- logical Diversity, which introduced cil established a small ad-hoc Scien- tion: sustainable development and the “ecosystem approach” to biodi- tific Advisory Panel to reassess the non-conventional protected areas. versity conservation, emphasized entire project. This panel first clearly the need to analyze environmental defined a biosphere reserve as “a The Man and Biosphere Program problems in a holistic way, focusing high quality multifunctional area underwent further evolution fol- both on individual pieces of the where conservation and develop- lowing the Earth Summit in Rio de system and the dynamic processes ment are to be combined in and Janeiro in 1992, which deeply that link them. In spite of its name, around protected areas with the influenced nearly all international the ecosystem approach can be

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applied not only to natural systems but also to social and economical ones. Moreover, the Agenda 21 Action Plan pointed out the importance of improving both the state of environment and public participation on the local level.

The concept of sustainable development in biosphere reserves progressed further at a major international conference in Seville in 1995. A strategy for further action dubbed the “Seville Strategy” called for changes in the biosphere reserve concept and became a crucial doctrine for the Man and Bios- phere Program. The concept of a biosphere reserve and its function, which were once so vague, became Photo courtesy of Parc National des Luberon. increasingly clear as delegates defined ten key areas of biosphere ment the Seville Strategy. Trans- cal and cultural diversity. In the reserve management, made many boundary biosphere reserves, which future, by studying the interface of detailed recommendations, and cross national borders, have economics, social sciences, and created a list of indicators for become a target of special interest. ecology in a world increasingly assessing how these objectives were Particular progress has been made affected by human impact, bios- being met. The strategy also put in informational exchange through phere reserves may become model forth a new regular meetings regions for reconciling people and understanding in regional MAB nature. of biosphere networks in reserves, con- Europe, Africa, References: ceiving them as the Middle East, the result of and other regions. Batisse, M., 2001. “Biosphere Reserves: a pacts between Meanwhile, the personal perspective.” Seville+5 Interna- local population biosphere reserve tional Meeting of experts on the imple- and society as a concept has won mentation of the Seville Strategy of the whole to reach wide approval, World Network of Biosphere Reserves the goals of sus- even being named 1995–2000. MaB Report Series No 69. tainability. More- “the best illustra- UNESCO. Paris. over, the Statu- tion of the tory Framework ecosystem Carenzo, S. and Daniele, C., 2000. La drawn up at the approach” at the participacion local y la relacion Conser- conference was IUCN Congress in vacion-Desarrollo en un contexto partic- later ratified by Amman last year. ular: las Reservas de la Biosfera (Pro- UNESCO mem- Historic sites in Parc National des Having grown out grama MaB/UNESCO). PROMAB. Institu- ber countries, of a vague notion to de Geografia. Facultad de Filosofia y Luberon, France. Photo courtesy of becoming a soft of the need for Letras. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Parc National des Luberon. law governing protecting and the MAB pro- studying intact Additional resources include UNESCO gram, strengthening its legitimacy, regions of nature, biosphere documents. visibility, and credibility. reserves today represent a tool for resolving land management con- Ignacio Ballarin Iribarren is the Six years following the Seville Con- flicts in all types of ecosystems, Spanish Man and Biosphere Pro- ference, work continues to imple- simultaneously protecting biologi- gram National Coordinator

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The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Training Seminar in Krasnoyarsk

rom June 18th-23rd, more than ence on today’s most urgent issues, network of biosphere reserves. F 100 scientists and specialists such as sustainable development, Many of these reports offered from Russia, Belarus, Spain, Germany, biodiversity conservation, scientific examples of successful integration France, Finland, Estonia, and Slova- research, and economic initiatives. of Seville Strategy concepts in Russ- kia gathered in the southern tip of The conference was also intended to ian biosphere reserves. Krasnoyarsky Krai in Siberia for the offer instruction to UNESCO-MAB training seminar, Russian biosphere Toward the close of “Implementing the Seville Strategy reserve administra- the seminar, round for Biosphere Reserves.” The seminar tors on the princi- table discussion were was organized with the help of the ples of the Seville held, covering three Russian Ministry of Natural Strategy and how important topics: Resources, the Administration of to apply them in contemporary Krasnoyarsky Krai, the Federal present-day condi- aspects of developing Agency of Environmental Conserva- tions. the biosphere reserve tion, and UNESCO’s Moscow Office. concept, cooperation Beginning in the capital city of Kras- Over the course of Numerous discussions were held between biosphere noyarsk, the conference then contin- the seminar, par- during the seminar. reserves, regional .. ued in the village of Shushenskoye, ticipants listened Photo courtesy of U. Grabener. government agen- and concluded with a field trip to to and discussed cies, and local com- Sayano-Shushensky Zapovednik, the reports from international special- munities, and problems of integrat- core region of the biosphere reserve ists, representatives of the Russian ing biosphere reserves into the local which bares the same name. Ministry of Natural Resources, and economy. the staff of specific biosphere In the opening plenary session in reserves. Reports began with theo- A resolution written and unani- Krasnoyarsk, a UNESCO program retical topics, such as the nature of mously ratified during the seminar specialist accented that the meeting biosphere reserves, the recommen- notes the importance of the future was to be more than anything else a dations of the Seville Strategy, and development of the network of training seminar, and that its funda- the functions and goals of bios- biosphere reserves in Russia as a mental goal was to create national phere reserves. Later reports tool for implementing the conven- and international cooperation for addressed concrete challenges bios- tion on sustainable development. It the future development of the global phere reserves face, such as working also includes recommendations for network of biosphere reserves. The with local government agencies and the functioning and development specific aims of the seminar included the local population, the role of of biosphere reserves and for need- exchanging information and experi- education, tourism, and creating a ed changes in legislation. Specific requests were addressed to the Ministry of Natural Resources, UNESCO-MAB, and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). Overall, participants agreed that the conference had been a success.

This article was compiled from information provided by UNESCO’s Moscow Office.

Participants of the UNESCO-MAB seminar outside the pavilion in Shushenskoye. Photo courtesy of UNESCO.

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An Introduction to Biosphere Reserves

Do Biosphere Reserves Need Managers or Coordinators?

By Frederic Bioret structure (Objective II.2, No. 1). Sub- agers who work more or less inde- sequent meetings of EuroMAB bios- pendently of each other. The three- ver the last ten years, the biosphere reserve manager-coordinators tiered zoning system includes a O phere reserve concept has recommended that “biosphere transition area that does not even evolved in numerous ways, in partic- reserves should first and foremost have an outer limit. Strict protec- ular giving more emphasis to local serve the different needs and priori- tion of natural systems is relegated populations and human activities. ties of the various stakeholders of to the core area, while management Therefore management planning in each biosphere reserve” and agreements or contracts may exist biosphere affirmed that “a in other regions of the reserve. And reserves should biosphere reserve instead of the management plan take account of manager is above that guides a standard protected these new con- all a coordina- area, a guide to biosphere coordina- siderations. tor.” By 1998, tion emphasizes local participation. Here the term EuroMAB no In short, the vast complexity of a “management” longer referred biosphere reserve mandates a leader is understood to heads of bios- who will coordinate efforts rather to include not phere reserves as than attempting to manage all the only organizing managers at all, workings of the reserve alone. the conserva- but instead as tion of natural, coordinators. This does not mean, however, that A biosphere reserve coordinator brings cultural, and the role of the coordinator is easy. together the stabeholders in the region to historic her- The reasons for One of the challenges in biosphere discuss and manage the area’s natural itage, but also .. this change reserves today is ensuring that the resources. Photo courtesy of U. Grabener. work on behalf reflect the differ- control structure is visible and that of the local ence between the coordinator receives adequate population and various stakeholders. biosphere reserves and the tradi- recognition. As the person responsi- In biosphere reserves, the challenge tional understanding of protected ble for moderating the balance is to design a form of management areas in many parts of the world. between environment, economy, that identifies interactions between While protected areas are in general and equity in a specific area, the people and nature that make use of uniform areas of relatively small size coordinator must ensure that all natural resources. The old conflict intended for nature conservation, stakeholders – resource users, pro- between nature conservation and biosphere reserves represent a fessional groups, local populations, economic development should mosaic of varied regions managed government agencies, elected offi- henceforth be considered obsolete, for differing purposes, such as con- cials, scientists etc. – are represented superceded by the more ambitious servation and development. While and able to communicate their notion that conservation can active- protected areas generally serve one needs and aspirations for the area. ly promote development, and vice all-encompassing category of inter- The coordinator must understand versa, that development can con- ests, such as the preservation of the interrelationships between the tribute to the conservation of the natural or historical treasures, bios- various interest groups, and be pre- cultural and natural heritage. The phere reserves attempt to harmo- pared to address conflicts through question, then, is who will guide this nize a choir of interests that often mediation. interlinked conservation and devel- seem discordant with one another. opment in biosphere reserves? A single biosphere reserve may have Hence a biosphere reserve coordi- to answer the overlapping interests nator has multiple demands to The Seville Strategy (1995) high- of stakeholders including farmers, meet. He or she must ensure that lighted the need for each biosphere foresters, fisheries, tourists, scien- the main conservation and devel- reserve to have a management plan tists, and elected officials. Moreover, opment issues and potentials (both or policy in addition to an appropri- a biosphere reserve is so large that on the level of the biosphere ate, clearly defined management it encompasses a number of man- reserve and in a wider biogeo-

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A View from the Other Side tives – have a feudal lord mentality. Each one wants his own piece of land to govern. Moreover, corruption and embezzlement are still rampant in Russia, making By Valery Brinikh economic interests a significant threat to the biosphere reserve. Taking a stand against this kind of unlawful- Given the nature of Russian society today and its long ness involves great professional and personal risk. history without democracy, the leader of biosphere reserve in Russia should be more a manager than a In response to this environment, the director of a coordinator. To this day, in many regions of Russia – biosphere reserve must be a highly qualified profes- especially the Caucasus – an authoritarian style of lead- sional who is both honest and wildly dedicated to his ership has been preserved as the norm against sup- or her job. Most zapovednik directors in Russia today posed democratic reforms. Even if decisions are made have post-graduate degrees in natural sciences, and on the local level, involving members of the communi- manage to live on a monthly salary of US$70–80 in ty, regional government officials, and other stakehold- regions where the living wage is US$90-100. They ers, these decisions may never be realized because must be charismatic enough to inspire optimism in higher levels of government in the centralized bureau- staff members that in some cases literally risk their cracy block their implementation. Such has been the lives to protect the reserve, yet receive an even smaller actual experience of Kavkazsky Zapovednik in past salary of US$30–40. In essence, the Russian biosphere years and up to the present day. reserve director must balance on the blade of a razor, using strength of character to manage the reserve in a The model of biosphere reserve management hostile climate. based on involving varied stakeholders with a leader acting as a coordinator is simply This does not mean, however, that a coordi- too utopian. Like the Russian fable of nation council is completely beyond the the swan, crayfish, and pike, in which reaches of a Russian biosphere reserve. the three animals try to pull a cart but While the core area and buffer zone must be fail because each pulls in a different strictly regulated by the government agen- direction, a coordinating committee cies placed in managing positions, and would not be an effective guide for a specifically by the zapovednik director, the zapovednik, even a biosphere zapovednik. transition area, which lacks clearly delin- Moreover, considering the comparatively eated boundaries, can be the starting low level of environmental awareness and the point for a western-style coordi- absence of a tradition of public participa- nating council. Indeed, it is tion in decision-making, the majority precisely at this point that of local community representatives the zapovednik director’s on such a council would not seek governing power fades mutually beneficial compromises. away and his or her Indeed, if given executive power, role as a coordinator the council would likely bring harm begins. to natural ecosystems by ignoring the importance of the reserve’s conservation function. Valery Brinikh is the Director of Kavakzsky The problem of coordinating vari- Zapovednik. ous activities lies in the fact that many leaders – zapovednik direc- Valery Brinikh. tors and government representa- Photo by N. Maleshin.

graphical context) are identified. tor must also ensure that various Nonetheless, the coordinator is not Certain conservation or develop- interests and their relationships to responsible for solving all of these ment priorities, and even sustain- each other are identified, and that problems alone. Instead, he or she able development experiments any conflicts that arise are resolved must set up working groups devoted could be envisaged. The coordina- through mediation. to common concerns and organize

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tiple stakeholders, the coordinator can most effectively guide the biosphere reserve.

References

Batisse M., 1986 – Developing and focusing the biosphere reserve concept. Nature and Resources, 12(3) : 1–10.

Batisse M., 1996 – Reserves de biosphere : un nouvel essor. Nature, Science et Societe 4(3) : 268–272.

IUCN, 1998 – Biosphere Reserves – Myth or reality ? Pro- ceedings of a workshop at the the- 1996 IUCN World Conservation Con- matic workshops gress, Montreal, Canada. IUCN, Gland, and training sessions. It Switzerland and Cambridge, UK, vi + is also important to pro- 49p. mote and publicize the results of successful experiments. Keystone Center Colorado, 1996 – The Finally, the coordinator is Keystone national policy dialogue on responsible for carrying out a ecosystem management. Final report, periodic review of the bios- 43p. + Appendix phere reserve. This approach can be realized by setting Mege S., Anselme M., 1997 – Plan de ges- up a management guide for tion de la reserve naturelle du Grand Cul- the biosphere reserve terri- de-sac marin, Guadeloupe, 1998-2002. tory. Because Geo- Reserve de biosphere del’Archipel de graphic Information Guadeloupe222p. Systems (GIS) can facilitate the creation Additional resources include and continual update UNESCO and EuroMAB docu- of a biosphere reserve’s ments. database, as well as assist in the elaboration of Frederic Bioret is the Vice-Chair of various zoning sce- the French MAB National Committee narios pertinent to specializing in biosphere reserve decision-making, a coordination. He works mainly in the GIS can prove to be a Mer d’Iroise Biosphere Reserve in relevant and efficient Western France, advising on new tool. By using all alliances between tourism entrepre- available tools neurs and farming and fishing inter- and guiding a ests which promote economic devel- dialogue opment and at the same time between mul- enhance the local biodiversity.

Photo courtesy of Katunsky Zapovednik.

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phere reserves in Russia. Following The Particulars of Russian the letter of Russian Law, a biosphere polygon can be attached only to the Biosphere Reserves territory of zapovednik that has already obtained the status of a bios- By Vsevolod Stepanitsky There currently exists, however, one phere zapovednik. In other words, a criterion that could become funda- biosphere polygon can be attached n examination of the history of mental both for determining which to Visimsky Zapovednik only after A the development of the network zapovedniks ought to have the sta- the reserve receives a UNESCO cer- of biosphere reserves in Russia shows tus of UNESCO biosphere reserves tificate naming it a biosphere that careful and objective thought and for meeting the demands of the reserve. Meanwhile nominating have not always been the guiding Biosphere Reserve Concept: special Visimsky Zapovednik for the status principles behind the founding of zoning in the reserve to create a of a biosphere reserve would be biosphere reserves in the nation. Why, biosphere polygon. This zoning ridiculous without the presence of for example, have Voronezhsky and could take a number of forms, but in functional zoning. Nonetheless, Tsentralno-Lesnoi Zapovedniks essence involves including some Komandorsky, Kerzhensky, and Bol- received the status of biosphere kind of semi-protected region con- shoi Arktichesky Biosphere Zapoved- zapovedniks while Altaisky and tiguous to the reserve core. Today, niks, which all function as biosphere Darvinsky have not, even though the only five biosphere reserves in Russia reserves even though they lack legal- latter deserved this status more than include a territory recognized by ly recognized biosphere polygons, the former? Why have federal Russian legislation as being a bios- demonstrate not only imperfection zapovedniks to date been the only phere polygon: Barguzinsky, Oksky, of Russian legislation, but also the protected areas to receive biosphere Sayano-Shushensky, Tsentralno- eternal wisdom of the founders of reserve status while numerous nation- Sibirsky, and Kavkazsky. These the Roman Law, who claimed that al parks fit the necessary criteria? reserves allow sustainable, low- life was wider than the law. Why has the network of environmen- impact use of natural resources on tal monitoring stations in biosphere their biosphere polygons, such as National parks present an entirely reserves fallen apart? Answering these managed hunting, fishing, eco- different problem. To date, only one questions is key to understanding the tourism, moderate timbering, plant Russian national park, Vodlozersky, nature of biosphere reserves in con- gathering, beekeeping, and deer has been included in the network temporary Russia and developing a herding. The remaining 17 biosphere of UNESCO biosphere reserves. The- strategy for their future development. zapovedniks have no legally desgnat- Today 24 of Russia’s 100 zapoved- ed biosphere poly- niks are internationally recognized gons. Nonetheless, as pieces of the World Network of some of these Biosphere Reserves. They range from zapovedniks have the steppes near Kursk to the waters functional (if not off Vladivostok, from the frozen tun- official) zoning, dra of the Taimyr Peninsula to the including Bolshoi mountains of the Caucasus. But what Arktichesky, distinguishes any of these biosphere Komondorsky, reserves from the rest of the non- Kerzhensky, and biosphere zapovedniks in Russia? others – Visimsky The only clear answer is that a and Bryansky Les UNESCO certificate hangs on the – have planned wall of a biosphere zapovednik expansion that director’s office. The differences will include a bios- between ordinary zapovedniks and phere polygon. biosphere reserves are growing each year, but by and large, to this day The irony is that a The zonation of the newly established Nerusa-Desnianskoye- there are no significant differences legal contradiction Polesie Biosphere Reserve, whose core area includes the entire- between these types of protected exists in the for- ty of Bryansky Les Zapovednik. Map by M. Dubinin based on areas in Russia. mation of bios- materials provided by Bryansky Les Zapovednik.

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UNESCO biosphere reserves The Seville Strategy has created a new Saiga (Saiga tatarica) in because they all match key level of complexity in creating and Cherny Zemly Biosphere zoning criteria. But maintaining biosphere reserves in Rus- Zapovednik. Photo by realizing that on this sia. Zapovedniks and national parks I. Shpilenok. basis alone, these must become further integrated into parks will the economic structure of the regions not receive in which they lie. But this task may be bios- easier said than done. For decades the phere Russian network of protected areas reserve was developed without attention to status, the actual interests of individual regions, which in turn created innu- merable conflicts throughout the history of zapovedniks. These conflicts were usually manifested in attempts to shrink the size of nature reserves or to allow undesirable economic activity in these areas. They often arose because individual local officials were ignorant those parks that of or misunderstood the importance, oreti- promote sustainable objectives, and specific features of cally, all development on a practical zapovedniks and national parks as of Rus- basis should receive recognition as protected areas that were simultane- sia’s 35 true biosphere reserves. Ugra ously focused on nature protection, national National Park in the Kaluzhskaya research, and promoting environmen- parks region, and Smolenskoye Poozerie tal awareness. It would be naive to could be National Park all deserve top priori- expect that all the officials throughout nominat- ty for nomination to the interna- Russia (not to mention the general ed for the tional network of UNESCO bios- public) would be in favor of expand- status of phere reserves. ing national parks, zapovedniks, and other protected areas: nonetheless, this logic prevailed in protected areas man- The Enigmatic Biosphere Polygon agement for decades.

The importance of zapovedniks and The term “biosphere polygon” is a Russian term not used in the Biosphere national parks, as well as the benefits Reserve Concept, leading many to wonder exactly what a biosphere poly- a region gains by establishing a pro- gon is. But even in Russia the meaning of the term has not always been tected area, should be publicized until clear. The terms “biosphere reserve,” “biosphere zapovednik,” and “bios- it is clear part of the public conscious- phere polygon” have sometimes been used interchangeably in Russian, ness. This is all the more true for bios- although some publications have tried to underline differences between phere reserves. Zapovedniks and these terms. national parks cannot be isolated enti- ties in Russian regions: they should be Time has changed the general understanding of the term, but it remains an integrated part of the region, using nebulous concept. Judging by the understanding of the term “biosphere their conservation, recreational, scien- polygon” in Russian legislation on protected areas, which emphasizes loca- tific, and intellectual potential to ben- tion, a biosphere polygon is most similar to the international concept of efit the region. This may be the only the buffer zone. At the same time, the fact that biosphere polygons are to way to secure a future for zapoved- be used as areas for demonstrating sustainable land use makes them func- niks and national parks in Russia. tionally more similar to the transition zone that surrounds international biosphere reserves. Vsevelod Stepanitsky is the Deputy Director of Environmental Protection Information provided by Gennady Yankus and Aleksandr Ananin, Direc- in the Russian Ministry of Natural tor and Deputy Director of Science in Barguzinsky Biosphere Zapovednik. Resources.

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ties fulfilling the development func- A Personal Appraisal of tion, which was amplified at the the Implementation of the Seville Conference. In most cases, these strict nature reserves simply Seville Strategy in Russia have no human settlements to devel- .. By Uli Grabener. the 1970s: at that time, scientific op. But this does not necessarily research and conservation of ecosys- mean, as several examples show, that ne of the reasons for conduct- tems were priorities, with relatively a zapovednik cannot develop into a O ing a UNESCO-MAB training little focus on what is now referred biosphere reserve according to the seminar for biosphere reserve man- to as “the development function.” As Seville Strategy. agers in Russia was that the periodic a result, many of Russia’s first bios- review process had revealed some phere reserves were located in When European and Russian reserve inherent difficulties Russian bios- remote areas with pristine nature. managers gathered in Krasnoyarsk phere reserves faced in meeting the for the training seminar last summer, criteria and recommendations of the Today the Biosphere Reserve Con- the axiom certainly proved true – Seville Strategy and Statutory Frame- cept has a slightly different face, and I am no exception – that when work for Biosphere Reserves (1995). which arises from the Statutory confronted with a new approach to As an observer close to the Russian Framework, a “soft law” adopted by a seemingly familiar problem, people biosphere reserves with a back- the UNESCO General Conference judge the new approach on the basis ground in international biosphere (including Russia) in 1995. The cur- of their own value system. It became reserves, I was asked to prepare a rent concept is purposefully flexible. clear that many misunderstandings critical analysis of the implementa- It was specifically developed to stemmed from the lack of Russian tion of the Seville Strategy in Russia. accommodate the needs of a multi- participants’ knowledge and under- I have done this in hopes of eluci- tude of very different countries with standing of the thinking on conser- dating the problems and opportuni- very different natural histories, cul- vation and development in other ties for biosphere reserves in Russia. tural backgrounds and legal bases. To European regions, and vice versa, be effective on a global level, the from the foreign experts’ lack of Perhaps the greatest perceived prob- biosphere reserve concept must be awareness of the of the particulari- lem actually stems from miscommu- adaptable to the environment and ties and history of nature protection nication and a lack of mutual under- development issues varied ecosys- in Russia. Misperceptions gave rise to standing. The tems pose. It is some lively debates, but by the end fact is that applicable to of the seminar, the Russian partici- western and areas highly modi- pants had shown just how many Russian bios- fied by human changes had occurred with the Russ- phere reserves activities, for ian zapovedniks in the last years, and – and the local example in peri- that in fact the differences between theories guiding urban environ- Russian and some European reserves them – devel- ments, as around were not as great as had been per- oped in relative the city of Agadir ceived. isolation. Much in the Arganeraie of the interna- Biosphere Reserve Nonetheless, they do exist, as the tional concern Russian and international colleagues discuss in Morocco, or following example illustrates. During regarding the biosphere management during a cruise near to Paris in a field trip through Sayano-Shushen- implementation along the Yenisei River. the Fontainebleau sky Zapovednik (the core area of .. of the Seville Photo courtesy of U. Grabener. Biosphere Reserve the biosphere reserve of the same Strategy in Rus- in France; it is name), participants at the seminar sia (or supposed lack thereof) came likewise relevant to large wetland learned that two rangers had recent- directly from a misunderstanding of areas as in Brazil, such as the ly been killed by dissenting soldiers Russian biosphere zapovedniks. It 24,000,000-hectare Pantanal Biop- and another two rangers had been must be kept in mind that the first shere Reserve, or to the vast arid reported as missing for over two biosphere reserves in Russia were lands in Niger, where 10,000,000 years, probably having been killed designated according to biosphere hectares lie in the Air et Tenere Bios- by poachers. This story was not told reserve criteria as understood in the phere Reserve. Nevertheless, Russian to perpetuate an image of a wild beginning of the MAB Programme in biosphere zapovedniks have difficul- and unpoliced Russia, but rather to

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illustrate the problems posed by the are highly formalized, and their highly desirable that this system be huge distances and remoteness of functions and goals as well as opera- kept alive. many sites in Russia, in contrast to tion are described in the federal law much of Europe. It became clear to on nature conservation. Nonetheless, this system faces cer- all of the seminar participants that tain problems. Officials at the Min- managers of Russian protected areas Canada shall serve as a second istry of Natural Resources now face problems of a different scale example, a country whose biogeo- admit that because of the abun- than their counterparts in Western graphical zones match Russia’s. Bios- dance of ideal conservation sites in Europe. Similarly, everyone realized phere reserves have been created Russia, proposals for founding bios- that given these differences, a cer- here relatively recently, with focus phere reserves in earlier years did tain amount of openness and will- centered on the southern, more not follow any specific logic, but ingness to understand hitherto for- populated parts of Canada, where were made more by chance or poli- eign ideas was necessary on both human influence has modified the tics. Moreover, most zapovedniks sides. After all, there are many differ- condition of natural areas with high no longer receive the level of finan- ent ways to implement one and the biodiversity and/or high aesthetic cial support for their work that they same strategy. value. Canadian biosphere reserves did in the Soviet time. They face usually contain a legally protected severe difficulties, especially in pay- Two examples illustrate how the area or areas, such as a National Park ing their research staff, and their same Seville Strategy has been or a Provincial Nature Reserve, as a directors are realistic in not expect- applied successfully in two very dif- core area. But there is no special law ing the situation to improve much ferent countries. The first comes in Canada for biosphere reserves: in the next few years. In addition, from my own personal experience rather it is local communities and though many zapovedniks are in Germany, typical of many West- municipalities that drive their estab- located far from any population ern European countries. Today, less lishment and maintenance, in con- centers, a number of zapovedniks than two percent of the land area sortium with the protected area are located in poverty-stricken, can be considered “virgin nature,” as managers and other stakeholders remote rural areas. While twenty centuries of extensive and intensive such as the forest services or private years ago centralized planning human activity has created cultural industry. The biosphere reserve offered limited support to these landscapes which often have a high- “manager” is in fact a coordinator communities, today they live on er level of biodiversity than initially who facilitates discussion, scientific subsistence farming and have little supported by the natural environ- research and monitoring, and devel- hope for development beyond ment (mainly beech forest in Cen- opment actions of the varied actors. resource exploitation, and even tral Europe). Following the industri- The transition area plays an impor- then only in those regions where al revolution, however, and in par- tant role in promoting the develop- this is an option. ticular in the last three decades, ment function, but the extent to agriculture in arable areas has been which this development is realized Hence, several zapovedniks man- industrialized, including the unifica- depends on the commitment of the agers – including those with the tion of field systems and intensive people involved. biosphere reserve “label” – have real- use of artificial fertilizers and pesti- ized that they must adapt in order to cides. In parallel, less fertile lands In comparison, Russia too brought secure their own future, for example have been abandoned and now lie its unique pre-existing characteristics by cooperating with surrounding fallow. Both of these processes have to the founding and development of local communities, working with had negative effects on biodiversity, its network of biosphere reserves. and improving regional enterprises, leading to landscapes with less bio- There is no disputing the fact that to developing sustainable business logical and aesthetic value. In Ger- the system of strict protected areas, partnerships and/or attracting addi- many, the biosphere reserve concept or zapovedniks, was very well devel- tional financial resources. There is has therefore been applied to pre- oped. Indeed, I daresay that no single approach or recipe to suc- vent and reverse these negative zapovedniks had one of the strictest cess in this: every region or site has effects by innovating with alterna- protection regimes around the had to find its own way. As a result, tive agricultural systems and sup- world, as only researchers had access certain Russian zapovedniks have porting certain traditional practices, to these areas to conduct their work. begun to truly implement the Seville thus recreating a variable, pleasing This has allowed the preservation of Strategy, using their own approach. landscape, which is also of econom- some of the largest areas of pristine Some of the success stories are pre- ic value. These biosphere reserves nature in the entire world, and it is sented in the second part of this

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issue, but for now let me summarize or “cooperation zone.” Laplandsky revealed that in fact several bios- some of the trends. Biosphere Reserve, presented in phere zapovedniks have started their greater depth later in this issue, is own initiatives to implement the One trend is that the zapovedniks probably a good example in Russia. Seville Strategy. They have each cho- with the biosphere reserve label are The Director of Laplandsky sen an individual approach based on becoming the core areas of even larg- Zapovednik recognized the need to their backgrounds and available er complexes, which correspond to address the environmental problems opportunities. This approach may “Seville biosphere reserves.” The of his region at much larger scale appear haphazard when viewed from zapovednik concept includes the pos- than the zapovednik itself. All the outside, but it is well suited to Russia sibility of buffer zones, usually a strip major stakeholders, local authorities and actively supported by the Russ- of land 500 meters to several kilome- and major enterprises around the ian Ministry of Natural Resources. ters wide drawn around the protected zapovednik formed a group that acts Other zapovedniks, regardless area. The zapovednik is also some- as a coordinating council. The lands whether or not they have been desig- times complimented by a zakaznik, a around the zapovednik are called nated as biosphere reserves, would special-purpose preserve with a lower the “cooperation zone” and do not do well to follow these examples. It level of protection sometimes allow- have rigidly defined boundaries. This is certain that some of them can ing limited human activities. Nature kind of territory can be considered never meet the Seville biosphere parks and natural monuments may analogous to the transition area reserve criteria. The majority, howev- also be officially included into these named in the Seville Strategy. er, can serve as core areas of a new larger complexes. Federal legislation generation of Russian biosphere has recently established the notion of Meanwhile, national parks have reserves which start to address the “biosphere polygons” as areas adjacent recently drawn attention as potential acute problems that exist in the to zapovedniks with a lesser protec- biosphere reserves in Russia. Russian remote areas of Russian, and can tion regime, and often including cer- national parks, which first appeared greatly help in their progress towards tain kinds of human activity. A num- in 1983, come much closer to the sustainable development. ber of zapovedniks with biosphere current international understanding .. reserve status have already established of biosphere reserves, but are still Uli Grabener is an Associated such polygons. Both zakazniks and not a perfect fit. The future will Expert of the UNESCO Moscow Office. the new polygons can offer opportu- show how national parks fare as The opinions expressed in this article nities of creating buffer zones accord- biosphere reserves. The first test case, are those of the author and are not ing to the Seville criteria. Vodlozersky National Park, received necessarily those of UNESCO. biosphere reserve status only this fall. The question of adding a transition area is more complex, as this is in Thus the UNESCO MAB training sem- Local fishermen near Tsentralno-Sibirsky fact functional “development zone,” inar for biosphere reserve managers Biosphere Zapovednik. Photo by M. Zhukov.

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A Comparative Study of Implementing the Seville Strategy in Russia and Germany

By Elena Amirkhanova Thus while Prioksko-Terrasny before it received official biosphere Zapovednik has spent the past 23 status. Moreover, scientific research close comparison of two specif- years trying to change its manage- and monitoring efforts were always A ic nature reserves – one in Ger- ment to meet the goals of biosphere considered primary functions of many (Schorfheide-Chorin), one in reserves, the administration of Russian zapovedniks. The “Chronicle Russia (Prioksko-Terrasny Zapoved- Schorfheide-Chorin has been of Nature” (Letopis’ prirody), an nik) – shows the chal- annual record of natural lenges of implementing the conditions, plants, and ani- Seville Strategy in different mals in the reserve served countries and regions. The as a basis to implement the two reserves selected for environmental monitoring this comparison are similar later prescribed by the in size and form, both Seville Strategy. about 100,000 hectares in area and located in forest- Fulfilling other biosphere ed regions near large met- reserve functions has ropolitan centers (Moscow proven more difficult. The and Berlin). Their core zoning of Prioksko-Terras- sizes are also nearly identi- ny Zapovednik has hin- cal, about 5,000 hectares. dered the reserve from tak- Over the course of the last ing an active role in region- several centuries, both al planning and demon- regions came under heavy strating varied approaches anthropogenic influence. to sustainable develop- But despite their similari- ment. Because the ties, a significant contrast zapovednik lacks a bios- exists in the way each phere polygon, it restricts reserve functions. Recog- much of its activity to the nizing the differences in core area and buffer zone. reserve management in dif- Any change in zoning to ferent countries may be a allow increased economic first step towards making activity in either of these biosphere reserves more zones will bring harm to effective. the natural systems the zapovednik protects. Mean- Prioksko-Terrasny while, attempts to create a Zapovednik in Russia was functional transition zone founded simply as a outside the zapovednik Photo by L. Woodson. zapovednik in 1948, then have met with opposition received the status of a from local officials. Thus biosphere zapovednik in 1978. The focused on them since the reserve’s the zapovednik lacks an area to sup- zapovednik’s historical role was to creation. port the economic activities called conserve the forest ecosystems of for in the Seville Strategy. the wilderness near Moscow. Mean- As a whole, the functions of bios- while, Schorfheide-Chorin in Ger- phere reserves correspond with the Some consideration has been given many was founded directly as a bios- traditional functions of Russian to the varied partners and stake- phere reserve in 1990 and from the zapovedniks. The core region of holders of Prioksko-Terrasny Bios- start focused on demonstrating envi- Prioksko-Terrasny Zapovednik ful- phere Zapovednik, but only in that ronmentally sustainable land use. filled its conservation function long part of the reserve that abuts the

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An Introduction to Biosphere Reserves

core region. Cooperation agree- sulting centers. Similarly, the admin- structure and mission have always ments exist with collective farms, istration of the reserve has not been directed towards sustainable forestry collectives, small farms and found the resources to create region- development has made fulfilling other organizations located in the al model areas. this mission easier. buffer zone, but in general such programs are still in development. Meanwhile, from the outset At the current time, only the core Moreover, in order to become more Schorfheide-Chorin has been, more area of Prioksko-Terrasny Zapoved- involved in regional planning and than anything else, an area for nik meets the standards of a bios- support of the local population, environmentally and socially sus- phere reserve, and the implementa- zapovednik administrators must tainable land use. Since 1990 the tion of all of the principles of the face the traditional attitude of local administration of the reserve has Seville Strategy on the entire territo- residents, who tend to view the sought out partnerships with the ry of the biosphere reserve is possi- reserve in a negative light because local community, which over the ble only in the long term. It is direct- it restricts the use of natural past decade have developed signifi- ly connected to the need for a fun- resources in the region. Along the cantly. Funding problems have not damental change in Russian society, southern border of the zapovednik, had as severe an effect on an increase in environmental aware- essentially along the very core of Schorfheide-Chorin: staff began ness, increased funding for nature the biosphere reserve, people have actively developing regional model reserves, and a reexamination of the begun illegally building small cab- areas in 1994 with the beginning of role of Russian biosphere reserves in ins called dachas. the scientific research and practice the regions. Further efforts are project called “Agriculture and required to adapt the recommenda- This and other problems are intensi- Nature Conservation.” Although the tions of the Seville Strategy to Russia fied by the reserve’s financial diffi- reserve’s staff give attention to based on the successful lessons culties. Russian Biosphere Reserves environmental monitoring, learned from other biosphere seeking to implement the Seville Schorfheide-Chorin spends more reserves, such as Schorfheide-Chorin Strategy must do so without ade- resources and efforts on harmoniz- in Germany. quate funding from the federal gov- ing the relationship between peo- ernment. For example, the staff of ple and nature. In essence, even Elena Amirkhanova is a student of Prioksko-Terrasny Zapovednik often though Schorfheide-Chorin had to the Geography Department of acts as a local environmental con- overcome significant challenges in Lomonosov Moscow State University sulting service, but lacks the needed order to better implement the and an intern at the UNESCO finances to create official local con- Seville Strategy, the fact that its Moscow Office.

Table 1. The Realization of the Seville Strategy in Prioksko-Terrasny Zapovednik and in Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve. The Seville Strategy included a long list of indicators to be used for determining the level to which the strategy had been implemented. Below is a comparison of five key indicators in the two reserves.

Indicators Prioksko-Terrasny Biosphere Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Zapovednik Reserve Zoning implemented Zoning was established in 1980, 32 years Zoning was included in original after the zapovednik was founded. plans for the reserve. Zones are reorganized to better Long-term plans include reexamination Long-term plans include achieve three functions of zones. Plans already exist for creating reexamination of zoning. a functional transition zone. Coordinated research and Reserve staff keep a “Chronicle of Nature,” Research is conducted throughout monitoring programs implemented as well as additional reports, and carry out the reserve, but is restricted in the monitoring. core. Sites developed to demonstrate No sites yet exist. Creation of sites demands Sites include the Fridrichsfelde sustainable land use special investment and supplemental sheep-farming school, the Polssen- organizational efforts the zapovednik Schmideberg farm, and Lipe cannot support at the current time. pasture cooperative. Local community involved in The local community is occasionally Community involvement exists and planning and managing the involved, but a better form of is welcomed, particularly in the biosphere reserve cooperation is still needed. field of agriculture.

Fall 2001, No. 27 19 Russian #27 15/11/01 10:50 Page 20

An Introduction to Biosphere Reserves

A Critical View of the Changing Role of Biosphere Reserves in Russia

Adapted from an article on specialized environmental monitoring by Tatiana Minaeva

Changes to the theory of biosphere reserves have brought new problems to Russian biosphere reserves, first and foremost because their own staff were uninofmed of these changes. The first time the official federal agencies responsible for managing protected areas were involved in discussion about reform in biosphere reserves came in June 2001 at the UNESCO training seminar in Krasnoyarsk. The goals and recommendations of the Seville Strate- gy were presented, but to this day, a great number of people hold misconceptions about the role of biosphere reserves, and significant misunderstandings exist between the staff of Russian biosphere reserves and their western counterparts. This tendency is particularly true regarding the detailed environmental monitoring Russian biosphere zapovedniks worked hard to introduce and improve over the course of thirty years. Many would be surprised to learn that in light of a renewed focus on sustainable development, environmental monitoring should no longer be the solitary and primary activity in biosphere reserves. Others have swung too far in following the push toward sustainable development, mistakenly believing that the biosphere reserve concept no longer supports environmental monitoring.

Now the danger is that in striving to fulfill the demands of the Seville Strategy, biosphere zapovedniks in Russia will neglect the meticulous monitoring which they excelled at for decades: environmental monitoring. In effect, this means throwing out the baby with the bathwater. The federal protected area management no longer demands that environmental monitoring through highly detailed wildlife and vegetative studies be carried out in biosphere reserves, leading many zapovedniks to cut these programs. Two generations of scientists and protected area managers were involved in the development of the biosphere reserve network in the Soviet Union using a standard approach. But now the benefits of this approach may disappear. Financial difficulties have decreased the quality of scientific work.

Without question, the focus on sustainable development advocated by the Seville Strategy could solve serious problems in certain nature reserves, especially those located in more populated areas. Ultimately a balance must be found between the development function and the maintenance of environmental monitoring. But in unsettled regions like the Arctic Taimyr Peninsula, the location of Taimyrsky Biosphere Reserve, efforts to work with a non-existent local population would be futile, and resources are far more wisely spent continuing environmental monitoring.

In some instances, a failure to fulfill all of the demands of the Seville Strategy may cause some zapovedniks to loose their status as UNESCO biosphere reserves, but regardless of what happens, environmental monitoring should be preserved in Russia’s protected areas. In cases where financial resources cannot support both the continuation of environmental monitoring and the implementation of new programs to promote sustainable development, serious thought and discussion must be given to the losses associated with ending or curtailing monitoring programs.

Tatiana Minaeva works as a Project Coordinator for the Russian Program Office of the World Wide Fund for Nature and in Tsentralno-Lesnoi Biosphere Zapovednik, Tverskaya Region. Additional consulta- tions for this article were provided by Natalia Troit- skaya, who organizes scientific work in zapovedniks and national parks through the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources, and Valery Neronov, the Deputy Chair of the Russian MAB Committee.

Environmental monitoring has always been an important activity in biosphere zapovedniks. Photo by T. Minaeva.

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Case Studies Case Studies

Introduction

Map by M. Dubinin

Editors’ introduction: The func- success stories. Creativity and hard reserve management and reveal a tions of biosphere reserves can play work are not the only elements that specific biosphere reserve’s approach out in a multitude of ways upon the figure into the formula of change: to a particular issue relevant to the varied backgrounds of the land- government bureaucracy, financial region. Although Russia’s 25 bios- scapes of northern Eurasia. A num- burdens, and a low level of environ- phere reserves are diverse, the lessons ber of Russian biosphere zapoved- mental awareness in communities each has learned in the process of niks have already taken important around zapovedniks just begin the implementing the Seville Strategy steps toward becoming true bios- list of factors that weigh against a may serve as helpful examples for phere reserves. As a rule, these steps biosphere reserve in Russia. This other biosphere reserves. The brief are cautious and painfully slow, and very fact makes successes all the articles in the pages ahead offer a successes few and far between. more noteworthy. sunny glimpse into the workings of Almost any biosphere zapovednik various biosphere reserves. The final director would immediately admit The following section of the journal is article, a description of problems in that the problems and challenges of devoted primarily to these success Kavkazsky Biosphere Zapovednik, changing a zapovednik’s activity to stories. Case studies from nine bios- serves as a reminder of the difficult follow more closely the principles of phere reserves in Russia and Belarus circumstances in which biosphere the Seville Strategy far outweigh the each highlight a different aspect of reserves must operate.

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Case Studies

Katunsky Zapovednik. The Transition from Zapovednik to Biosphere Reserve

Established: 25 July1991 Zoning of the biosphere Area: 212,887 ha (core:151,637 ha; buffer: 61,250 ha) cooperation area. General characteristics: mountain steppe, forest, and tundra Map by M. Dubinin Received UNESCO biosphere reserve status: January 2000 based on materials provided by Katunsky By Aleksandr Zateev could become a leading Zapovednik. and Vera Melchenko example of working with the local popula- n 1997, Katunsky Zapovednik tion, in 1997 zapovednik I looked much like any other Russ- staff began working ian zapovednik. Located in the Cen- with the Biodiversity tral Altai Mountains where the head- Conservation Center waters of the Katun River form, the (BCC) to transform zapovednik protected and studied Katunsky Zapovednik the natural high-mountain ecosys- into a biosphere reserve. tems spread throughout its 150,000- Symbolically and officially, the hectare territory. But although the presentation of a UNESCO certifi- established on territory apart from zapovednik itself was located high in cate to Katunsky Zapovednik in Jan- the core area. As zapovednik staff the mountains, away from human uary 2000 recognized the zapoved- moved forward to create the bios- interest and interference, for decades nik as a biosphere reserve. But the phere polygon, however, they the regions surrounding the actual process of becoming a bios- encountered strong resistance from zapovednik and especially its buffer phere reserve was far more complex. the local community, local authori- zone were used for various econom- At the beginning of their work, ties, and local businesses and farms. ic purposes, including farming, herd- Katunsky Zapovednik and the BCC The problem was that the word ing, hunting and fishing, logging, and outlined two fundamental challenges “polygon” in Russian automatically bee-keeping. Realizing that as an to mold the zapovednik to fit the brought to mind its other uses, organization, Katunsky Zapovednik contemporary understanding of a which usually describe military or biosphere reserve: nuclear testing areas; in other words, changing the territori- areas extremely hostile to human al planning of the activity. The government of the zapovednik and work- Republic of Altai even received an ing to improve official letter requesting that the employment opportu- biosphere polygon not cover an area nities and the stan- where economic industries or settle- dard of living at the ments were located for the safety of local level. the republic’s people.

In determining the Some of the greatest opposition best scheme for came from collective farms that raise Katunsky Zapovednik, marals (Cervus elaphus maral), deer- the planners looked to like animals common in the area, other examples of whose horns are prized for their biosphere reserves in medicinal value. The marals live in Russia, where bios- semi-wild conditions, but herders phere polygons, the conduct annual roundups to remove Zoning of Katunsky Biosphere Zapovednik. areas where human the animals’ horns. Raising marals is Map by M. Dubinin based on materials provided by Katun- activities would be one of the leading economic indus- sky Zapovednik. focused, had been tries of the Republic, and specifically

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Case Studies

in the Ust-Koksa District where the involved a broader circle of stake- region’s natural resources, as well as zapovednik is located. In order to holders and included detailed discus- preserving historical, spiritual, cultur- successfully work with the local sion of small grant proposals. al, and economic traditions of community as a whole, the zapoved- indigenous people. They also include nik would have to find a way to Discussions with local maral herders preserving natural systems and bio- cooperate with these herders. yielded particularly interesting logical diversity while interesting the results. Responding to a request from local population in this conservation On the basis of discussions with the Land Committee of the Republic through environmental education members of the local community, of Altai, the zapovednik participated programs. planners drew up a proposal for a in a series of discussions to reform “biosphere cooperation area,” to be and appraise the effects of maral To create such models, planners have located 50 kilometers north of the herding systems in the Ust-Koksa prescribed a combination of zones zapovednik. This phrase came to District. In demonstrating that con- for strict protection, pasturelands, replace the undesirable term “bios- servation could directly benefit the commercial hunting, maral herding, phere polygon.” A unique coordinat- resources on which marals depend, agriculture, and recreation. Future ing council was convened to govern zapovednik staff were able to con- plans include re-examining these the cooperation zone, comprised of vince many maral herders that coop- borders and developing promising representatives of the regional erating with the zapovednik would economic activities, such as tourism. administration, Katunsky Biosphere likewise be profitable. As a result, the Together with the Terek firm admin- Zapovednik, and other nature pro- maral herding collective farm istration, zapovednik and BCC staff tection institutions, including “Terek,” which also grew wheat and have laid out tourist trails that cover Belukha Nature Park. Representatives produced flour, as well as raised bees attractive landscapes, maral herding from the local forestry enterprise, and other animals, declared its inter- areas, geological sites of interest, the regional Committee on Land Use est in helping to establish a bios- mineral water springs, and sites con- and Mineral Resources, NGOs, and phere cooperation area. sidered holy by indigenous peoples. members of the public were also If developed, this kind of tourism included on the council. These series of discussions led to could become a profitable and con- widespread support for the new ter- stant source of income. In 2000, work progressed as two ritory among various stakeholders. staff members from the BCC met Although the regional administration The administration of Belukha extensively with government offi- has yet to formally authorize the Nature Park is currently involved in cials from the Republic of Altai and designation of the biosphere cooper- negotiations to create a second bios- the Ust-Koksa District, as well as ation area, essentially the area is phere cooperation area on the bor- with representatives of the National already functioning. The territory ders of the park. Both the park and Savings Bank in hopes of carrying encompasses land belonging to the the zapovednik have determined out a project to offer small grants for firm “Terek” as well as the village of their mutual interests for the area, sustainable development projects Terekta. Surrounded by state forestry which is both part of a World Her- involved in the reserve’s transition lands, agriculture, and the Terek firm, itage Site, a traditional tourist center, area. During these meetings, parties this variation of land and land use is and a haven for rare species of also debated the final location of the ideal for creating models of sustain- plants and animals. biosphere cooperation area’s bor- able development. The goals for this ders. Similar meetings held in area include raising the standard of Katunsky Zapovednik living of the local community Photo courtesy of Katunsky Biosphere through using the Zapovednik.

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Case Studies

Laplandsky Zapovednik Collaboration in the Transition Zone

people and the environment of the Founded: 17 January 1930 region. Area: 888,500 ha (core: 278,500 ha; buffer: 138,000 ha) General Characteristics: Wetlands and low-mountain tundra and forest- Although efforts to cooperate began tundra in the 1990s, a major step forward Received UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status: 1984 came in 2000, when the Russian Program Office of the World Wide In the 1930s industry began to Murmansk Regional Administration Fund for Nature (WWF) began guid- develop on the Kola Peninsula, and created a buffer zone to limit natural ing zapovednik staff in the creation today the population of the Mur- resource exploitation in a 138,000- of a management plan for the entire mansk Oblast has risen to one mil- hectare area around the zapovednik. Laplandsky Biosphere Reserve. At lion people. Seventeen hydroelectric this time, a num- power plants have been built, along As federal financ- ber of varied with the Kola Atomic Energy Station, ing trickled away stakeholders were several large ore mining and pro- during the 1990s, all located in a cessing plants, metallurgical facto- the zapovednik relatively small ries, and the Apatit industrial union, had to search for area of the cen- which mines and processes potash ways to collabo- tral-western Kola and phosphorous fertilizers. Within rate with its Peninsula, includ- Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus). 10 to 60 kilometers of the zapoved- neighboring ing the zapoved- Photo by A. Gilyazov. nik several cities were built up, industrial enter- nik, several cities, including Monchegorsk, Apatity, Pol- prises and munici- and the industrial yarnye Zori, Olenegorsk, Kovdor, and pal administrations. The first steps in enterprises that gave these cities life. Kirosk, which now have populations this direction proved difficult as the The Kola Science Center of the Russ- ranging from 30 to 80 thousand zapovednik began making connec- ian Academy of Sciences was also people. In order to protect the tions with a nearby metallurgical active in this region. The manage- ecosystems in the zapovednik, the complex only ten kilometers away ment plan aided cooperation efforts and another local already in progress with local com- power plant. These panies and organizations. industrial complexes polluted the zapoved- The zapovednik found a way to nik’s forests and lakes. work with practically all of the com- Olenegorsk In order to stop the panies, governmental administra- degradation of local tions, and institutions located within ecosystems, the a 60-kilometer radius. The transition zapovednik began area (or cooperation area) of the seeking compensation biosphere reserve emerged almost by from these enterprises itself. Representatives of all these for the environmental organizations took active part in damage they caused. preparing a Concept for the bios- The zapovednik filed phere reserve and developing the numerous suits against fundamental spheres of its activity. this and other pollut- The directors of industrial enterpris- ing industries. In the es and the heads of regional and end, however, it was municipal administrations have cooperation, not con- agreed to serve on the biosphere Zoning around Laplandsky Biosphere Zapovednik. frontation, that pro- reserve’s coordinating council. As a Map by M. Dubinin based on materials provided by Lap- duced the most fruitful result, formal regulations regarding landsky Biosphere Zapovednik. results for both the this council and its membership

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Case Studies

were ratified in June 2001 by an The Kola Atomic Energy Station, ships. The first is that in recent years, edict from the Governor of the Mur- located 30 kilometers from the bor- the administrators of large industrial mansk Region. ders of the zapovednik, signed a enterprises have begun looking public agreement on the conserva- beyond the borders of their compa- In 1997, Laplandsky Zapovednik tion of Russia’s wilderness. The sta- nies to the region as a whole. Second- sued the largest complex of the of tion voluntarily agreed to support ly, for many years the zapovednik has the Kola Mining and Smelting Com- the activity of Laplandsky Zapoved- actively worked with the media, pro- pany, Severonikel, for $6,700,000 nik, and has followed through on moting environmental awareness worth of forest damage. For the first this promise. Like Severonikel, it among the local population and time in history, Severonikel plead finances the zapovednik’s environ- describing nature and the zapoved- guilty to the charges. This marked a mental education projects and annu- nik’s work to residents of the Mur- change in the relationship between al magazine. The station also pro- mansk Region. The administration of the complex and the zapovednik: vides material and technical support Monchegorsk, a city located 10 kilo- even before the trial was over, both for the zapovednik’s rangers. meters from the zapovednik, has sides agreed to cooperate in the always supported the reserve, current- future. Following many years of Other partners in the reserve’s tran- ly financing the zapovednik’s projects long and difficult dialogue, the sition zone include Russia’s largest to preserve and study the biological zapovednik has developed multifac- phosphorus mining and fertilizer diversity of the area, as well as to edu- eted and stable producing cate the local population about its partnerships enterprise, natural riches. Beginning in the 1990s, with both Apatit, which every year special funds have been Severonikel is located just ear-marked in the city’s ecological and the entire 40 kilometers fund to support these projects. Kola Mining from the and Smelting zapovednik’s The near future holds many chal- Company. The borders. Since lenges and goals for this biosphere zapovednik’s 2000, Apatit reserve, but its mission has become staff monitor has offered increasingly clear. In a region like the environ- Lake Vaikis, Laplandsky Zapovednik. financial sup- the Kola Peninsula, where the popu- ment around Photo by S. Shestakov. port for envi- lation is dependent on heavy indus- the complex, ronmental tries for survival, Laplandsky where most of the company’s work- education programs, and is current- Zapovednik has found a means to ers and their families live. In turn, ly drawing up an agreement on cooperate with local stakeholders to Severonikel helps organize the bios- long-term cooperation between strive towards cleaner production phere reserve’s work, reconstruct Apatit and the zapovednik. In and environmental health. the Grandfather Frost Homestead in spring 2001, representatives from the zapovednik, a key instrument in the Olenegorsk ore mining and pro- Sergei Shestakov is the Director of regional environmental education, cessing plant, located 30 kilometers Laplandsky Biosphere Zapovednik. and prepare the annual informa- from the zapovednik, tional magazine “Laplandsky met with zapovednik Zapovednik.” staff to discuss future collabo- Neighborly relations continue to ration. form with another local company, Kolenergo. In 2000, Kolenergo con- Several factors influ- structed power lines for the ence the creation zapovednik free of charge. The price of these of these lines was more than one- mutually and-a-half times the sum they were beneficial required to pay the zapovednik for partner- excessive water withdrawals from the local reservoir, which led to mas- sive fish deaths and the desiccation Photographs of spawning grounds. by M. Maleshin.

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Case Studies

Sayano-Shushensky Zapovednik Hunting and Wildlife Management

ing in the early 1990s to create a sys- Established: 17 March 1976 tem of managing the region’s natural Total area: 1,075,368 ha (core: 390,368 ha; buffer 94,000 ha) resources in which strict protection Total staff: 80 people was balanced with a flexible system General characteristics: Varied mountain ecosystems for using natural resources. of the Western Sayan Range Received UNESCO biosphere reserve status: 15 February 1985 But the situation was far more com- plicated than simply needing to pro- By Aleksandr Rassolov common in the region, and ought to tect animals across their entire habitat. be hunted more. Hunting had been an important n the central region of the Western industry in the region, and had the I Sayan Mountains, the landscape In Russia as a whole, the lack of potential to bring even more benefit if forms a mosaic of steppe, taiga, and coordination between various con- managed properly and in a sustain- tundra. These mountains are home to servation agencies often prevents able manner. Hunting management abundant wildlife, including snow effective nature protection. In the priorities and principles from the leopards (Uncia uncia), Siberian ibex region surrounding Sayano-Shushen- Soviet Era had grown hopelessly out- (Capra siberica), roe deer (Capreolus sky Zapovednik hunting regulations dated under the realities of post-Sovi- capreolus), maral (Cervus elaphus are ineffective and poaching is often et Russia. The organizations that once maral), and Altai snow grouse left unpunished. Realizing that over- supported professional hunters and (Tetraogallus altaicus). Protecting and hunting around the zapovednik fishermen were falling apart, and cur- managing these and other natural affected the animals the reserve pro- rent legislation offered little means for resources is one of many challenges tected – and which regularly wan- these societies to form anew as large Sayano-Shushensky Biosphere dered beyond the borders of the or even small hunting enterprises. In Zapovednik faces. In recent years, the reserve – Sayano-Shushensky short, the entire system of hunting zapovednik has taken a new step in Zapovednik began pointedly work- management needed to be reformed. its development as a biosphere reserve, striving to become a model for the organization of management, rational use of natural resources, and socio-economic development in the region. One important aspect of this development has meant going beyond the borders of the zapovednik to influence regional hunting and wildlife management.

The Yermakovsky Region is known for its abundance of wild undulates. For the past 20 to 30 years, at least 100 marals have been hunted per year. The musk deer (Moschus mochiferus) is the most common undulate in the region, numbering about 2,000 to 2,500 individuals. The increased demand for musk deer in recent years, however, has led to illegal hunting of the animals. Mean- while, squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) and Existing and projected zoning for Sayano-Shushensky Biosphere Zapovednik. Map by sable (Martes zibellina) are quite M. Dubinin based on materials provided by Sayano-Shushensky Biosphere Zapovednik.

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Case Studies

Hoping to take an active and posi- use, bringing together representatives beyond its borders as well as unite tive role in the economic use of the of conservation organizations and local protected areas so that they biosphere polygon, the staff of natural resource-based industries, as function together as a more unified Sayano-Shushensky Zapovednik well as government representatives, and efficient body. While neither began focusing on hunting and members of the public, and other Sayano-Shushensky Zapovednik nor wildlife management. Local resi- stakeholders. The head of the Region- Shushensky Bor National Park are dents’ lives are closely tied to the use al Administration chairs the council, capable of resolving all of the prob- of natural resources, so the zapoved- which discusses and resolves funda- lems that arise even within their nik’s challenge was to provide local mental issues for the polygon. new, expanded jurisdiction in the communities with the opportunity biosphere polygon, they must collab- to receive the highest income possi- In May 2001 the zapovednik orate with other partners in the ble while minimizing the use of nat- received permission from the polygon, especially the Coordination ural resources. Administration of Krasnoyarsky Krai Council. to begin long-term use of animal In 1995 the zapovednik supported resources in the region. Beginning Already results of this collaboration the founding of the 40,000-hectare this year, the zapovednik itself is are visible in the lives of local resi- Shushensky Bor National Park. In responsible for regulating the num- dents. The biosphere polygon has 2000, it promoted the founding of ber of various species taken from the brought a new life to the a biosphere polygon – Bolshaya region of the polygon contiguous to Ermakovsky Region, offering new Pashkina Zakaznik – near the core the zapovednik. The zapovednik’s jobs and new investments. By federal area in the Eramkovsky Region. decisions will be mandated in pro- tax estimates in 2000, hunting This biosphere polygon had many tected areas near the biosphere poly- tourism alone has brought nearly goals, including turning all of the gon, and will be recommended for $5,000 dollars to the region, quite a protected areas within the polygon the rest of the region. sizeable sum for a single, isolated into a unified network and con- region in the Sayan mountains. ducting environmental monitoring This new function will allow zapoved- and other forms of scientific nik staff to use their expertise to Sayano-Shushensky Zapovednik’s research there, as well as educating determine rational use of the region’s most recent plans include a joint the local population about environ- animal resources. For example, on the project with other regional zapoved- mental issues. It was also intended basis of the zapovednik’s recommen- niks to expand the biosphere poly- to support the development and dations, the region of the biosphere gon to 650,000 hectares. This new organization of traditional and polygon chosen for managed hunting biosphere polygon, called “Sedye environmentally sustainable eco- will include a small reserve, whose Sayany,” would allow the zapovednik nomic activities, such as logging, area will be about 25-30 percent of to even further assert its influence in managed hunting, breeding and the total area of the managed hunting the region. raising wild game animals, maral region. Evidence shows that these herding, bee keeping, and recre- kinds of reserves help to stabilize ani- Aleksandr Rassolov is the Direc- ation. mal populations more effectively than tor of Sayano-Shushensky completely separate protected areas. Biosphere Zapovednik. One of the zapovednik’s first tasks after the polygon’s creation was to The creation of a biosphere polygon find an effective way of managing the in the Ermakovsky Region has territory and the diverse interests in helped to facilitate the zapoved- the land. A coordinating council was nik’s activity formed to govern the polygon’s

Photo by S. Koroleva.

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Case Studies

Teberdinsky Zapovednik Environmentally Sustainable Tourism

But from the mid-1980s to 1990s, Established: 5 March 1936 changes in the political and eco- Area: 536,000 ha (core: 85,000 ha; buffer: 150,000 ha) nomic structure of the country General characteristics: High mountains and coniferous forests brought tourism almost to a stand- of the Great Caucasus Range still. Fighting in the nearby republics Total staff: 174 people of Abkhazia and Chechnya fright- Received UNESCO biosphere reserve status: 1997 ened many potential tourists away, particularly foreigners. Meanwhile, By Yuri Sarkisyan in the late 19th century daring moun- economic collapse in Russia further tain climbers and ordinary tourists depleted the tourist industry. Resorts Such canvases of wondrous beauty! alike began flocking to resort towns The everlasting thrones of snow such as Teberda, Dombai, and Arkhiz. Displayed immobile peaks, appearing Indeed, beginning in the 1920s this A chain of clouds to eyes below, region served as one of Russia’s pri- While in their circle stood a titan, mary tourist locations, and it was not Two-headed, crowned in sparkling ice: without reason that the initial deci- Majestic and immense Mount Elbrus sion to create a zapovednik – Shone white against the clear blue skies. Teberdinsky – in the region in 1936 – Aleksandr Pushkin pointed out the important role the zapovednik would play in supporting hroughout all of history the tourism without bringing harm to the T rugged beauty of the Caucasus natural systems of these mountains. Mountains has awed the region’s resi- By the 1970s to 1980s, as many as dents and guests. These sharp peaks, 700,000 tourists were visiting lofty glaciers, turquoise lakes, and vir- Teberdinsky Zapovednik each year. gin forests are home to a great diversity of wildlife, bringing the region As an industry, tourism created a one of the highest ratings for biologi- sizeable infrastructure in the repub- cal diversity in Eurasia. Although the lic, and specifically in and around Photo courtesy of Y. Sarkisyan. Caucasus was once a land of exile for Teberdinsky Zapovednik, whose Russian writers and poets, beginning administrative center was located in in Dombai and Teberda sat empty. the city of Teberda. In response, the local population Indeed, three popular began to seek new forms of income resort towns with a total through alternative economic activi- population of about ties that were often not as sustain- 8,000 people fell within able as tourism had been. Residents the territory of the began increasing both the number zapovednik. Hotels, and size of their herds, even allow- health resorts, restau- ing them to graze in the zapovednik. rants, cafes, and tourist But in trying to maximize the num- centers were built, pro- ber of livestock in the limited space viding jobs and income around the zapovednik, people for the people in the exceeded the carrying capacity of region. Indeed, for many fields. Instead of rising, the standard years tourism was a cor- of living fell. nerstone of the regional Existing and projected zoning for Sayano-Shushensky Bios- economy in the Republic Moreover, following the breakup of phere Zapovednik. Map by M. Dubinin based on materials of Karachaevo- the Soviet Union, it was not just the provided by Sayano-Shushensky Biosphere Zapovednik. Cherkessia. local people who needed the income

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Case Studies

tourism brought, but also zapovednik, plans for tourism. Secondly, the of local officials and the public at which had lost the greater portion of zapovednik itself would directly pro- large, the zapovednik would be in a its federal financing. mote the development of environ- position to influence much of the mentally sustainable tourism focused development of the region. This kind In short, with both the economic on wilderness sites in the Caucasus. of relationship between zapovednik and environmental health of the In practice, however, this theory is and local population still lies in the region spinning downward, some- lost on the general public. Providing future, but it is a concrete goal for the one needed to act to promote a an economic motivation for the zapovednik staff. Properly organized healthy relationship between the local population to support the work in developing and managing region’s people and its natural zapovednik had to be the first step tourism in the region in and around resources. Teberdinsky Zapovednik in cooperative efforts. Teberdinsky Zapovednik offers profit stepped in to take an important role for the zapovednik, the local popula- in reviving the tourist industry in the The creation of an Environmental tion, and for the region as a whole. Republic of Karachaevo-Cherkessia, Education and Information Center in and with it the livelihood of the Teberdinsky Zapopvednik was an Ultimately an important symbiotic region. The zapovednik’s challenge important means to coordinate the relationship is forming between the was both to protect the ecosystems work of government and public zapovednik’s activity – and the envi- within its territory and also, consid- organizations in the sphere of educa- ronmental ethics it supports – and ering the social situation in the tion and tourism on the local level. the local economy. The zapovednik region, to help the local population Some attention was given to including needs the income tourism provides raise its standard of living. Receiving as broad a public sphere as possible in for preserving its ecosystems, while the status of a biosphere reserve in the planning and implementation of tourism requires the zapovednik’s 1997 helped this work advance. tourism, included supporting small infrastructure and natural beauty to businesses and local trades. The attract tourists. In the northern Cau- In 1999, a Global Environment Facil- development of new models for pro- casus, it is precisely this kind of intri- ity (GEF) project was launched, ducing souvenirs, as well as advertis- cate relationship that can help to aimed at developing environmental ing for the zapovednik, have already forge sustainable development and education and tourism by using the brought a significant increase in the promote alternative use of natural Teberdinsky Zapovednik’s organiza- interest for locally produced goods. resources. tional and natural resources as a Today the tourist industry directly base of operations. Other organiza- involves about 80 percent of the local Yuri Sarkisyan is the Deputy Direc- tions knowledgeable in the develop- population, or 5,000 people. tor of Environmental Education in ment of environmental education Teberdinsky Biosphere Zapovednik. and sustainable tourism, including The region in and around Teberdinsky the Ecocenter “Zapovedniks” in Zapovednik lacks any major industry Moscow, the development fund beyond tourism. Nonetheless, the “Dersu Uzala,” joined in this work, renaissance of tourism in Teberdinsky helping the program with the expe- Zapovednik and its environs has great rience of specialists. Further support potential to cause a positive economic came from a USAID program, ROLL effect in the region. Airports and (Replication of the Lessons Learned), roads must be refurbished and com- for developing tourism in the region. munication lines improved. In theory, Local government authorities also the zapovednik’s involvement in these actively supported these activities. projects would promote not only economic development for the region, In essence, this project supported a but also ensure that these engineering pact between the zapovednik and projects were constructed with con- the local population. Local residents cern for the environment. Indeed, needed to receive a two-sided guar- having earned the trust and respect antee. First off, a decrease in agricultural pressures would ensure maxi- mal conservation of the zapoved- Photographs courtesy of nik’s natural systems in their pristine Y. Sarkisyan. state, a requirement for long-term

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Case Studies

Sikhote-Alinsky Zapovednik Being an Advisor for the Region

reserve’s staff regularly sends books, Established: 1935 pamphlets, magazines, videotapes, Total area: 469,088 ha (core: 401,428 ha; buffer 67,660 ha) and other materials on environmen- Total staff: 147 people tal topics to local village schools. General characteristics: Low-elevation mountain forests of the Russian The environmental awareness Far East department of the zapovednik works Received UNESCO biosphere reserve status: 19 February 1979 with teachers to organize contests for which the winners receive prizes By Anatoly A. Astafev this wilderness was far from human from the zapovednik, including a influence, today several communities grand prize of a free ten-day trip to t the eastern edge of the Eurasian lie in the biosphere reserve’s transition the zapovednik’s environmental A continent, where the waters of zone. Learning to work with the local camp. There children not only rest the Sea of Japan crash against the population has been a key feature in in the beauty of the zapovednik’s Sikhote-Alin mountains, a blanket of the reserve’s activity over the past 25 wilderness, but also learn valuable forests stretches as far as the eye can years: having gathered a wealth of lessons about nature and the com- see. When first founded in 1935, the knowledge on the region from their plex relationship between nature nearly 2,000,000-hectare Sikhote-Alin- research within the zapovednik, the and society. Specialists from the sky Zapovednik was the largest nature reserve staff have moved beyond their zapovednik give lectures and guide reserve in the world; today the reserve park’s borders, using their expertise the children on field trips. In this is less than one-third of its original and creativity to take a leading role in way, a new generation is raised with size, but maintains its historic role in the region’s development. a stronger respect for nature and a protecting the unique mountain deeper understanding of the interac- forests of the Russian Far East and the As one of the oldest zapovedniks in tion between people and nature. animals that live there, including the Russia, Sikhote-Alinsky has a long endangered Amur (Siberian) tiger and respected tradition of scientific Despite the positive results of pro- (Panthera tigris altaica), the world’s research, including studying the moting environmental awareness in largest cat. While once upon a time effects of human activity on natural the Sikhote-Alinsky region, this work systems. Between 1974 and 1986 alone was not enough to create a Sikhote-Alinsky Zapovednik served balanced relationship between peo- as the center for coordinating the ple and nature or to support sustain- work of all of the zapovedniks of the able development, a key function of Russian Far East. This work caught biosphere reserves. The zapovednik the attention of both local govern- needed to support the local popula- ment officials and the general public, tion, cooperating with communities drawing them into environmental to advise on environmental issues protection work and facilitating the and share in the work of simultane- process of creating new protected ous conservation and development. areas. In the 1980s, the zapovednik To this end, while continuing the used its Nature Museum to educate zapovednik’s educational mission, and inform the local community of staff began to branch out in support its nature conservation work. The of the local population in the vil- effect of this education was stun- lages near the reserve. ning: not only did illegal logging and trespassing in the zapovednik The reserve staff went beyond the decrease, but a “peoples’ lobby” borders of the zapovednik, using Zoning around Sikhote-Alinsky Bios- formed to defend the zapovednik. their scientific knowledge and expe- phere Zapovednik. Map by M. Dubinin rience to benefit the region. For based on materials provided by Sikhote- The zapovednik also began working example, environmental monitoring Alinsky Biosphere Zapovednik. with children in the region. The research begun in 1979 produced

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Case Studies

interesting results that were applica- noticeable positive changes in the regional environmental organiza- ble to a region beyond the zapoved- protection of the borders of the tions and government agencies, nik 500 square kilometers in area. reserve’s core area. Moreover, in including local police, continues as a At the end of the 1980s the actively promoting the growth of fruitful partnership. For example, zapovednik staff took active part in tourism in the region, the zapoved- recent joint efforts have worked to creating a Regional Environmental nik uses foods and other goods pro- reduce illegal trade in natural Program for the Primorsky Krai. duced primarily by local farmers and resources. The only road connecting Their expertise was particularly valu- industries. It also recommends the north and south of the Pri- able for determining priorities in the tourist agencies that cooperate with morsky Krai cuts directly through creation and function of protected the zapovednik or work independ- the core region of the reserve. A areas in the region. ently in the region do the same. special inspection station at the Farmers encounter many difficulties entrance of the zapovednik allows In a relatively short period of time, trying to find a market for their checks of vehicles and cargo enter- the administration of the zapoved- products, and this help provides tan- ing or exiting the zapovednik. This nik was able to establish fruitful con- gible support for their work. More- inspection point has brought a per- tacts with both local and regional over, zapovednik administrators seek ceptible decrease in the illegal trans- government officials, as well as with to further aid these farmers by port and trade of natural resources. nature protection agencies and state actively drawing the attention of Meanwhile, clamping down on ille- forestry enterprises. Together they local government officials to devel- gitimate businesses also offers a worked to support specific law-abid- oping tourism and supporting small boost to legitimate enterprises in the ing logging companies active around and mid-sized businesses. region. the perimeter of the zapovednik in hopes of decreasing logging in the In some cases, cooperation between Naturally all of this work would not immediate area of the core area, local farmers and the zapovednik have been nearly as successful, or in elaborating strategies and techniques has had an even more direct impact some cases even possible, without for sustainable forestry. Indeed, the on preserving the region’s wildlife. funding from a number of outside amount of illegal logging fell signifi- As part of an internationally, nation- sources to supplement the zapoved- cantly as a result of this cooperation ally, and regionally sponsored project nik’s federal budget. But the real and the heads of logging companies’ to save the Amur tiger, the zapoved- success the zapovednik has achieved tightening environmental controls in nik staff and local partners founded has come directly from becoming an their companies. an anti-poaching campaign. One of important part of the culture and the key elements of this campaign economy of the region. Creativity The zapovednik administration has was a plan to offer farmers compen- and cooperation between the also worked closely with local farms sation payment for any domesticated zapovednik and local communities spread along the perimeter of the animal killed by a tiger. This long- has created the foundations of a sta- core and in the buffer zone since the term program had unquestionable ble and symbiotic relationship farms first appeared toward the end benefit for preserving tigers that live between the reserve and local resi- of the 1980s and the beginning of close to farms in the region while dents, offering bright hope for the the 1990s. The zapovednik offers simultaneously made tiger attacks future of this biosphere reserve, its jobs to members of the farmers’ fam- less of an economic threat for local mountain forests, and the people ilies, including working as patrol farmers. who call the Sikhote-Alin region rangers in the reserve. This kind of their home. cooperative work pro- The trust that the zapovednik has vides built with the local community and Anatoly A. Astafev is the director of the effort it has made to Sikhote-Alinsky Biosphere Zapovednik. work with

Photo courtesy by N. Maleshin.

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Case Studies

Tsentralno-Lesnoi Zapovednik Environmental Education

One of the staff members earned a Established: 1931 second degree in psychology. Area: 24,500 ha General characteristics: Taiga and forest wetlands This infrastructure enables Tsentral- Received UNESCO biosphere reserves status: 1985 no-Lesnoi Zapovednik to better answer federal plans for zapovedniks By Marina Rubtsova their own by observing it. in the next decade. These plans point out that zapovedniks’ work in ne of the fundamental factors The infrastructure in Tsentralo- environmental education and aware- O in changing and improving the Lesnoi Zapovednik includes an ness “will offer a palpable result if it relationship between people in environmental education center (a is long term, goal-oriented, systemat- nature is changing people’s mentali- visitors’ center, field trips, and lec- ic and integrated, if it touches peo- ty toward the environment, teaching tures), a resource center (a library, ple’s intellectual and emotional sides, them to respect nature and recog- scientific information, databases), if it develops people’s skills and nize its value. In Russia, most adults the Tverskaya Oblast Monitoring knowledge, and is built upon a solid do not fully appreciate the threat of Center, and a cultural center. The methodological and material base.” an ecological crisis, and convincing zapovednik’s environmental educa- Environmental education will devel- them to change their behavior with tion department was founded in op successfully only if it receives suf- respect to nature is a formidable 1999, and despite its small staff of ficient support from within the challenge. Meanwhile children, Rus- five people, is continually gaining zapovednik and incorporates other sia’s future, are generally much more experience and developing its work interested educational and conserva- responsive toward environmental in multiple directions. Three staff tion organizations of multiple levels. issues. For this reason, protected members have advanced degrees as In other words, educational initia- areas in Russia in recent years have teachers of biology, geography, and tives must use successful methods to actively created specialized educa- philology, and have taken special answer relevant issues and problems tional centers that not only distrib- continuing education courses in the region. ute information, but literally sub- through the Ecocenter “Zapoved- merge children in the real world of niks” to raise their qualifications. In the case of Tsentralno-Lesnoi nature, offering them the opportuni- Zapovednik, such problems include ty to learn about the world on the local population’s view of

Photo courtesy of A. Vlasov.

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Case Studies

and demands on the forests sur- As a whole, environmental education Lesnoi Zapovednik and the Tver- rounding the zapovednik. For gener- helps to raise the prestige of the skaya Oblast Committee on Natural ations, local residents have made use zapovednik in the eyes of local com- Resources. of the natural resources in their munities. This may be particularly vicinity, never even thinking about true in the western side of the Tver- The importance of working with the long-term effects of this use. skaya Oblast, where Tsentralno- teachers and educational organiza- When Tsentralno-Lesnoi Zapovednik Lesnoi Zapovednik is the only major tions should not be ignored. Begin- has taken a stand with regard to the cultural and scientific center. Only a ning in 2000, the zapovednik has use of the valuable forest stands part of the zapovednik’s potential as offered special courses for teachers around the zapovednik, serious con- an educational center is being used, to improve their knowledge and flicts surround tree cutting, berry but its achievements are already qualifications for teaching about and mushroom collecting, hunting noteworthy. Environmental educa- ecology and environmental conser- and fishing, and the development of tion programs based in Tsentralno- vation. Special courses specifically small businesses. In working with Lesnoi Zapovednik show that it is for biology teachers have been local children, the zapovednik staff necessary to make full use not only offered since 2001. The zapovednik hopes to minimize these conflicts in of a protected area’s resources, as also collaborates with regional edu- the present and the future. well as young naturalists’ stations, cational agencies in the Tverskaya museums of local culture, biology Oblast. Schoolteachers actively take Internal problems within a zapoved- clubs and other extra-curricular part in special events, such as March nik can strongly hinder its education- activities. for Parks (a park clean-up), “Wild al mission, however, and must be Animal Defense Week,” “Day of the addressed. Does the administration of Over the course of the past three Birds,” and contests involving crafts, the zapovednik understand the signif- years, the staff of Tsentralno-Lesnoi books, drawings, and photographs icance and possible paths for envi- Zapovednik have turned their envi- have become common. ronmental education? Is the staff ronmental education programs in qualified to teach children and adults numerous directions, working with Much of the zapovednik’s advertis- of various ages? Is it they taking local children from kindergarten to ing campaign is also aimed at chil- advantage of existing data and expe- the university. Some programs are dren. Souvenirs from the zapovednik rience in environmental education? Is tried and true, having existed since – field journals with the zapovednik the zapovednik’s budget being wisely the 1930s, while others are still logo, calendars, and informational distributed among the multiple being developed and tested. The booklets – are quite popular with branches of the reserve’s work? zapovednik welcomes visitors and children. Information has been pre- offers information to those who seek pared for the zapovednik’s website. The zapovednik’s educational work it, but also takes an active step by Four times per year the regional must be multi-faceted. It should reaching out into local communities newspaper dedicates a page to the draw those residents who are favor- with educational initiatives. zapovednik. ably disposed toward conservation into the decision-making process Training programs for high school By definition, environmental educa- when addressing specific issues in and college-age students teach tion is a long-term process, whose biosphere reserve management. By young people skills for conducting ultimate results will become visible educating and training members of field research, as experienced only when the current generation of nearby communities, the zapovednik zapovednik staff guide them on children has grown up. Nonetheless, can prepare future staff members, field trips and field research proj- the experience of Tsentralno-Lesnoi who in turn value not only the ects. In the summer, environmental Zapovednik shows that a zapoved- zapovednik, but also its educational camps and summer schools offer nik – and especially a biosphere mission. Educating the local commu- children the chance to learn while reserve – can and should take an nity also keeps the zapovednik in enjoying recreation in the forest. active role in teaching local commu- closer touch with local residents, Special days for collecting trash, nities about the nature reserve itself allowing staff to form better socio- planting trees, and cleaning natural and the importance of its natural economic bases for further reserve springs are also a part of this work. wealth. development. Ultimately, education Children have joined “Heritage Pre- should allow the local population to servers,” youth groups active in Marina Rubtsova is the Head of understand how the zapovednik nature protection that fall under Environmental Education at Tsentral- offers them a true benefit. the joint watch of Tsentralno- no-Lesnoi Biosphere Zapovednik.

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Case Studies

Tsentralno-Chernozemny Zapovednik Scientific Research in Biosphere Reserves

work in the reserve’s scientific depart- Established: 1935 ment, including three doctors of bio- Total area: 12,967 ha (core: 5,284 ha; buffer: 7,683) logical science and four doctoral can- Total staff: 64 didates. Research led by reserve falls General characteristics: Oak forest and high-grass steppes into two broad categories: environ- Received UNESCO biosphere reserve status: 19 February 1979 mental monitoring through the “Chronicle of Nature” (Letopis’ A note from the editors: As noted in insects, all of the whistling, buzzing, prirody) and independent research. Tatiana Minaeva’s article earlier in crackling, shrieking, and suddenly The Chronicle of Nature is a unique this issue of RCN, since their origins, forming a harmonious choir. And and detailed annual record of climate biosphere zapovedniks have excelled none of it stops, even for an instant.” conditions, geological data, and plant at scientific research and monitoring, With these words the famed Russ- and animal species, individually kept and should not be forgotten amid ian-Ukrainian writer Nikolai Gogol by all Russian zapovedniks. When new efforts to promote sustainable described the expanses of wild recorded over several decades, this development around the zapoved- steppe as they appeared at the end chronicle contains a wealth of sys- niks. Indeed, support for science and of the 19th century. Today little tematic information on soil, water, research continues to be an impor- remains of these steppes, but small flora, microbes, fauna, and local ecol- tant function for all biosphere island-like regions remain preserved ogy. Many sites in Tsentralno-Cher- reserves. The following article exam- in Tsentralno-Chernozyomny nozemny Zapovednik have been ines the important role of scientific Zapovednik in the Kursk Region, included in the reserve’s chronicle for research in one of Russia’s oldest and where Russia’s grasslands meet the more than 50 years. most prestigious biosphere zapoved- temperate forest belt. Tsentralno- niks. Chernozemny Zapovednik plays a Beyond the Chronicle of Nature, the vital role not only in the preserva- zapovednik has played an active role By Andrei Vlasov tion of these islands, but also in the in numerous other scientific research study of their flora and fauna. projects. One of the most interest- ow wild and fresh the air is! ing of these involves comparative “H How alive everything is: the Since the reserve’s founding in 1935, experiments to monitor and study steppe blushes, burning, and shining long-term scientific research has steppe succession. Scientists divided blue with flowers. Quails, bustards, occupied a leading role in the the reserve into regions and imple- gulls, grasshoppers, thousands of reserve’s activity. Today 30 people mented various regimes to test their

Tsentralno-Chernozemny Biosphere Zapovednik’s island-like units are spread throughout the Kursk Region. Map by M. Dubinin based on materials provided by Tsentralno-Chernozemny Biosphere Zapovednik.

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Case Studies

hypotheses. Human intervention is national and international scientific to investigate the effect of the Kursk strictly prohibited in certain areas, exchanges continue to develop. nuclear power plant – identical in creating a control region for com- make to the Chernobyl reactor – on parison. Other regions are mowed The zapovednik’s scientific research the surrounding environment. The to imitate the effects of grazing, as serves the international scientific scientists studied the soil, water, and for thousands of years wild animals community in other ways as well. The flora of the region around the station, such as steppe horses (now extinct) many years of research in the bios- and discovered that radiation extend- and saiga (Saiga tatarica) roamed phere reserve following strict method- ed far beyond the 30-kilometer radius across these grasslands. Still other ology form part of the foundation of promised by power plant officials. regions are tested with cattle grazing global environmental monitoring. Moreover, they found that wind pat- or controlled burns. These experi- Moreover, zapovednik staff have rec- terns carried significant radiation to ments have yielded fascinating ognized the value of their vast the nearby city of Kursk, population results about the intricacies of research and published much of it. In 400,000. With the information from steppe systems and have provided all, the scientific staff of the zapoved- these studies, the zapovednik was examples for scientific groups in nik have published 450 scientific arti- able to halt further nuclear develop- other parts of the world interested cles and treatises. Sharing this data is ment in the region until the power in practical methods for restoring one of the most important means of plant promised to renovate its equip- grasslands. They have also con- contributing to conservation of grass- ment and decrease radiation levels in tributed to the economic develop- land areas worldwide. emissions. ment of the region, as the zapovednik allows local farmers to mow and But scientists in Tsentralno-Cher- In this way, the Tsentralno-Cher- graze the land, providing important nozemny Zapovednik have not limit- nozemny Zapovednik has proven income and supporting favorable ed themselves to conducting research that thorough and long-term scien- relations between the zapovednik only within the reserve’s core area, or tific research can bring a multitude and the local population. to using their scientific knowledge of benefits, not only to the zapoved- only to increase global knowledge on nik itself, but also to the local and The energetic and creative approach steppes. In recent years, the staff world community. the biosphere reserve takes to scientif- helped to prepare the Red Data Book ic research creates an atmosphere that of the Kursk Region, an invaluable Andrei Vlasov is the Director of promotes fruitful collaboration with contribution to both the body of sci- Tsentralno-Chernozemny Biosphere various academic institutes. Some of entific research on Southern Russia Zapovednik. the most prestigious scientific and the planning of conservation research institutes in Russia have strategies in the region. taken advantage of Tsentralno-Cher- nozemny Zapovednik: the Institute of They have also used their scien- Geography of the Russian Academy of tific expertise to monitor Sciences, the Institute of Population the health of the entire Ecology and Evolution of the RAS, Kursk Region. In Moscow State University, other state 1998, the Regional universities, and many others. Every Committee on year the Timiryazevskaya Agricultural Environmental Academy conducts an excursion in Protection the reserve for teachers and graduate invited spe- and undergraduate students of various cialists German universities that specialize in from the landscape and soil sciences. These zapovednik

Wild Steppes serve as field laboratory. Photo by A. Vlasov.

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Case Studies

Belovezhskaya Pushcha Creating a Transboundary Biosphere Reserve

By Heorhi A. Kazulka the Polish park earned this status in Pushcha between the Soviet Socialist 1977, the Belarusian park in 1993. Republic of Byelorussia and the The idea of cooperative nature pro- Their combined core areas have Republic of Poland, management of tection across political boundaries been included in the territory took arose long ago but continues to the List of World two divergent spawn frequent discussion. Trans- Heritage Sites as a paths. In Belarus, boundary biosphere reserves are single entity, and the entire forest designed to impede the fragmenta- the parks together (74,500 ha), tion of valuable natural landscapes, received a Diploma which had been form a cooperative strategy and take from the European subject to logging joint responsibility for the condition Council for particu- in the early 20th of the ecosystems, share in the lar service in the century, was development of mutually beneficial protection of named a nature tourism, and work together to man- nature in 1997. reserve and came age the natural resources of the Virgin forests incorporate old-growth under strict pro- entire region in a sustainable way. The two parks are and decaying trees. Photo by V. Aleshko. tection. Nonethe- Five transboundary biosphere both located in an less, the forest still reserves exist in Europe today. area that was historically a single pro- encountered environmental prob- tected area, quite possibly the oldest lems. Various drainage projects Meanwhile, Europe holds more than in all of Europe. Belovezhskaya altered the land of Belovezhshskaya 40 protected areas that abut or cross Pushcha is a vast old-growth forest Pushcha significantly, although sev- national borders. Two of them – (indeed, the word pushcha in Slavic eral large wetlands (such as Dikoye Bialowieza National Park in Poland languages means ‘dense, wild or virgin Marsh, 7,700 ha) remain to this day. and Belovezhskaya Pushcha National forest’) comprised of coniferous and Undulates overpopulated forest, Park in Belarus – if joined, could broadleaf trees that houses a multi- spurred by efforts to raise and become the first transboundary bios- tude of wildlife including wolves release wild undulates when the area phere reserve in Europe to protect a (Canis lupes), lynx (Lynx lynx), and was a federal game reserve from flat expanse of forest and wetlands. European bison (Bison bonasus). 1957 to 1991. But because clear-cut- Both of these national parks are Belovezhskaya Pushcha has been ting and cutting old-growth trees already national biosphere reserves: known as a protected natural area were not practiced, almost the entire since the end of the area of Belovezhskaya Pushcha in 14th century, when the Belarus remained in a relatively Lithuanian Prince Yagel- untouched state. lo declared it as such, allowing only himself In comparison, the Polish side suf- and his brother the right fered greatly from commercial log- to hunt in these woods. ging. Only the most historical region Later on the entire terri- (4,747 ha) was protected by tory of Belovezhskaya Bialowieza National Park, while the Pushcha fell alternatively remaining 53,000 ha became the under the control of property of forestry enterprises. Nat- Polish kings, Russian urally, this turnover led to clear-cut- tsars, German occupying ting and artificial reforestation. More forces, the Polish gov- than half of the Polish forest was ernment, Soviet powers, cut, a quarter of it replanted. Only and Hitler’s regime. now are plans promoting the expan- The zoning of Bialowieski and Belovezhskaya Pushcha sion of Bialowieza National Park biosphere reserves. Map by M. Dubinin based on materials Following the division over the entire area of Bialowieza provided by Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park. of Belovezhskaya Forest in Poland.

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Case Studies

Further differences between the two that relations between the two parts Geobotanical Station, and the Depart- sides of the forest are apparent in of Belovezhskaya Pushcha began to ment of Natural Forests of the Forest the two countries’ approaches to develop rapidly in all fields, including Research Institute, on the Polish side management. Belarus uses a system cultural and social. Unique Polish and work with their Belarusian colleagues of collective farms for agriculture, Belarusian legislation now allows in joint research on bison, carnivorous while Poland private enterprises. The increased freedom of movement mammals, invertebrates, old-growth administration of Belovezhskaya between the two national parks at a forests, the invasion of non-native Pushcha National Park has nearly special border crossing in the center species, and the conservation of rare complete control over all activities of Belovezhskaya Pushcha. species of plants and animals. Recent- in the forest, while its Polish coun- ly a joint project also monitored terpart has limited influence over Indeed, for years Belovezhskaya chemical pollution. Scientific and any activities in regions outside the Pushcha has already had de facto other information is constantly park. The Belarusian park has a large existence as a transboundary bios- exchanged among these groups. scientific department, while the Pol- phere reserve, even though it still ish park has only a few scientists; lacks a UNESCO certificate. Agree- Just over a year ago, at a joint nonetheless, three large independent ments between the two parks allow Belarusian-Polish-Dutch conference scientific research institutes lie in the for close collaboration in science on conserving the biological diversi- Polish forest outside the borders of and conservation. Joint seminars, ty of Belovezhskaya Pushcha funded Bialoweiza National Park, and its sci- conferences, and symposiums are by the environmental organization entists conduct their research in and common and the two park directors «Natuurmonumenten,» all sides gave around the park. are members of the science councils their support to the founding of a of their partner parks. These councils transboundary biosphere reserve. Despite these organizational, conser- meet annually to discuss bilateral The Polish and Belarusian national vation, and economic differences, management issues and resolve com- MAB committees later agreed to both sides have supported mutually mon problems. The two parks also begin working to found Belovezh- beneficial cooperation almost since work together and discuss conserva- skaya Pushcha Transboundary Bios- the first days of their existence as tion projects, such as restoring river phere Reserve, offering further sup- strictly protected areas. An example valleys, preserving cultural and natu- port to this idea. The flexibility of of this cooperation was the transfer ral heritage, and using with GIS tech- the current concept for the func- of five European bison to Belarus in nology to map the reserve. Coopera- tioning of transboundary reserves is 1946 to promote a revival of the tion also exists in local government, an important prerequisite to the species. school education, and tourism. future success of the reserve. Initially establishing a transboundary bios- With time, relations between the two Not only the parks collaborate across phere reserve required only a similar protected areas progressed, mostly in the border. Other organizations, such management structure and a joint the realm of science and information- as the Mammal Research Institute, the administration. But now a far more al exchanges. In the early 1980s, a important criterion should be met: physical barrier divided the close collaboration in a uni- two parks when a fence was fied strategy for conserving built along the border of the transboundary ecosystems Peoples’ Republic of and promoting sustain- Poland and the able development. Soviet Socialist Belovezhskaya Pushcha’s Republic of long work in meeting Byelorussia in these criteria puts it well response to the on its way to becoming an labor movement international biosphere «Solidarity.» Wild ani- reserve. mals, such as deer and bison, were unable to migrate Heorhi A. Kazulka is the between the two sides of the Deputy Science Director forest. Despite this seeming in Belovezhskaya Pushcha break in relations, it was precise- Belovezhskaya Pushcha is a haven for the European bison National Park and Bios- ly during this period of change (Bison bosanus). Photo by I. Shpilenok. phere Reserve, Belarus.

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Case Studies Kavkazsky Zapovednik Biosphere Reserve Development in Adverse Conditions ral systems of the western Caucasus, Established: 12 May 1924 a creative approach to governing Total area: 280,000 ha (core: 267,000 ha, buffer: 15,000) such a significant and multifunction- Area of biosphere polygon: 13,500 hectares al region is imperative, as is effec- Total staff: appx. 170 people tively coordinating the activities of General characteristics: Mountain forests of the Western Caucasus Range individual political regions with one Received UNESCO biosphere reserve status: 19 February 1979 another. For this reason, the staff of Kavkazsky Biosphere Zapovednik Note from the editors: Not all the of exquisite beauty and natural value, have promoted a plan to completely biosphere reserves in Russia have suc- Kavkazsky Zapovednik achieved reconfigure the biosphere reserve, cess stories to tell. Despite their efforts to world renown in November 1999 as a uniting three protected areas in follow the biosphere reserve concept World Heritage Site, on par with areas close proximity to each other: and implement the Seville Strategy, the like Lake Baikal, the volcanoes of Kavkazsky Zapovednik, Sochinsky staff of biosphere zapovedniks and the Kamchatka, or the Grand Canyon. It is National Park, and Sochinsky Federal agencies that govern them often hit up one of the most biologically diverse Nature Zakaznik. This reorganization against a society not accepting of either regions of Eurasia, and the only place would create a larger reserve with the mission or the authority of bios- on earth where it is possible to see more financial resources at its dis- phere reserves. Perhaps nowhere is this herds of 100 to 200 turs, or Caucasian posal. Under a unified system of truer than in the Caucasus, where tra- mountain goats (Capra caucasia) and management, these resources could ditional strong-arm politics combined herds of 300 red deer (Cervus ela- be used more effectively, ultimately with rampant corruption create an phus). But this value also makes the making the reserve more effective in environment hostile to the operation of zapovednik and its resources coveted all of its varied functions. biosphere reserves. commodities in the Caucasus region, where adverse circumstances threaten But implementing these changes is By Valery Brinikh the future of the reserve. easier said than done. A number of factors present major obstacles to s one of the largest nature Considering the exceptional impor- implementing the theory of bios- A reserves in Europe and a territory tance of preserving the unique natu- phere reserves. For example, Kavkazsky Zapovednik plays an important geopolitical role due to its location in the western extremities of the Great Caucasus Range, which separate almost the entire northern Caucasus region – an area of ethnic and civil unrest – from the Black Sea coast, Russia’s marine connection to the Mediterranean Sea and the location of the country’s only warm- water ports. For this reason, both local and federal government officials pay close attention to the region, and use the zapovednik as pawn in political games aimed at improving the effectiveness of federal control in the northern Caucasus. Projected zoning for Kavkazsky Biosphere Reserve outlines a core area that encompasses the strictly protected areas of Kavkazsky Zapovednik, Sochinsky National Park, and The zapovednik also attracts special Sochinsky Zakaznik. Map by M. Dubinin based on materials provided by Kavkazsky attention from many sides because Biosphere Zapovednik. of the wealth of natural resources

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Case Studies

within its borders. A multitude of ice lines within the zapovednik’s another sore point for the Russia’s valuable ores lie untouched under in borders, but these federally estab- biosphere reserves. Often various the zapovednik, and relatively undis- lished regulations are often simply laws contradict each other, allowing turbed forests span nearly 100,000 ignored. Plans are already underway bureaucrats on the local level to hectares. Wildlife is abundant. The in southern Russia to construct interpret legislation as they wish, numerous hunting enterprises (both roads, tunnels, and tourist infra- which often means decreasing the legal and illegal) located near the structure right inside zapovednik. effectiveness of the biosphere zapovednik, benefit from this reserves’ activity. Moreover, politics wealth, subsisting by hunting ani- Local authorities and businessmen and business in the area are mals that were born and grew to often perpetuate this kind of law- wrought with corruption, decreasing maturity in the zapovednik. lessness. Though their interests in the positive influence of legislation the zapovednik are often private and even further. The biosphere reserve’s recreational financial, they hide them by claiming potential is another enormous to act in the interest of the people By itself, the biosphere reserve asset. Its territory has long attracted living in close proximity to the lacks the power to stand against tourists and nature lovers with its reserve. For some elected officials, this kind of onslaught. It has nei- stunning landscapes, picturesque the easiest way to gain authority in ther the media power nor the mountains and caves, and revitaliz- the local community is not to solve financial resources to support ing mountain air. Many are eager to socio-economic problems, but to counterpropaganda and expose see wild animals in their natural blame the zapovednik, saying it con- corruption. Within its jurisdiction, habitat without the aid of binocu- tains a wealth of resources which it Kavkazsky Zapovednik can only lars. But from an economic per- refuses to share. In this way, local protect the core region of the spective, many feel that the authorities make the zapovednik reserve and promote federal poli- zapovednik’s strict protective seem like an enemy, a federal agency tics by supporting contacts with regime creates a barrier to the eco- that hides natural resources from local communities. Ultimately, only nomic growth of local communities their rightful inheritors, the people. a change in the mentality of the in the northern Caucasus, instead Local leaders – especially in national regional population – from local advocating uncontrolled tourism. republics such as the Republic of farmers to high government offi- Indeed, the zapovednik interrupts Adygeya – generally use this argu- cials – will secure the future envi- roads that would otherwise con- ment as a tool for fighting federal ronmental and social health of the nect the resort district of the authorities and their attempts to Caucasus Region. northern Caucasus with resorts on strengthen federal power in Russia. the Black Sea. The zapovednik’s Valery Brinikh is the Director of charter strictly forbids con- Unenforced or unenforceable feder- Kavkazsky Zapovednik. struction of roads and serv- al and local laws are

Photo courtesy of V. Brinikh.

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The Future The Future

Implementing the Seville Strategy in Russia: a Glance at the Future

By Vsevolod Stepanitsky protected areas. Having access to and commercially valuable plants and funding and scientific personnel, bios- trees. Biosphere reserves should also he future of existing and planned phere reserves should be active in expand existing links with academic T biosphere reserves in Russia locating and surveying prospective institutions, including encouraging involves their integration into the sites for new protected areas, as well college and graduate students to con- socio-economic structure of the as guiding the process of founding duct research in the reserves. regions in which they lie. A number of new protected areas through the legal factors will be crucial to achieving jungles of government bureaucracy. Finally, biosphere reserves in Russia these goals. The first aspect is the role Moreover, zapovedniks and national should become centers for spreading that biosphere reserves play in the parks could become effective man- environmental education and aware- local economy. In regions with a high agers for zakazniki (special purpose ness, working with all levels of the level of unemployment, biosphere preserves) and nature monuments population from school children to reserves play an important role by located in close proximity. In this educational and news organizations. providing new jobs, often using feder- capacity, zapovedniks and national al financial support. Moreover, bios- parks may also act as support for Indeed, the economic, conservation, phere reserves can and should con- agencies of the Ministry of Natural scientific, and educational benefits tribute to the development of tourism Resources that carry out inspections biosphere reserves offer a region and local craft industries. Some bios- both within the reserves and in con- should be publicized by the reserve phere reserves are capable of promot- tiguous protected areas. itself. This is true not only of bios- ing sustainable agriculture and man- phere reserves in Russia, but indeed of aged hunting and fishing. Finally, Similarly, the scientific purpose of all federal zapovedniks and national zapovedniks and national parks – in biosphere reserves can be expanded parks, which all have the potential to particular those with international sta- in many ways in Russia. Making use of become something much more than tus – promote additional investments their highly developmed ecological simply a protected area. Taking into in the region, including foreign invest- monitoring capabilities, biosphere account the past century’s work of ments for ecological research and sus- reserves can serve as regional consult- zapovedniks in Russia, the Biosphere tainable development. ants or environmental monitoring Reserve Concept, and the Seville Strat- centers. They should also focus study egy offer a bright future for the As an institution for nature protection, on species pertinent to the health and preservation of biosphere and land- biosphere reserves play a key role in economy of the region, including scape diversity in Russia. developing the regional nework of researching both rare and vanishing species of flora and fauna as well as Vsevolod Stepanitsky is the Deputy animals used for commercial hunting Director of Environmental Protec- tion in

Rural agriculture in Russia’s Bryansk Region. Photo by I. Shpilenok.

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The Future

New Biosphere Reserves Established in Northern Eurasia

Name: Issyk-Kul (Kyrgyzstan) Name: Vodlozersky (Russia) Area: 4,311,588 ha (core: 145,072 ha) Area: 862,360 ha (core: 92,141 ha) Based in: Issyk-Kul Zapovednik, est. 1948 Based in: Vodlozersky National Park, est. 1991

Name: Visimskiy (Russia) Name: Nerusso-Denianskoe-Polesie (Russia) Area: 179,606 ha (core: 13,631 ha) Area: 128,394 ha (core: 17,631 ha) Based in: Visimsky Zapovednik, est. 1971 Based in: Bryansky Les Zapovednik, est. 1987, and Bryansk Regional Forest Service

By Elizabeth Zelljadt bine regulated animal husbandry official monitoring of fish popula- with ecological preservation of the tions, as well as attempts at reviving ighteen new sites in thirteen land used for grazing. of traditional forms of forest agricul- E countries were added to ture such as berry cultivation and UNESCO’s World Network of Bios- Three of the new reserves are spread harvesting. Vodlozersky is the first phere Reserves in September, includ- across western Russia. Vodlozersky national park in Russia to be named a ing four areas in the former Soviet National Park forms the core of the UNESCO biosphere reserve. Visimsky Union (see map on page 3). Zapovednik in the central Ural The new sites and extensions Mountains northwest of Eka- were approved by the Bureau terinburg is also among the of the International Coordinat- sites recently named biosphere ing Council of UNESCO’s Man reserves. It includes several and the Biosphere (MAB) Pro- river basins and large expanses gramme at its September of coniferous forests. The west- meeting at UNESCO Head- ernmost of the new biosphere quarters in Paris. The bios- reserves is Nerusso-Desnian- phere reserves were all pro- skoe-Polesie, an area that posed by the countries in stretches across southern Russia which they are located. The to the border of Ukraine, and World Network now consists whose core area encompasses of 411 sites in 94 countries, in the entirety of Bryansky Les which local populations work Zapovednik. It includes wet- together with all other con- lands and a mixture of sub- cerned parties toward sustain- polar and broadleaf forests and able utilization of natural woodlands. These latter two resources. biosphere reserves have few concrete plans as yet for socio- The new biosphere reserves in economic integration, but northern Eurasia differ greatly Bryansky Les Zapovednik. Photo by I. Shpilenok. rather are first extending their in size, population density, scientific monitoring and ecological features, and land use 862,360-hectare biosphere reserve inventory procedures, such as mete- challenges. The largest in area of the bearing the same name in the orological data and tracking of new additions is located in Kyrgyzs- extreme northwestern region of the endangered species migrations. This tan on the edge of the stunning Lake Russian Federation. Primarily a boreal can help determine the best possibili- Issyk-Kul, after which the reserve is forest ecosystem, it contains some of ties for sustainable economic use of named. This high-altitude region the last remaining uncut pine-spruce the regions in the future. consists of semi-desert and sub- forest in Europe. Socio-economic alpine meadow and pastureland. integration efforts include incorpo- Elizabeth Zelljadt is an intern for Regional stakeholders hope to com- rating use of fish resources with the Russian Conservation News.

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The Future Resolution of the UNESCO-MAB Training Seminar for Biosphere Reserve Managers “The Paths to Implementing the Seville Strategy for Biosphere Reserves”

Krasnoyarsk, Shushenskoye, and Sayano-Shushensky Federal Biosphere Zapovednik

From June 18–23, the international training seminar “The Paths to Implementing the Seville Strategy for Biosphere Reserves” was held in Sayano-Shushensky State Biosphere Zapovednik. Over 60 specialists from Spain, Germany, France, Finland, Estonia, Belarus, Slovakia, as well as Russia took part in the seminar.

Seminar participants noted that the fundamental directives of the Seville Strategy have been accepted and are already being implemented in Russian biosphere reserves. In this resolution, the term “biosphere reserve” implies existing federal nature zapovedniks and national parks of Russia that either are already fulfilling the three basic functions of biosphere reserves as described by the Seville Strategy, or that have the potential for fulfilling these functions.

Taking into account the necessity of practical implementation of the concept of sustainable development, being guided by the Seville Strategy for Biosphere Reserves, and supporting the recommendations accepted at the conference “Seville +5” (Pamplona, 2000),

the participants of the seminar have resolved:

1. To consider the future growth of the network of biosphere reserves in Russia (both models of pristine nature and degrad- ed territories), including those based in existing national parks, an important challenge; to review the following protected areas as highest-priority for subsequent UNESCO nomination: Bryansky Les, Visimsky, Kerzhensky, Komandorsky, Bolshoi Arkticheky, and Ust-Lensky Zapovedniks, Vodlozersky, Urga, and Smolenskoye Poozere National Parks.

2. To note the significant potential that biosphere reserves posses as instruments to fulfil the requirements ensuing from the Convention on Biological Diversity and other international conventions and accords.

3. To direct the attention of biosphere reserve directors particularly toward publicizing the idea of sustainable development and the goals behind the creation and operation of biosphere reserves, in the process attracting all interested parties on the regional level to aid in distributing information.

4. To note the importance of using the potential that individual biosphere reserves posses to develop specific kinds of sustainable farming, conduct well-organized hunting within a managed hunting structure, and coordinate commercial and amateur fishing.

5. To note the importance and necessity of biosphere reserves’ contribution to the development of ecotourism, as well as to the corresponding infrastructure and local businesses that accompany ecotourism; to recommend that biosphere reserves use all means to strengthen efforts to involve the local population in this work.

6. To note the necessity of widely publicizing the role that biosphere reserves play in ensuring direct economic benefit for the local population, including:

– creating jobs;

– assisting to the local population to receive technical, higher, and supplemental education;

– ensuring systems of beneficial natural resource use (lending plots of arable land to reserve employees, supplying timber under favorable circumstances, etc.);

– practically implementing measures to ensure the sustainable existence of indigenous peoples and long-time residents who practice traditional use of nature resources;

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The Future

– operating breeding centers to raise animals of high commercial and hunting value that are particularly significant to commercial hunting in the provinces.

7. To recommend that biosphere reserves collaborate with large commercial enterprises located in their activity zone on mutually advantageous projects to promote sustainable development.

8. To impart particular significance to using the informational and intellectual potential of biosphere reserves within the framework of environmental impact assessments, conducting federal environmental advising, and advancing social and economic development and environmental protection programs in Russia’s provinces.

9. To consider broad coordination between the work of biosphere reserves and regional government bodies, local self- government bodies, business, and non-governmental organizations imperative to the implementation of environmental and socio-economic programs and projects; in light of this, to create coordinating councils in every biosphere reserve; to propose that the Department of Environmental Protection and Ecological Safety and the Ministry of Natural Resources of Russia develop an standard statutory framework for the coordination of councils in biosphere reserves.

10. To propose that those biosphere reserves lacking biosphere polygons take the necessary steps to create them, bearing in mind the practical experience already tested in Russia.

11. To continue developing a management and development plan in every biosphere reserve.

12. To note the importance of the future organization and growth of the network of trans-boundary biosphere reserves partially based in Russia, specifically including Pasvik Zapovednik (Russian-Norwegian reserve), Paanajarvi National Park (Russian-Finnish reserve), Curonian Spit National Park (Russian-Lithuanian reserve), Bryansky Les Zapovednik (Russian-Ukranian reserve), Ingermanlandsky Zapovednik (Russian-Finnish reserve), Katunsky Zapovednik (Russian- Kazakh reserve), Sailyugemsky Zapovednik (Russian-Mongolian-Chinese reserve), Bolshekhekhtsirsky Zapovednik (Russian-Chinese reserve), Usbunurskaya Kotlovina Zapovednik (Russian-Mongolian reserve), Komandorsky Zapovednik (Russian-American reserve), Kurilsky Zapovednik (Russian-Japanese reserve).

13. In the fields of monitoring and scientific research:

– To promote the renewal of a network of background environmental monitoring stations in biosphere zapovedniks;

– To note the importance of broad incorporation of biosphere reserves in both nationwide and regional monitoring programs;

– To consider the development of collaboration between scientific research establishments, academic institutions, federal nature zapovedniks, and national parks essential to promoting the organization of scientific research and the training of new specialists in the fields of environmental protection and sustainable development;

– To propose that the Committee on Protected Areas of the Russian Academy of Sciences, in cooperation with the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources, prepare a plan for publishing summaries of the many years of research in Russia’s biosphere reserves and search for the resources to fund this publication.

14. For the future development of ecotourism:

– To recommend that biosphere reserves make broader use of opportunities related to the certification of local products (goods, labor, services) and the use biosphere reserve logos;

– To recommend that regional associations of zapovedniks and national parks strengthen their work in coordinating ecotourism activity based in biosphere reserves in the provinces.

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The Future

15. For the growth of small businesses in zapovedniks:

– To note the necessity of summarizing and distributing information about Russian and international experiences in initiating and crediting pilot projects to development small businesses;

– To recommend wide study and practical implementation of the cooperative experiences of the Biodiversity Con- servation Center, Ugla and Smolenskoye Poozere National Parks, and Katunsky Federal Nature Zapovednik as part of the development and use of mechanisms to support small businesses;

– To recommend that biosphere reserves increase efforts on the regional level to attain tax and other financial privi- leges, following similar experiences already tested in Russia.

16. For the successful implementation of the fundamental ideas of the Seville Strategy and the future development of biosphere reserves in Russia:

a) To consider expedient the broad distribution and implementation of the experiences of those biosphere reserves in Russia that have achieved substantial success in the practical realization of the Seville Strategy.

b) To request that the Ministry of Natural Resources of Russia:

– develop and submit in proper form a proposal for a regulatory act defining the joint operating mechanism of federal government bodies and regional government bodies in the creation and functioning of biosphere reserves;

– strive to introduce essential changes and additions to the federal law “On specially protected natural areas,” to be placed in the part of the law addressing the organization of biosphere polygons, including in necessary cases those that border currently operating federal nature zapovedniks;

– strengthen (including increasing the size of the permanent staff) the corresponding structural subdivisions of the Department of Environmental Protection and Ecological Security of the Ministry of Natural Resources of Russia in hopes of increasing the effectiveness of the coordinating and organizational work of biosphere reserves;

– create a system for the exchange and accumulation of information on biosphere reserves with the cooperation of the Russian MAB committee.

c) To request that UNESCO-MAB, the Commission of the Russian Federation for UNESCO, and the Ministry of Natur- al Resources of Russia use all possible means to assist in strengthening and increasing the effectiveness of the Russian Committee of the UNESCO Program “Man and Biosphere.”

d) To request that MAB-UNESCO and the Ministry of National Resources of the Russian Federation organize and carry out similar training seminars on the implementation of the basic proposals of the Seville Strategy for local executors of federal government bodies, local self-government bodies, and large businesses in those regions where biosphere reserves already exist or are planned.

e) To request that the UNDP use all possible means to promote the practical implementation of the decisions and recommendations in this resolution while preparing and implementing GEF projects.

The participants of the seminar express their sincere appreciation and gratitude to the leaders and staff of the Depart- ment of Environmental and Natural Resources Management of Krasnoyarsky Krai, Sayano-Shushensky Federal Nature Biosphere Zapovednik, and Shushensky Bor National Park for their invaluable contribution to organizing and conducting the seminar, as well as for their kindness and hospitality.

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Resources for Further Study Resources for Further Study

ference on studying and conserving A Message from the Russian the flora and fauna of northern MAB National Committee Eurasia was held in Moscow, opening new horizons for interregional col- By Valery Neronov height of its activity, the MAB program laboration to realize the Convention in the Soviet Union conducted scien- on Biodiveristy. Transboundary col- he nations of the former Soviet tific conferences and seminars that laboration has a special place in the T Union have participated in inter- coordinated more than 1,000 field East Asian Network of Biosphere national biosphere study since its very projects involving more than 4,000 Reserves, of which Russia became a origins back in 1968, when two repre- specialists. During the 6th All-Euro- member in 1999. Although financial sentatives of the Academy of Sciences pean MAB Conference in 1997, dele- difficulties have limited the Commit- of the USSR attended the internation- gates decided that the Secretariat of tee’s activity, it continues to uphold al biosphere conference in Paris. This EuroMAB would be based in Minsk all of the earlier MAB projects. conference conceived the idea of a for the next three years, under the global network of nature reserves that guidance of the Belarusian MAB Valery Neronov is the Deputy Chair later became a key component of the National Committee. of the Russian MAB Committee and Man and Biosphere (MAB) Program. Director of the MAB project on Bios- In 1974 an interdisciplinary commit- At the current time, the Russian MAB phere Reserves. tee formed to carry out MAB projects Committee has given special atten- in the Soviet Union. This committee tion to developing and strengthen- The Russian MAB Committee wel- worked closely with the Academy of ing the network of biosphere comes all inquiries into the develop- Sciences, the State Committee on Sci- reserves. Scientific research in Russ- ment of the MAB program in Russia. ence and Technology, and the Ministry ian biosphere reserves continues to Questions should be addressed to of Foreign Affairs. At the initiative of be a particular priority. Inventories the Secretariat, Ul. Fersmana 13, this committee, the 1st International of flora and fauna continue along Moscow, 117312 Russia. Congress on Biosphere Reserves was with appraisals of the impact of cli- Tel: + (095) 124–60–00. held in Minsk in 1983, a great step for mate change on biological diversity. Fax +7 (095) 129–13–54. the program’s development. At the In April 1999, an international con- E-mail: [email protected].

pages/home/pages/homepage.htm A List of Helpful Resources The Ramsar Convention on The United Nations Educational, tioning of Transboundary Biosphere Wetlands: http://www.ramsar.org Scientific, and Cultural Reserves...Biosphere Reserves Nomi- Joint Ramsar-MAB website: Organization (UNESCO) nation Form...Periodic Review Form. http://www.unesco.org/mab/ In English: http://www.unesco.org **Documents in Russian are available ramsarmab.htm In Russian: through the searchable document Information on Russian http://www.unesco.org/general/rus index: Zapovedniks and National UNESCO in Russia: http://unesdoc.unesco.org/ulis/rus/ Parks http://www.unesco.ru index.html Protected Areas Informational Net: The Man and Biosphere (MAB) Pro- Contact information for MAB http://www.wildnet.ru gram: http://www.unesco.org/mab/ national committees: A Tour of Wild Russia (descriptions Helpful documents: http://www2.unesco.org/mab/ and photographs of zapovedniks): http://www.unesco.org/mab/docs/ mab-cont/index.asp http://www.wild-russia.org document.htm Many biosphere reserves are also The World Network of Biosphere The Seville Strategy...Statutory Frame- World Heritage Sites or Ramsar Con- Reserves: work for Biosphere Reserves...Seville vention Sites: http://www.unesco.org/mab/wnbr.htm +5 Recommendations...Recommenda- The World Heritage Center: Contact information is listed on the tions for the Establishment and Func- http://www.unesco.org/whc/nwhc/ back cover.

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CONSERVATION CONTACTS

Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park. 109240 Russia. Tel: +7 (095) 727–09–39. Heorhi Kazulka, Deputy Director for Science. Fax: (095) 727–09–38. Kamenyuki v., Kamenetz District, Brest Region, E-mail: [email protected]. 225063 Belarus. Tel: (01631) 56–3–96. Ministry of Natural Resources of the Russian Fed- E-mail: [email protected]. eration. Vsevolod Stepanitsky, Deputy Director of Envi- Ecocenter “Zapovedniks.” Natalia Danilina, Director. ronmental Protection. Bolshaya Gruzinskaya Street 4/6, Institute of Economics, Nakhimovsky Prospekt 32, Moscow 123812. Tel: +7 (095) 254–82–77. Fax: +7 Moscow, 119218 Russia. Tel: +7 (095) 332–48–28. (095) 254–43–10. Fax: +7 (095) 129–06–88. E-mail: [email protected]. Russian National Commission for UNESCO. Oleg Katunsky Zapovednik. Aleksandr Zateev, Director. Vasnitsov, Executive Secretary. Smolenskaya-Sennaya ul. P.O. Box 24, Ust-Koksa, Ust-Koksinsky District, Altai 32/34, Moscow, 121200 Russia. Tel: +7 (095) 244–24–56. Republic, 326430 Russia. Tel/Fax: +7 (338–48) 229–46. Sayano-Shushensky Zapovednik. Aleksandr Rassolov, E-mail: [email protected]. Director. Zapovednaya St. 7, Shushenskoye, Krasnoyarsky Kavkazsky Zapovednik. Valery Brinikh, Director. ul. Krai, 330720 Russia. K. Marksa 8, Sochi A-341, 354341 Russia. Tel: +7 (391–39) 3–18–81. Fax: +7 (391–39) 3–23–00. Tel: +7 (862–2) 44–51–36. Fax: +7 (862–2) 69–20–03. E-mail: [email protected]. E-mail: [email protected]. Sikhote-Alinsky Zapovednik. Anatoly Asafiev, Direc- Laplandsky Zapovednik. Sergei Shestakov, Director. tor. Partizanskaya St. 46, Ternei, Primorsky Krai, 692150 Zeleny pereulok 8, Monchegorsk, Murmansk region, Russia. Tel: +7 (423–74) 9–13–91. 184280. Tel: +7 (815–36) 5–00–80. Fax: +7 (815–36) Fax: +7 (423–74) 9–13–78. E-mail: [email protected]. 5–71–99. E-mail: [email protected]. Teberdinsky Zapovednik. Yuri Sarkisyan, Deputy MAB National Commitee of France . Frederic Director of Environmental Education. Baduksky per. 1, Bioret, Vice-Chair. Universite de Brest, laboratoire Teberda, Karachaevo-Cherkess Republic, 357192 Russia. Geosystemes, IUEM, Place Copernic, 29280 Plouzane, Tsentralno-Chernozemny Zapovednik. Andrei France. Tel: (33–2) 98–49–86–84. Fax: (33–2) Vlasov, Director. Pos. Zapovedny, Kursk district, Kursk 98–49–86–86. E-mail: [email protected]. Region, 307028. Tel: +7 (071-2) 39-92-24. Fax: +7 (071- MAB National Commitee of the Russian Federa- 2) 57-72-94. E-mail: [email protected]. tion. Valery Neronov, Deputy Chair. Fersman Street 13, Tsentralno-Lesnoi Zapovednik. Marina Rubtsova, Moscow, 117312 Russia. Tel: +7 (095) 124–60–00. Head of Environmental Education. Pos. Zapovedny, Fax: +7 (095) 129–13–54. E-mail: [email protected]. Nelidovsky District, Tver Region, 172513 Russia. MAB National Commitee of Spain. Ignacio Ballarin Tel: +7 (082–66) 2–24–33. E-mail: [email protected]. Iribarren, Coordinator. Ministerio de Medio Ambiente, UNESCO Division of Ecological Sciences. Jane Pza. San Juan de la Cruz, s/n. 28071 Madrid, Spain. Robertson, Senior Programme Specialist. UNESCO, 1 Tel: (91) 597–68–27. Fax: (91) 597–58–25. Rue Miollis, 75732 Paris Cedex 15, France. E-mail: [email protected]. Tel: ++33.1.45.68.40.52. Fax: ++33.1.45.68.58.04. Prioksko-Terrasny Zapovednik. P.O. Danki, Ser- E-mail: [email protected] pukhov District, Moscow Region, 142274 Russia. UNESCO Moscow Office. Uli Grabener, Associated Tel: +7 (095) 293–97–63. E-mail: [email protected]. Expert for Science and Ecology. 15/28 Bolshoi Levshin- Tatiana Minaeva. Project Coordinator, World Wide sky per., bld. 2 119034 Moscow, Russia. Fund for Nature Russian Program Office and Tsentral- Tel: +7 (095) 202–80–97. Fax: +7 (095) 202–05–68. no-Lesnoi Zapovednik. Nikolyamskaya St. 19-3, Moscow, E-mail: [email protected].

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