RU0002 Russian Federation: Development of an Integrated Conservation
Programme - Lower Volga and Delta

Project Summary:
View Map
This project involves the development of an integrated conservation
programme for the Lower Volga region, which is increasingly threatened
by agro-industrial development, promoting conservation and the
need for sustainable use of the region's natural resources. Assistance
is also provided for developing the VolgaAkhuba National
Park concept and management plan.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 20 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 80 |
| EE & Capacity Building 30 |
Oceans and Coasts 0 | |
Protected Areas 30 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 0 |
Non-Biome Specific 0 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 40 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
Russia's Astrakhan State Biosphere Reserve was declared in 1991.
Recognized early on as an important refuge for many plants and
animals, the reserve's importance increased as economic activities
elsewhere in the region were expanded. The declaration of Hunting
Reserves and State Nature Monuments further enhanced conservation
in the region. Management approaches included the establishment
of buffer zones around the Biosphere Reserve. Some 62,400ha of
the reserve lie in the Volga Delta, an extremely valuable conservation
zone which has great international importance for migratory and
breeding birds. It is also an important conservation area for
many fish species. The delta, covering an area of 650,000ha, is
listed as a Wetland of International Importance under the Convention
on Wetlands (Ramsar). It has a high biodiversity, with over 400
vertebrate species, more than 260 bird species, 850 aquatic invertebrate
species, and about 1,250 species of insects. The floodplain and
delta also support 430 species of vascular plants.
The further development and extension of the protected areas (PAs)
network within and around the delta is important for maintaining
the region's biodiversity. With this in mind, the Astrakhan Regional
Committee for Nature Conservation has proposed the creation of
the Lower Volga National Park. This project seeks to develop an
integrated conservation programme for the Lower Volga, which combines
conservation work and sustainable use of the region's natural
resources.
Project Objectives:
1. To promote integrated environmental management and conservation
along the lower Volga River and in the Volga Delta.
2. To compile an overview report (in Russian and English) of
the conservation status of the Volga Delta.
3. To identify and promote the Ramsar, World Heritage, and Biosphere
values of the Volga Delta.
4. To set up the Lower Volga National Park.
5. To promote nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) involved
in regional conservation work.
RU0002.1: Development of an Integrated Conservation Prog.
for the Lower Volga and Delta (Mar. 91 - Jun. 97)
Activity Background:
The territory of the proposed Lower Volga National Park lies in
north-eastern Astrakhan Oblast and Akhtubinsk administrative region,
and takes in part of Zakaznik territory, located in Narimanovsky
and Ikryaninsky regions. The territory is of Eurasian steppe type
and comprises extreme southern semidesert (in the Volga
district) and desert of the transVolga region of western
Kazakhstan biogeographical province. The region has a rich wildlife,
including 214 bird species, 23 of which are listed in the Russian
"Red Data Book". Increasing anthropogenic impacts (e.g.
overgrazing of natural pastures and uncontrolled hunting) are
having a negative influence on the region's environmental components.
Legal protection, through the creation of a National Park, is
necessary to prevent the destructive influence of economic activities.
Activities under this project aim to promote, and in the near
future to ensure, the conservation of VolgaAkhtuba basin's
most valuable natural sites, and to meet the need for sustainable
use of the region's natural resources.
Activity Objectives:
1. To develop a National Park concept in negotiations/discussions
with relevant research institutions, bodies, and governments.
2. To collect background information and mapping material and
analyse the data gathered.
3. To prepare a report as the basis for ecological and economic
substantiation of the National Park, including zoning of areas
according to the management objectives.
Activity Biomes:
River Systems.
Activity Methods:
Community Conservation; Protected Area Establishment; Research
and Monitoring.
Activity Species:
Whitetailed fisheagle (Haliaeetus albicilla).
RU0004 Russian Federation: Siberian Arctic Tundra Reserves
Project Summary:
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In accord with WWF's circumpolar aim of completing an Arctic protected
areas network, and WWF's Russian biodiversity protection programme,
this project concentrates on helping to establish new nature reserves
in key areas of the Siberian tundra and coastal habitats. Large
protected areas on the northern (Great Arctic Reserve, 1993) and
eastern coasts (extension of the Taimyrsky Reserve, 1994) have
been set up successfully on Taimyr Peninsula. Further reserves,
including a biosphere reserve and the involvement of indigenous
peoples, are planned for Taimyr, as well as in the Laptev Sea
region (an extension of the Lena Delta Reserve, to include the
New Siberian Islands), on Severnaya Zemlya Archipelago, and on
Yamal and Gydan Peninsulas.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 0 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 80 |
| EE & Capacity Building 0 |
Oceans and Coasts 20 | |
Protected Areas 50 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 50 |
Non-Biome Specific 0 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 0 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
In 1989 WWFGermany undertook, with the Institute for Evolutionary
Morphology and Ecology of Animals/Russia Academy of Sciences,
a first joint expedition to Taimyr Peninsula to study the Arctic
breeding conditions of coastal birds using the East Atlantic "Flyway".
This first visit to the northernmost (and formerly closed) area
on the Eurasian continent eventually led to the launch in 1992
of WWF project RU0004: Siberian Arctic Tundra Reserves; and in
1993 resulted in the establishment of the 4,169,222ha Great Arctic
Reserve, which doubled the area of strict nature reserves in the
Russian Arctic region. Taimyr Peninsula is the largest tundra
area on the Eurasian continent and is one of the most important
breeding areas for coastal birds. More than 150 bird species have
been recorded, including the threatened redbreasted goose,
which nests only in this region. Coastal mammals include polar
bear, beluga whale, various seals, and 2,500 endangered Laptev
walruses. A rich variety of fish occurs in local rivers, including
several species not found elsewhere.
In 1993 the project was extended from Taimyr to the Lena Delta,
the largest Eurasian Arctic delta and tundra region). In November
1993 a symposium was held in Stockholm at which WWFSweden
launched its engagement for the Lena Delta and adjacent Laptev
Sea region in Yakutia, and found a sponsor for a biological station.
The Yakutian regional government, along with the federal fovernment,
plans to extend the Lena Delta Reserve into the Laptev Sea, taking
in the New Siberian Islands, in preparation for its possible designation
as a Biosphere Reserve involving indigenous peoples. The project
was extended further in 1994 by WWFUK's involvement in supporting
Russian plans to protect tundra habitats on the northern coast
of Yamalsiy and Gaydanskiy peninsulas.
This project concentrates on helping to establish new nature reserves
in high value, pristine areas of Siberian tundra and coastal habitats.
Of particluar concern is the placement of delicate Arctic landscapes
and species under protection and out of range of expanding oil
and gas developments in the Russian Arctic. The project can be
viewed in three different contexts: (a) WWF's circumpolar promotion
of completing an Arctic protected areas network; (b) WWF's Russian
biodiversity protection programme; and (c) WWF activities, including
the Wadden Sea project, to protect key areas for coastal bird
populations migrating along the East Atlantic "Flyway".
Project Objectives:
1. To promote Russia's engagement in the Conservation of Arctic
Flora and Fauna (CAFF) programme of the eight Arctic countries.
2. To promote involvement of the local population in setting
large Arctic Biosphere Reserves.
3. To establish an extended protected areas system in the Arctic.
4. To promote sustainable use of natural resources and to support
traditional land use in the area.
RU0004.1: Protected Areas on Taimyr (Dec. 91 - Jun. 96)
Activity Background:
With the establishment of the Great Arctic Reserve (4,169,200ha)
in 1993, and the extension of the Taimyrsky Reserve (433,200ha)
in July 1994, the total area of strict protection on Taimyr rose
to 7,813,646ha, an increase from 8% to 19.5% of the total area
of the peninsula. However, although Russia doubled its Arctic
reserves with these designations (from 2% to 4% of the country's
Arctic habitats), it has not yet reached the target 15% of protected
terrestrial habitats of all the circumpolar Arctic regions. With
huge unpopulated areas on Taimyr, and with fairly untouched natural
habitats, the Taimyr regional government sees high potential in
designating further strict protected areas (PAs), whilst at the
same time integrating indigenous cultures into the framework of
a Biosphere Reserve.
In 1994 major private funds (DM22,000) were invested in the infrastructure
and equipping of the directorate of the Great Arctic Reserve in
Dudinka. Such funding cannot be continued in the long term and
evaluations on how the reserve can be run independent of WWF funds
(e.g. by using existing infrastructure, the Barents station, governmental
funds, or through cooperative projects with scientific institutions)
therefore have high priority. In following up further plans for
designating new PAs on Taimyr and Severnaya Zemlya, schemes should
be considered which require minimal work. In southern Taimyr,
the practical involvement of indigenous people has high priority.
According to the Russian government's decree (572P, 23 April
1994), the overall planned area of the second stage of the Great
Arctic Reserve will occupy about 1,000,000ha (Sevenaa Zemlya Archipelago).
According to the Ministry of Environment, a biological station
will be constructed on the eastern shore of Taimyr Peninsula.
Activity Objectives:
1. To establish new PAs in the Russian Arctic.
2. To establish a new biological station.
3. To conserve the species listed in the Russian "Red Data
Book".
Activity Biomes:
Tundra.
Activity Methods:
Lobbying; Protected Area Establishment; Protected Area Management.
Activity Species:
Laptev walrus (Odobenus rosmarus laptevi); Polar bear (Ursus maritimus);
Redbreasted goose (Branta ruficollis).
RU0004.2: Conservation of the Lena Delta (Dec. 91 - Jun.
96)
Activity Background:
The Lena Delta Nature Reserve was established in 1985. It is the
third-largest nature reserve in Russia, covering an area of 1,433,000ha
in the western part of the delta. The reserve's buffer zone is
similar in size to the reserve. The delta as a whole (2,800,000ha)
is unique in its variety of biodiversity, with 340 lower plant
species, 523 high plants species, 36 fish species, 99 bird species,
and 32 species of mammal. Many (47 high plant, 6 mammal, and 17
bird species) are included in the Russian "Red Data Book".
The Lena River forms the zoogeographical boundary of Siberian,
Asian, and North American fauna, and is an important breeding
site for sturgeon and salmonid species.
WWF's assistance was requested by the Lena Delta Reserve's administration
to increase conservation effectiveness and help set up a biological
station. Assistance was also requested for extending the current
nature reserve and its transformation into a Biosphere Reserve.
WWFSweden raised SEK700,000 for this purpose, covering a
two-year period. The Yakutian regional government decided to start
the planning procedure for a new biosphere reserve and WWF are
supporting this initiative. The biological station allows groups
of up to 20 scientists/students to undertake field studies in
a place which is logistically easy to reach from Tiksi and which
is surrounded by diverse habitats (including mountains, flat polygon
tundra, and freshwater systems). Western visitors to the station
provide help in various ways, e.g. through involvement in monitoring
and management tasks, exchanges of knowledge and experiences with
Russian/Yakutian scientists, and providing fees which enable
the reserve and station to continue functioning in economically
difficult times. The establishment of an international steering
committee (including western representatives from scientific institutions
and WWF) to implement the functioning of the station has been
discussed. Meetings with the Yakutian government and the Yakutian
Academy of Sciences in April 1994 confirmed plans to extend the
Lena Delta Reserve by summer 1995, to include the New Siberian
Islands and parts of the coastal Laptev Sea.
Activity Objectives:
1. To establish the Lena Delta Biological Station, and to facilitate
an intensive survey for the inclusion of part of the Laptev Sea
and the New Siberian Islands archipelago into the newly proposed
Lena Delta Biosphere Reserve.
2. To develop a draft management plan for the reserve.
3. To support the research and management activities of the Lena
Delta Administration.
4. To ensure scientific/methodological guidance for developing
the Lena Delta Biosphere Reserve management, in consultation with
the Russian Ministry of Environmental Protection.
5. To coordinate and supervise activities such as: support to
the existing Lena Delta Biosphere Reserve; development of a new
Marine Reserve proposal for the Laptev Sea coast; development
of a new PAs proposal covering the New Siberian Islands and surrounding
coast; and setting up a biological station in the south-west delta.
6. To organize an ecological expedition to the Lena Delta (including
inauguration of the Biological Station) aiming at increased scientific
knowledge of its biodiversity and increased international recognition
of the area.
8. To assist in the publication of a booklet on the Lena Delta.
9. To take diplomatic steps to integrate the Yakutian initiatives
into the federal Russian PAs network system.
Activity Biomes:
River Systems.
Activity Methods:
Protected Area Management.
Activity Species:
Redbreasted goose (Branta ruficollis).
RU0004.3: Evaluation (Jul. 95 - Jun. 96)
Activity Background:
The Russia Country Team, at its meeting in January 1995, decided
to carry out an evaluation of the Siberian Arctic Tundra Reserve
project and its main Taimyr and Lena Delta activities. The purpose
of the evaluation is to provide WWF with information on achievements
and shortcomings and to produce recommendations for improved implementation
and planning of the projects. In particular, WWF needs guidelines
on the shortterm performance of the project against which
to set objectives and the probability of longterm success.
Activity Objectives:
1. To evaluate projects RU0004.01: Protected Areas on Taimyr,
and RU0004.02: Conservation of the Lena Delta.
Activity Methods:
Programme / Project Evaluation.
RU0005 Russian Federation: Protection of Siberian Tiger and
its Habitat
Project Summary:
Intense poaching and habitat loss are seriously threatening the
survival of Siberian tigers in the wild. This project seeks to
conserve tiger populations and regional biodiversity by channelling
funds to appropriate agencies to control widespread poaching of
tigers and other wildlife; collaborating with Russian scientists,
conservationists, and local stakeholders in preparing and implementing
habitat conservation plans and developing a framework for a comprehensive
wildlife and resource management plan for the Amur region; and
supporting educational programmes aimed at enhancing awareness
of environmental and conservation issues in local communities.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 100 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 | |
EE & Capacity Building 10 |
Oceans and Coasts 0 | |
Protected Areas 20 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 70 |
Non-Biome Specific 0 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 0 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
View Map
The Amur region of the Russian Far East contains the most biologically
diverse forests in Russia. They are among the most diverse nontropical
forests in the world. Because much of the region has escaped periods
of glaciation, it became a climatic refuge for numerous species
and communities now found nowhere else in Russia, or the world.
This level of endemism, combined with the region's unique biogeographic
location, has resulted in unusual assemblages of plants and animals.
Siberian tigers, Amur leopards, and Himalayan black bears are
found, together with reindeer, sable, wild boar, brown bears,
lynx, and salmon. The forests contain numerous edible and medicinal
plants, including wild berries, Siberian pine nuts, wild ginseng,
other medicinal herbs, and mushrooms, providing natural resources
for several indigenous populations.
Wildlife populations in the Amur region are declining rapidly
in the face of intense poaching pressure and habitat loss. The
threat posed to species such as the Siberian tiger and Amur leopard
is of global significance. The Russian Far East region of Primorski
Krai and Khabarovsk Krai represents the last remaining habitat
of Siberian tigers. Current estimates of tiger numbers range from
200 to 300. Only strict protection measures for their population
and habitat will allow recovery. The current fast pace of economic
deregulation and absence of longterm resource management
plans are imposing new threats on the whole region, in particular
on Siberian tigers. The current political and economic situation
has resulted in an accelerated exploitation of resources in the
region, among which poaching currently represents the most immediate
threat to wildlife. Increasing numbers of tigers are killed for
their pelts and tiger parts, especially bones. Tiger pelts fetch
over US$5,000, and bones up to US$3,000 per kg, making them attractive
items in this economically stressed region. Unplanned industrial
development, especially timber harvesting and mining, destroys
or degrades the critical habitat of these animals. It is essential
that a landscapescale strategy for tiger conservation, incorporating
a system of core reserves, habitat corridors, and buffer zones
that allow varying degrees of resource exploitation, and indigenous
reserves, be developed.
Project Objectives:
1. To increase the probability of maintaining viable Siberian
tiger populations and to conserve their natural habitats.
RU0005.1: Protection of the Siberian Tiger and its Habitat
(Dec. 93 - Jun. 99)
Activity Background:
Siberian tigers (Phanthera tigris altaica) represent the northernmost
race of the eight recognized subspecies of tiger. The Russian
Far East regions of Primorski Krai and Khaborovsk Krai contain
the last remaining habitats for Siberian tigers. Siberian tiger
populations have undergone serious declines in the past, reduced
to as few as 3040 individuals in the late 1930s. Then, strict
protection measures, for the tigers, their habitat, and prey,
allowed a dramatic recovery. The current political and economic
situation has resulted in accelerated exploitation of resources
in the region, among which poaching represents the most immediate
threat to wildlife. An increasingly common sight in nature reserves
and other forest areas are vehicles with wellarmed poachers
killing bears, wild boar, deer, tigers, and other wildlife. This
project activity protects the tiger by establishing anti-poaching
programmes and strengthening existing protection services, as
well as through development of a regional tiger conservation strategy.
Activity Objectives:
1. To focus international attention on the poaching problem by
supporting the establishment of special antipoaching programmes
and strengthening of existing protection services.
2. To develop a regional tiger conservation strategy that integrates
conservation of critical wildlife habitats with different landuse
practices.
Activity Methods:
Species Management.
Activity Species:
Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica).
RU0005.3: Conducting a Tiger Census (Oct. 95 - Jun. 99)
Activity Background:
As human impacts on the natural resources of southern Far East
Russia have increased, environmental legislation has lagged behind.
Consequently more and more pressure is being exerted on rare and
threatened species, including the Siberian (Amur) tiger and the
fareastern leopard. Whilst data on the Amur tiger at key
sites, such as strict reserves, reveal population trends, they
do not show the overall picture of the tiger population and habitat
dynamics. Measure to conserve tiger populations can only be fully
effective if the overall picture is known. However, the difficulty
of conducting a full inventory prevents censusing more than once
every five or more years. This project activity therefore seeks
to collect and summarize all available information on the current
state of Amur tiger habitat, and determine the total number of
Amur tigers in Russia. Where the habitats of Amur tiger and fareastern
leopard overlap, an inventory of both species can be conducted
simultaneously. The census method will be simultaneous registrations
of tiger footprints in all main river basins within known habitat,
i.e. in the Primorye and Khabarovsk region. This will allow the
determination of the minimum number of individual tigers and will
also reveal individual tiger data such as sex and age.
Activity Objectives:
Main objective:
1. To assess the total number and location of existing Siberian
tigers and fareastern leopards in Russia, so as to ensure
the accuracy of other project components and safeguard the general
conservation goals of the project.
Specific objectives:
2. To assess the distribution of the tiger population within
the existing range, to reveal the centres of maximum population
density, and to identify regions where there is a danger of splintering
the tiger population into subpopulations due to habitat fragmentation.
3. To assess the total population of tigers within the Russian
boundaries, based on an almost total inventory, rather than on
a selective inventory with subsequent data extrapolation.
4. To assess the character of habitat changes in different sites,
especially the state of the food base for the tiger and its prey.
5. To assess the general trends in the longterm changes
of habitat and population of Amur leopards through comparisons
with previous similar inventories.
6. To obtain data for developing territorialdifferentiated
protection measures, especially for improving the network of specially
protected natural territories (tiger reserves).
7. To identify seven regions as monitoring areas in which censuses
are to be conducted during the two subsequent winters.
8. To evaluate the census method used in the 1995-96 census and
to improve it for subsequent tiger monitoring censuses in the
Russian Far East.
9. To evaluate the ongoing antipoaching projects in the
region.
Activity Biomes:
Boreal Forests.
Activity Methods:
Research and Monitoring.
Activity Species:
Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica).
RU0005.4: Environmental Education (Dec. 93 - Jun. 97)
Activity Background:
This activity seeks to initiate environmental education activities
in order to support the overall project (RU0005). The overall
aim is to increase public awareness and individual understanding
about the role of Siberian tigers as indicators of an intact ecosystem,
and about the three major threats to tigers: poaching and the
use of tiger products in oriental medicine; the reduction of natural
tiger prey; and habitat destruction.
Activity Objectives:
1. To provide education material for the formal education system
and key persons from the NGO sector.
2. To contribute to the training of key persons and help the
trainees to act as multipliers.
3. To build up awareness through the media.
4. To foster a strong conservation ethic among rural communities
by operating a Mobile Education Unit.
Activity Biomes:
Boreal Forests.
Activity Methods:
Education.
Activity Species:
Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica).
RU0007 Russian Federation: PechoraIlych - Forest Conservation
Project Summary:
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This project seeks to secure the future of the PechoraIlych
Strict Nature Reserve in western Russia - the largest remaining
virgin forest area in Europe - and to develop practical models
for sustainable forestry. With the collapse of the former Soviet
system and current economic problems, the future of the reserve
and its buffer zone is less secure. WWF is putting together a
plan to safeguard the reserve and develop models of ecologically
sound forestry practices.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 100 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 | |
EE & Capacity Building 30 |
Oceans and Coasts 0 | |
Protected Areas 30 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 0 |
Non-Biome Specific 0 | |
|
Sustainable Resource Use 40 |
| Treaties & Legislation 0 |
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
The modern history of most northern forests is one of gradual
loss of the natural ecosystem in the face of exploitation and
gradual adaptation to new demands. Modern considerations range
from sustaining the wood production and developing environmentally
sound industries, to saving endangered species and assessing the
role of the northern forests with regard to global climate change.
There is much still to be learnt, however, from intact natural
forest ecosystems. But these are now few in number. The most remote,
and therefore the least altered, forests in Europe are found in
the TroitskoPechorsk region in the Komi Republic in north-west
Russia. This region still has a large area of natural forest,
although it too is heavily exploited and is facing all kinds of
problems related to the recent political changes.
PechoraIlych Strict Nature Reserve lies on the western slopes
of the Ural Mountains and on the lowland of the Pechora River
valley. Encompassing more that 700,000ha in the reserve itself
and 500,000ha in the buffer zone, it is one of the world's largest
reserves and contains all of the main northern forest landscape
types, from fireprone pine plains, to undulating hills with
all stand types and wet mountain forests. The reserve and buffer
zone, and the newly established Ural National Park, form the last
naturally functioning dynamic forest system in Europe, covering
an area almost the size of the Netherlands. As such, it has immense
significance at the local, regional, national, and international
levels.
Founded in 1930, the reserve has been used for conservation, research
and education for over 50 years. Since 1990 it has gradually opened
up for international cooperation, with research being undertaken
on the structure and dynamics of the natural forest, as well as
analyses of longterm data sets collected by reserve staff.
In August 1994 a group of 15 forest management directors from
the five largest forest companies in Sweden visited PechoraIlych
and were convinced of the importance of the area for education.
The forest provides the opportunity to create a positive example
of forestry leading to a sustainable forest ecosystem and the
economic stability of local communities, as an alternative to
current exploitation processes. With the collapse of the former
Soviet system and current economic problems, the future of the
reserve and its buffer zone is less secure. A concession of 2
million ha granted in 1993 to a French company in neighbouring
forests raised fears that the buffer zone could be logged. Under
this project, WWF is putting together a plan to safeguard the
reserve and develop models of ecologically sound forestry practices.
Project Objectives:
1. To secure the future protection of the pristine forest of
the PechoraIlych Strict Nature Reserve.
2. To develop models for sustaining boreal forests in western
Russia.
3. To support training and education in ecologically based forestry
in the Komi Region, Russia.
RU0007.1: Securing the future of PechoraIlych Reserve
(Dec. 93 - Jun. 99)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
1. To secure the future of PechoraIlych Strict Nature Reserve
by assisting in setting up a more viable and financially selfsufficient
management system.
2. To develop a base for a model forestry complex as a positive
example of forestry leading to a sustainable forest ecosystem
and economic stabilization of local societies, by providing assistance
in landscape planning, education, developing linkages among different
stakeholders, and facilitating development of value-added products.
3. To assist PechoraIlych Strict Nature Reserve in planned
development of training programmes in boreal forest ecology, protection
and management, as a first step towards creation of a formal education
and training programme.
Activity Biomes:
Boreal Forests.
Activity Methods:
Forest Management; Protected Area Management; Research and Monitoring.
RU0007.4: Additional Support for the Devlopment of Infrastructure
and Educational Facilities (Dec. 93 - Jun. 97)
Activity Background:
Russian nature conservation has made impressive achievements in
the Komi Republic, where an area of approximately 25,000 sq km
of pristine taiga is under protection in the PechoraIlych
Strict Nature Reserve, together with the buffer zone and "Yougyd
Va" National Park. However, these achievements are now under
threat from changes wrought under recent political and economic
transitions. This activity, together with Activity 1, will significantly
increase the possibilities to secure the functions of the reserve
through an improved infrastructure, in particular concerning communications
and mobility. It will also make it possible to develop the full
potential of the reserve as an educational facility and strengthen
WWF's hand in securing long-term federal commitment to forest
conservation.
Activity Objectives:
1. To ensure that the existing protection system is kept in place
and functioning.
2. To adapt the management system of the reserve to long-term
conservation, education and scientific needs, as well as economic
viability.
3. To ensure that the reserve has the infrastructure to carry
out education and study tours for international students, scientists,
and foresters.
4. To strengthen WWF's ability to support forest conservation
at a federal level.
Activity Biomes:
Boreal Forests.
Activity Methods:
Education; Institutional Support and Development; Lobbying; Protected
Area Management.
RU0008 Russian Federation: Programme Development - Establishing
WWF Presence in Moscow
Project Summary:
View Map
Under this project, the WWF Russia Programme Office works with
federal, regional and nongovernmental agencies to assess
and determine the direction of a national conservation strategy.
The office also develops, implements, and monitors a range of
projects involving support for the creation of new protected areas,
conservation of threatened species, and sustainable development,
as well as initiatives in environmental education, public awareness,
and environmental policy.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 50 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 20 |
| EE & Capacity Building 10 |
Oceans and Coasts 10 | |
Protected Areas 50 |
Non-Priority Biomes 20 | |
Species 20 |
Non-Biome Specific 0 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 20 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
Since its establishment in 1994, and official recognition in 1995,
the WWF Russia Programme Office in Moscow has completed about
40 projects aimed at wildlife protection in Russia. It is now
implementing a range of conservation projects financed by WWF
donors. The Programme Office is in process of (a) evaluating existing
conservation strategies and identifying experts to help develop
a comprehensive national plan, uniting the best ways of implementing
these strategies; (b) developing a strategy to seek funding from
international donors and national sponsors to support components
of the Russian conservation strategy; (c) coordinating and promoting
WWF Network activities; (d) developing an overall role for WWF
in the Russian conservation strategy; and (e) providing the necessary
infrastructure for carrying out and monitoring projects in various
regions in Russia. The Moscow-based WWF team works with experts,
provides assistance where necessary, and ensures coordination
and communication with WWF National Organizations, the Central
and Eastern European Subregional Team, the Arctic Subregional
Team, the Russia Country Team, and WWF International.
Project Objectives:
1. To develop a Russian conservation strategy.
2. To develop a strategic plan for the WWF Network's role in
Russian conservation.
3. To coordinate WWF Network activities in Russia, and to work
with Russian WWF coordinators.
4. To oversee and manage implementation of funded projects.
5. To monitor and evaluate the success of project implementation.
6. To provide administrative assistance, financing and accounting
for the WWF Network.
RU0008.1: Russia, Programme Development - Establishing WWF
Presence in Moscow (Jul. 94 - Jun. 99)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
1. To coordinate WWF International/NO activities in implementing
WWF Russia Country Team-approved priorities for Russia.
2. To oversee and participate in the identification, design,
implementation, and evaluation of the WWF Russian programme and
project activities.
3. To liaise with Russian governmental agencies, multilateral
lending agencies, bilateral donor agencies, and the environmental,
scientific, and NGO communities.
4. To determine policy directions (within the contexts set by
WWF Advisory Groups) for the WWF Russia Programme.
5. To oversee and manage project implementation for funded proposals.
6. To oversee staff and office administration within the WWF
Russia Programme Office.
Activity Biomes:
Boreal Forests; Tundra.
Activity Methods:
Institutional Support and Development.
Activity Species:
Polar bear (Ursus maritimus); Russian desman (Desmana moschata);
Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica).
RU0008.4: Management of Danish Funds Supporting the WWF
Russia Programme Office (Jul. 94 - Jun. 98)
Activity Background:
This activity facilitates the management of funds which support
the WWF Russia Programme Office. Money has been allocated to the
Programme Office for management of projects RU0012, RU0014, and
RU0015, which are funded by the Danish Environmental Protection
Agency (via WWFDenmark).
Activity Objectives:
1. To manage and administrate three projects (RU0012, RU0014,
and RU0015) in Oksky and Bryansky protected areas, and in Nizhnesvirsky
Nature Reserves, funded by the Danish Ministry of Environment
(through WWFDenmark).
Activity Biomes:
Boreal Forests.
Activity Methods:
Protected Area Management.
Activity Species:
European bison (Bison bonasus); Russian desman (Desmana moschata);
Siberian crane (Grus leucogeranus).
RU0011 Russian Federation: Brown Bear - Establishment of New
Protected Areas
Project Summary:
The aim of this project is to close gaps in the current protected
areas network in Russia and to protect critical wildlife habitats
against mining and uncontrolled logging activities.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 40 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 30 |
| EE & Capacity Building 0 |
Oceans and Coasts 30 | |
Protected Areas 70 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 30 |
Non-Biome Specific 0 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 0 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
The proposed Amursky Reserve is located on the upper stream of
the Amur River in the AmurskySakhalinsky bioregion of Russia,
close to the border with China. The region is in many respects
unique and can be compared to the Caucasus in terms of the abundance
and variety of biological resources. The 12 existing regional
nature reserves do not include all the representative and crucial
areas in terms of biodiversity. This project seeks to develop
a new reserve of 1,000 sq km on the upper Amur River in the Skovorodinsky
region. Longterm studies conducted by the Amursky Scientific
Institute of Complex Studies and the Institute of Soil Biology
of the Russian Academy of Science show that the Tchepelsky region
is the most promising in terms of its natural habitats and biodiversity.
Of the 445 plant species in the region, only 141 are considered
common, and the area represents the limit of distribution for
as many as 100 species. There are unique pine forests that have
retained their virgin character, as well as almost pristine meadow
and wetland areas in valleys along rivers that flow into the Amur
river. In general, these ecosystems have to date almost entirely
escaped anthropogenic impacts. Preliminary surveys show that the
region is inhabited by 46 mammal species, including brown bear,
moose, roe deer and a unique race of musk deer, and several rare
birds, such as whitetailed sea eagle and spotted eagle.
The rapid development of the region, especially logging activities
and poaching of brown bear and musk deer, poses considerable threats
to this rich biodiversity. Many joint ventures between Russia
and China have already been formed in logging and mining, and
many more are planned.
Plans to establish Koryaksky Reserve are based on the necessity
of conserving two unique areas of the Koryaksky Autonomous region:
the Parapolsky Dole and Goven Peninsula. Parapolsky Dole is a
river valley with numerous lakes, streams and swamps which serve
as an important nesting, resting, and moulting site for thousands
of wetland birds. The Goven Peninsula, located on the north-east
coast of Kamchatka, is a hilly area containing crucial habitats
for the brown bear. The work to officially gazette the area stopped
in 1991 owing to a lack of funds. At that time the governor of
Koryakia had already signed a decree on setting up the 10,000
sq km reserve. The planning process and survey work now needs
to be finalized in order to submit the necessary documentation
to the relevant ministries. Due to the area's uniqueness, its
significant wildlife habitats, and the threats to the region from
mining and logging industries, the Russian government and the
WWF Russia Programme Office are taking immediate action to establish
this reserve.
View Map
The proposed Tungussky Reserve represents a large untouched tract
of primary forest in central Siberia, where there are at present
no protected areas (PAs). Hence, the creation of this reserve
would fill an important gap in the PAs network. The huge area
of the proposed reserve (10,000 sq km) would secure habitats where
natural ecological processes driven by natural disturbance regimes,
such as forest fires, can continue unchanged. Moreover, creation
of this reserve would secure large areas of important habitats
for brown bear, lynx, roe deer, musk deer, six species of owl,
and four species of eagle, among others.
Project Objectives:
1. To establish new protected areas and fill critical gaps in
the Russian system of protected areas.
2. To conserve critical habitats for the conservation of species.
3. To protect large tracts of pristine habitats such as primary
forests and intact wetlands and allow continuation of ecological
processes.
RU0011.2: Establishment of Two New PAs (Shantarskie Archipelago,
Novaya Zemlya) (Jul. 95 - Jun. 96)
Activity Background:
View Map
This activity takes the necessary steps to create two new reserves:
Novaya Zemlya and Shantarsky Islands. The legal establishment
of these reserves would be an important step in safeguarding important
habitats, mainly for nesting seabirds and breeding sea mammals.
Novaya Zemlya (New Land) is an archipelago in the far northern
European part of the Russian Arctic, consisting of two large and
numerous small islands. The area has long attracted the attention
of Russian and foreign scientists and conservationists, largely
because Novaya Zemlya holds the largest bird colonies in the northern
hemisphere. The archipelago is also famous for its sea mammals
and fish. Since the development of the archipelago, these wildlife
resources have been intensively exploited, e.g. the collection
of millions of birds and their eggs. Data from 1950 show that
the population of murre was about two million in 1950, even allowing
for the fact that their population was already severely reduced
in many colonies due to egg collecting and hunting. However, several
colonies were completely destroyed. In 1954 Novaya Zemlya became
a military base for nuclear tests, resulting in limited access
to the archipelago for civilian zoologists. The lack of information
since about the wildlife populations on the archipelago has resulted
in speculation about the condition of bird colonies, especially
abroad.
View Map
The development of a protected area (PA) is planned for terrestrial
and marine ecosystems on the Shantarsky Archipelago, situated
in the Khabarovsk region and on part of the Okhotsk Sea. The PA
will include Big Shantar, Feklistov, Ptich'y and Prokof'ev Islands,
with a total area of more than 300,000ha. The PA will ensure:
(a) conservation of unique island ecosystems of the Okhotsk Sea;
(b) restoration of bird colonies; (c) protection of rare birds
and plants listed in the Russian "Red Data Book" (e.g.
Pacific sea eagle, osprey, black stork, hooded crane, and whooper
swan); (d) protection of migratory routes of waterfowl; (e) restoration
of unique island populations of sable, reindeer, and others; and
(f) conservation of feeding habitats for sea mammals and breeding
areas for salmon. Over 220 bird species nest on the archipelago
and there are colonies of up to 7,000 birds on the small islands.
Up to 50 pairs of Pacific sea eagle, some 10 pairs of osprey and
2530 pairs of whooping swans nest here, and more than 300,000
waterfowl stop over during migration. Several thousand seals inhabit
the waters around the archipelago, and up to 150 whales of different
species regularly occur. The islands are also inhabited by at
least 100 brown bears, more than 200 reindeer, several hundred
sable, many otters, and fox. Rivers provide important breeding
grounds for salmon and codfish.
Activity Objectives:
1. To establish two new protected areas and fill critical gaps
in the Russian PAs system.
2. To conserve critical habitats for the conservation of species
listed in the Russian "Red Data Book".
3. To protect large feeding, nesting, and resting habitats for
waterfowl and seabirds.
Activity Biomes:
Boreal Forests; Tundra.
Activity Methods:
Protected Area Establishment.
Activity Species:
Black stork (Ciconia nigra); Hooded crane (Grus monacha); Polar
bear (Ursus maritimus).
RU0011.3: Koryaksky Reserve: Technical Assistance for Reserve
Protection (Jun. 96 - Jun. 99)
Activity Background:
This activity provides technical assistance with the protection
of Koryaksky Reserve. The reserve extends over 327,156ha of the
northern part of Kamchatka Peninsula, including 83,000ha of wetlands.
State protection of this territory is the most important factor
in the conservation of this unique forested Bering tundra - a
combination of floodplains, cedar forests and numerous lakes and
tundra swamps. The reserve has two main sites: Parapolsky Valley
and Goven Peninsula. The former is formed by the Kuyul river and
its associated lakes and swamps. It is a unique nesting and stop-over
area for waterfowl, and is included in the List of Wetlands of
International Importance under the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar).
The latter site includes the Lavrovaya (Laurel) bay region and
the southern part of Goven peninsula, inhabited by 30 colonies
of seabirds. Rare species such as peregrine falcon and gyrfalcon
also breed here. Significant work needs to be undertaken following
the December 1995 decree by the Russian Prime Minister establishing
the reserve. This includes establishing and equipping the reserve's
administrative office in the town of Tilichki, and enabling the
work of the scientific department and protection service.
Activity Objectives:
1. To provide urgent technical assistance to Koryaksky Reserve
in establishing a reserve office in the town of Tilichiki and
for undertaking reserve protection activities.
2. To create a management plan for protection and sustainable
use of the reserve.
3. To identify priority areas of investment for creation of infrastructure
for the reserve, to ensure successful implementation of the management
plan.
Activity Biomes:
River Systems; Tundra.
Activity Methods:
Institutional Support and Development; Protected Area Management.
RU0012 Russian Federation: Oksky Reserve (Ryazan Oblast)
Project Summary:
View Map
This two-year project incorporates urgent requirements for core
support to continue important conservation activities in Oksky
Nature Reserve, located in European Russia in the Ryazan Oblast.
The reserve was established in 1935 to preserve one of the largest
intact wetland areas in central European Russia.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 30 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 70 |
| EE & Capacity Building 0 |
Oceans and Coasts 0 | |
Protected Areas 60 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 40 |
Non-Biome Specific 0 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 0 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
Oksky Nature Reserve is located in the southeastern part
of the Meschora lowland and includes the floodplains of the Oka
River. The reserve's territory of 557 sq km is covered with pine,
birch, and deciduous forests, with occasional oak groves. There
are many bogs and lakes in the reserve, home to dozens of fish
and reptiles. Plant life in the protected area (PA) flourishes,
with 800 vascular and flowering species and 150 different kinds
of fungi, including 69 rare and five threatened species. Over
50 mammal species and 240 bird species inhabit the PA, including
the rare aquatic insectivore, the desman, along with black stork
and whitetailed eagle. Poaching and loss of habitat is threatening
the longterm survival of the desman.
Conservation programmes in Oksky Nature Reserve reflect the need
to protect areas of intact wetland and forest habitats located
along expanding agricultural enterprises and population points.
Critical programmes for restoring rare and disappearing species
in Russia are also under way. The reserve hosts three famous breeding
and reintroduction centres, one facility for the CaucasainByelovezh
bison, one for rare crane species, such as Siberian, redcrowned,
and hooded cranes, and one centre for birds of prey, including
peregrine falcon, baloban, and golden eagle. Despite financial
setbacks, the breeding and reintroduction programmes have enjoyed
major successes. The crane reintroduction programme is especially
important for the restoration of the rare Siberian crane, whose
numbers have dwindled to less than 20 specimens in its western
Siberian population. A expert on the desman monitors the species'
population in the reserve and studies methods for its restoration.
The reserve operates a modest ornithological station and participates
in various international initiatives on studying rare birds of
prey, and on the breeding and reintroduction of several crane
species. The reserve's staff also conduct environmental education
activities, and a nature museum is located at the headquarters
which helps to increase overall environmental awareness.
The success of ongoing conservation programmes in the reserve
depends on the ability to enforce reserve regulations, and on
the capacity to sustain existing activities vital to the preservation
of many rare species. This project is implemented by specialists
at Oksky Nature Reserve, in close cooperation with the WWF Russia
Programme Office, WWF International, and WWFDenmark.
Project Objectives:
1. To provide urgent technical assistance to Oksky Nature Reserve
to improve protection and monitoring capabilities.
2. To improve facilities at the crane breeding centre.
3. To support the efforts under way to restore the rare desman
population.
RU0012.1: Technical Assistance for Reserve Protection Activities
(Oksky Reserve) (Jan. 95 - Dec. 96)
Activity Background:
Several important programmes on saving rare and endangered species
make Oksky Nature Reserve a high priority for immediate technical
assistance, including breeding and reintroduction programmes for
the European bison, Siberian crane, and many birds of prey, such
as the peregrine falcon and golden eagle. The desman, a unique
aquatic insectivore found only in the wetlands and lakes of the
Volga River basin, is also being studied at the reserve and measures
need to be taken to recreate the disappearing habitat for this
endangered species. Owing to the current poor economic situation
in Russia, the reserve is suffering from a lack of government
funding, impeding measures to enforce protection in the reserve,
and threatening the existence of the breeding centres and reintroduction
programmes. This activity provides the urgent financial assistance
needed to ensure adequate protection and monitoring of the reserve,
and to guarantee continuation of the vital programmes on restoring
rare and endangered species.
Activity Objectives:
1. To provide proper reserve patrols and management by purchasing
ranger gear and uniforms.
2. To improve communications by installing a radio-telephone.
3. To purchase additional machinery to help fight forest fires
which threaten the habitat of many birds and mammals.
4. To compensate reserve staff for the execution of the project.
5. To improve patrols by providing funds to cover increased fuel
costs.
Activity Biomes:
Temperate Dry Deciduous Forest.
Activity Methods:
Protected Area Management.
Activity Species:
Black stork (Ciconia nigra); European bison (Bison bonasus); Russian
desman (Desmana moschata); Whitetailed sea eagle (Haliaetus
albicilla).
RU0012.2: Technical Assistance for the Crane Breeding Centre
(Oksky Reserve) (Jan. 95 - Dec. 96)
Activity Background:
Oksky Nature Reserve hosts the famous breeding and reintroduction
centres for rare crane species, such as Siberian, redcrowned,
and hooded cranes. The breeding and reintroduction programmes
have enjoyed major successes, despite financial setbacks. Projects
to reintroduce young cranes to the wild have been under way since
1992 and are especially important for the restoration of the Siberian
crane population, whose numbers have dwindled to less than 20
individuals in its western Siberian population. The crane breeding
centre requires assistance to ensure continuation and growth of
these programmes. This activity provides this assistance, including
the funding of three specialists who will stay at the release
site for one month to release 10 Siberian cranes into the wild
and study their acclimatization.
Activity Objectives:
1. To help repair and modernize dilapidated pens and expand the
crane breeding centre facilities.
2. To purchase a vehicle to transport young chicks to and from
the breeding centre for reintroduction and to bring special food.
3. To provide adequate veterinary and nutritional supplies for
raising cranes.
4. To support the Siberian crane reintroduction project.
Activity Biomes:
Marshes/Swamps.
Activity Methods:
Protected Area Management; Species Management.
Activity Species:
Hooded crane (Grus monacha); Siberian crane (Grus leucogeranus).
RU0012.3: Desman Restoration Programme (Oksky Reserve) (Jan.
95 - Dec. 96)
Activity Background:
The desman is a unique aquatic insectivore found only in the wetlands
and lakes of the Volga River basin. It is threatened by loss of
habitat and poaching and is the focus of a restoration programme
being run by Oksky Reserve. This activity supports this programme.
Owing to the loss of desman pond habitat outside the reserve,
the number of water bodies inside the reserve is insufficient
to support the whole desman population. For restoration programmes
to be successful, new ponds must be created in the reserve, in
areas determined by desman specialists. An expert on the desman
is monitoring the population in the reserve and studying methods
for its restoration.
Activity Objectives:
1. To conserve the habitat of the desman population.
2. To purchase transportation and communications equipment necessary
for the study of desman habits, and to develop methods for its
restoration in the wild.
2. To support restoration programmes by creating new ponds in
the reserve.
Activity Methods:
Protected Area Management; Species Management.
Activity Species:
Russian desman (Desmana moschata).
RU0014 Russian Federation: Bryansky Les Reserve Ecological
Education Programme
Project Summary:
This project seeks funding to create an Environmental Education
(EE) Centre in the Bryansky Les Nature Reserve. It complements
efforts under way by the nongovernmental organization, SocioEcological
Union, to expand the territory and promote regional EE. Located
in the western European part of Russia in the Bryansk Oblast,
near the border with Belorus, this protected area is unique in
that it is one of the last intact forested regions south of Moscow
in which large predators such as bears and bobcats still live.
However, the high density of population in the outlying areas
(50 people per sq km) threatens the longterm existence of
the reserve. Illegal poaching, wood cutting, and use of chemical
fertilizers in and around the area are jeopardizing the serenity
and preservation of the reserve.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 100 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 | |
EE & Capacity Building 70 |
Oceans and Coasts 0 | |
Protected Areas 30 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 0 |
Non-Biome Specific 0 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 0 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
Bryansk Forest Reserve contains a unique biodiversity. Dozens
of animal and plant species listed in the IUCN and Russian "Red
Data Books" occur in the reserve. The protected area is of
international significance, located along a "flyway"
for birds migrating across the European continent. The 117 sq
km reserve was developed in 1987 with the goal of changing landuse
practices in the area so as to reduce negative impacts on important
forest habitat. The needs of local people, for instance mushroom
and berry gathering, fishing, and hunting, are catered for and
allowed in the reserve, to a limited degree. However, they have
to be constantly monitored. Economic hardship has multiplied the
requests by the local community that the land be turned over for
agricultural and other uses; hundreds of letters are received
each year by the local authorities, demanding the closure of the
reserve. Efforts to expand the territory have been fruitless,
due to these conflicts, and continual minor violations have become
a big problem. In July 1993, over 60 people were reported gathering
blackberries in the mating grounds of the wood grouse, disturbing
the birds and destroying their food base. In addition to these
violations, the reserve is threatened by excessive wood cutting,
drainage for agricultural purposes, road construction, poaching,
and other problems which are consequences of the low level of
ecological awareness in the surrounding community.
New projects and proposals by the nongovernmental organization,
the SocioEcological Union, which is working to optimize
the use of natural resources in the reserve, have met with great
difficulty. Projects for two integrated refuges on territories
meriting status as wetlands of international importance were blocked
in the Trubchevsky region. The reason for this failure was inadequate
environmental awareness of the local people and authorities. The
Suzemsky region provides an example of successful environmental
education efforts, where, as a result of public awareness projects,
two landscape refuges were successfully created with the support
of the local community. A targeted environmental education (EE)
programme for the local community would greatly increase public
awareness of the importance of conservation/preservation in the
region, and encourage the local community to support conservation
programmes. This project supports the creation of an educational
centre which will provide information on the reserve's activities,
and through which the surrounding community will be encouraged
to become involved in protecting the area. The project covers
the publication of educational materials, creation of a nature
museum with exhibits and short films, and development of a small
network of nature trails. The project is being implemented by
staff of the Bryansky Les Nature Reserve, in close cooperation
with the WWF Russia Programme Office and WWFDenmark.
Project Objectives:
1. To create an Environmental Education Centre which will provide/distribute
information on the Bryansky Les Nature Reserve's efforts to conserve
regional biodiversity.
2. To create a favourable public opinion by inviting the local
community to learn about the uniqueness and value of the reserve
and to participate in protection activities.
3. To increase awareness in schools and local government and
NGOs, thus reaching a broad audience on a local level.
4. To promote community involvement and education on a large
scale by working with the SocioEcological Union.
RU0014.1: Bryansky Les Reserve Ecological Education Programme
(Jan. 95 - Dec. 96)
Activity Background:
The aim of this activity is to create an Environmental Education
(EE) Centre in the Bryansky Les Nature Reserve. This will complement
efforts by the SocioEcological Union to expand the protected
area and promote regional EE. A local and regional journal will
be published and distributed, illustrating environmental issues
in and around the reserve. Calendars, posters and brochures will
promote the reserve and compliance with its protected regime.
Publications and press releases for the national and local massmedia
will be developed to increase awareness of protection activities.
Film and photo exhibits will also be prepared to show in the EE
Centre and will be reproduced for schools, museums, and local
interest groups. Programmes will be developed for radio and television
in order to convey the value of preserving Bryansky Les Reserve
to a wide audience. A special exhibit will depict local wildlife
and regulations for their protection. Acquisition of a minibus
would help the reserve bring school groups to the EE Centre to
study the local wildlife. School teachers and local educators
will be invited to develop techniques for EE in the classroom.
A limited environmentally oriented tourism programme will be started,
to allow local residents and visitors to see firsthand the
beauty of the nature reserve and the importance of its preservation.
To facilitate this, a small network of nature trails needs to
be created, in accordance with regulations under from the federal
Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, with educational
and interpretive signs. Educational programmes can provide a small
source of income to the reserve to help further its activities.
In order to ensure that the programme is successful, one fulltime
and one parttime educator will be hired to work in the centre
and travel to schools to give lectures and distribute EE materials.
The two educational staff members will be responsible for promoting
EE programmes and for guided nature walks, providing information
in the nature centre, and cultivating relations with the outside
community. In addition, a six-month programme will be carried
out to train local teachers on integrating EE programmes into
their school curricula.
Activity Objectives:
1. To explain the significance of PAs through nature exhibits,
information booklets and journals, and environmental education.
2. To prevent violations of the PAs regime by working with local
organizations to determine acceptable sustainable use practices,
and to enforce these.
3. To provide educational materials and lectures to institutions,
social groups, and other organizations interested in conservation
activities.
4. To help train local environmental educators and provide educational
materials to schools and local organizations in cooperation with
the SocioEcological Union.
5. To allow nature reserve visits by organizing EE tourism programmes
and developing a small network of nature trails.
Activity Biomes:
Marshes/Swamps; Temperate Dry Deciduous Forest.
Activity Methods:
Ecotourism Development; Education.
Activity Species:
Common crane (Grus grus).
RU0015 Russian Federation: Development of an Ornithological
Monitoring Station at Nizhnesvirsky Nature Reserve
Project Summary:
This project supports the creation of an integrated ornithological
monitoring station in order to monitor ecosystem changes arising
from anthropogenic influences in a reserve which contains critical
habitats for many bird and animal species.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 40 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 60 |
| EE & Capacity Building 25 |
Oceans and Coasts 0 | |
Protected Areas 25 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 50 |
Non-Biome Specific 0 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 0 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
Nizhnesvirsky Nature Reserve is a unique area of natural diversity,
preserved due to timely conservation measures taken under conditions
of intensive economic and recreational development in the Leningrad
oblast. The reserve is located on the southeastern coast
of Lake Ladoga and covers an area of 414 sq km. The protected
area (PA) was created in 1980 in order to conserve and study the
natural ecosystems of the south Ladoga basin. The reserves's unique
landscape is shaped by land surface forms of glacial origin. The
Segezh wetlands in the middle of the reserve are of significant
value. Plant life in the reserve includes 470 species, dominated
by boreal species typical of the central Taiga zone. The reserve's
fauna includes 40 mammal species, five reptile species, and four
amphibian species. The diversity and size of water reservoirs
create a rich habitat for many fish species, including the spawning
grounds of valuable commercial species such as salmon and trout.
Birds are the main subjects for protection and study, with over
250 species of forest, swamp, water, and meadow birds. Located
between different biogeographic regions, and on the White Sea-Baltic
Sea migration "flyway", the reserve plays a huge role
in biodiversity conservation, research into seasonal processes,
the dynamics of migrating and nesting bird populations, the protection
of rare and disappearing species, and the restoration of populations.
Nizhnesvirsky Nature Reserve seeks to create an integrated ornithological
station of international significance, equipped with modern scientific
equipment that will enable the monitoring of avian populations
to be carried out, in order to provide ornithological indicators
of negative impacts on local and regional environments. Intensive
economic activity in the region - e.g. agricultural development
of coastal territories, industrial enterprises, etc. - is leading
to accelerated eutrophication of lake basins and the transformation
and degradation of landscapes, negatively influencing the populations
and dynamics of water and shore bird species. Illegal fishing
and reserve violations are further degrading the integrity of
local ecosystems. Constant monitoring of these ecosystems is therefore
necessary, allied to serious protection enforcement measures.
Such monitoring is difficult without the proper equipment, and
public relations are difficult to maintain without proper informational
materials and guidelines. This project will help to alleviate
many of these basic problems. In addition, international cooperation
will be encouraged on bird migration issues, e.g. through the
hosting of a workshop to develop joint projects for studying migrational
patterns and conservation methods.
Project Objectives:
1. To strengthen the existing protection system by providing
urgently needed equipment.
2. To create an ornithological monitoring station to research
bird habits and determine environmental impacts in order to develop
preservation measures in cooperation with international specialists.
3. To help conserve wetlands, areas where birds gather during
seasonal migrations, by increasing the effectiveness of protection
activities.
4. To improve public relations by providing information explaining
local wildlife, and guidelines for protecting the reserve.
RU0015.1: Development of an Ornithological Monitoring Station
at Nizhesvirsky Nature Reserve (Jul. 94 - Jun. 98)
Activity Background:
This activity will be implemented over a two-year period. During
the first year of work, equipment will be procured and the ornithological
monitoring station will be set up. In the second year, information
brochures will be published and distributed to the public. The
ornithological monitoring station will begin work on research
and determining additional measures for protection. Also, during
the second year, international specialists will be invited to
a workshop to conduct joint studies and develop initiatives for
further cooperative work. Recurrent costs such as fuel and the
incentive fund for reserve staff will be dispersed as necessary
throughout the two-year period.
Activity Objectives:
1. To purchase equipment and ranger gear for the guard staff,
and to equip the station with modern monitoring devices.
2. To provide resources for hosting international guests and
conducting joint work on bird monitoring.
3. To hold a workshop with international specialists to determine
methods for preserving migratory routes and to conduct joint research
on migratory bird habits.
4. To provide compensation to scientific and ranger staff.
5. To publish information brochures and reserve guidelines for
visitors.
Activity Biomes:
Boreal Forests; Lake Systems.
Activity Methods:
Research and Monitoring.
Activity Species:
Great crested grebe (Podiceps cristatus).
RU0017 Russian Federation: Establishment of a New Reserve in
Khabarovsk Region - Bolonsky Reserve
Project Summary:
The project seeks to create a new nature reserve for protecting
important species and habitats in the Amur River valley and Udyl
Lake basin. Once established, the new protected area will be only
the second lake nature reserve in the Asian/Far East part of Russia
(the first, Khankaisky, lies several thousand kilometres from
Udyl Lake). Under the Russian government's proposal (572P, 23
April 1994), a planning team will work to establish a reserve
with an overall area of about 300,000ha.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 0 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 100 |
| EE & Capacity Building 0 |
Oceans and Coasts 0 | |
Protected Areas 80 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 20 |
Non-Biome Specific 0 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 0 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
This project seeks to protect a unique lake and important habitats
in Siberian Russia. Establishment of the Bolonsky Reserve, in
the Udylsky region of Khabarovsky krai, will help fill a gap in
Russia's system of protected areas (PAs). The proposed reserve
will include Udyl Lake (excluding its north-eastern bank), the
lower and middle streams of the Biga, Alochka, and Pilda Rivers,
and part of the Amur River floodplain. The Udyl Lake region provides
a variety of important habitats for many species of birds and
animals in the Amur River valley. Annually, some 150,000200,000
birds nest on Udyl Lake, several of them listed in the Russian
"Red Data Book", including Steller's sea eagle, whitetailed
eagle, osprey, black and far eastern storks, and black and Japanese
cranes. Mammals are represented by sable, bear, moose, musk deer,
wolf, and fox. One of the reasons for creating the nature reserve
is to provide protection for the spawning grounds and habitats
of Amur fish species, including the migration routes of summer
and autumn salmon. The proposed reserve has a population of indigenous
people (the "Ulichy") who will help in the protection
of their sustainable traditional hunting and fishing activities.
Project Objectives:
1. To conserve species listed in the Russian "Red Data Book"
in the Amur River valley, as well as breeding areas for waterbirds.
2. To conserve an area where indigenous people are represented.
3. To create a new protected area to help fill gaps in the Russian
system of protected areas.
4. To prepare a planning report for the official establishment
of the reserve.
5. To receive permission from landowners and regional and national
authorities for establishing the protected area.
RU0017.1: Establishment of a New Reserve in Khabarovsk Region
- Bolonsky Reserve (Jul. 95 - Jun. 97)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
1. To organize an expedition to the planned reserve site to obtain
agreements with local and regional authorities.
2. To compile data for justifying the development of the protected
area.
3. To provide documents to the Russian Federation Ministry of
Environment for a federal level decision on development of the
protected area.
4. To finalize the report on development of the new protected
area.
5. To achieve the followng output: an official report published
in Russian for review by government in order to establish the
PA, showing the proposed boundaries of the reserve, the objects
it will protect, and other information necessary for creation
of the reserve.
Activity Biomes:
Lake Systems.
Activity Methods:
Protected Area Establishment.
Activity Species:
Blacknecked crane (Grus nigricollis); Japanese crane (Grus
japonensis); Steller's fisheagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus).
RU0021 Russian Federation: Environmental Education and Public
Awareness in Protected Areas
Project Summary:
The project aims to promote the future existence of the network
of strict nature reserves ("zapovedniks") in Russia,
by setting up training programmes for the development of environmental
education in the reserves. Besides training of reserve staff,
the project will organize seminars in curriculum development and
assist in the production of educational material.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 50 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 15 |
| EE & Capacity Building 75 |
Oceans and Coasts 15 | |
Protected Areas 25 |
Non-Priority Biomes 20 | |
Species 0 |
Non-Biome Specific 0 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 0 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
Until recently, a system of strict protection was considered the
most effective means to conserve biodiversity in Russia, especially
in the area of protected area/reserve management. Undoubtedly
this approach has been effective in preserving natural areas.
At the same time, this strict doctrine evoked hostility among
local populations who were previously powerless to effect changes
in management policies. Decentralization and democratization of
the Russian society, and recent economic hardship, have forced
abandonment of an effective but autocratic approach to resource
management, and placed greater authority in the hands of regional
and local governments. The strict nature reserve system must remain
the foundation of Russia's strategy for conserving biodiversity.
However, unless the Russian government, regional governments,
and the Russian public understand that the protected areas (PAs)
system is a national asset, and of global significance, no amount
of foreign assistance will sustain the programme.
Federal officials are developing an effective conservation education
programme that will sensitize regional agencies and the public
to the biological and economic value of conserving Russia's biodiversity
and, in particular, the significance of PAs/reserves. Conservation
education is also an essential prerequisite to reduce poaching
and overexploitation of resources, and to harmonizing traditional
and nontraditional resource use with the maintenance of
biodiversity. Protected areas are a logical focus for the conservation
programme because their staff are welltrained professionals
who already have some experience in conducting conservation education
programmes.
This project seeks to establish an international centre for environmental
education to train PA staff and increase their capacity as environmental
educators. The centre would conduct training programmes for representatives
of each PA/reserve, organize seminars with international participants,
and publish uptodate bulletins and textbooks to be
used by local educators. The centre will, in the future, oversee
the establishment of minicentres for conservation education
in nine PAs/reserves, to serve as pilot projects for launching
a broader campaign. The objectives of the minicentres would
be to invite groups for lectures and visits to nature museums
and reserves, to distribute educational materials, and to work
with local residents and tourists to promote conservation education.
The overall aim of the programme is to foster a strong conservation
ethic in postSoviet Russia that will globally benefit biodiversity
conservation. The project will be carried out by the Reserves
Department of the Ministry of Environment, in cooperation with
participating reserves and WWF. The total cost of running the
international centre for ecological education and training is
CHF757,500 over three years.
Project Objectives:
1. To foster stronger support for the network of protected areas
in Russia.
2. To assist in the development of educational materials for
protected areas in Russia, emphasizing their ecological, and hence
their economic, importance for society.
3. To provide training opportunities for protected area staff
in the field of environmental education.
RU0021.1: Environmental Education and Public Awareness in
PAs (Oct. 95 - Sep. 99)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
See Project Objectives.
Activity Biomes:
Boreal Forests; Temperate Dry Deciduous Forest.
Activity Methods:
Education.
Activity Species:
Blacknecked crane (Grus nigricollis); Brown bear (Ursus
arctos); Polar bear (Ursus maritimus); Siberian tiger (Panthera
tigris altaica).
RU0022 Russian Federation: Improving Future Management of Nature
Reserves through Training of PA Staff
Project Summary:
By assisting the Federal Ministry of Environment to organize training
in capacity building of protected area staff, the project contributes
to the longterm survival of the network of protected areas
in Russia. The purpose of this project is to increase the professional
qualifications of nature reserve managers for improving protected
area operations and to introduce new methods of management planning
and development in nature reserves. Initially, training courses
will provide reserve managers with a basic professional level
of competence, and introduce innovative ideas into the training
process. Subsequently, the concept of preparing management plans
will be introduced in order to improve long-term planning and
sustainability of protected area activities.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 50 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 15 |
| EE & Capacity Building 75 |
Oceans and Coasts 15 | |
|
Protected Areas 25Non-Priority Biomes 20
| | Species 0 |
Non-Biome Specific 0 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 0 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
The present state of the protected area/reserve ranger service
in Russia is inadequate to deal with increasing anthropogenic
pressures on protected territories. The number of violations of
the strict nature reserve regime is growing rapidly and violations
remain non-penalized. Moreover, the number of illegal ventures,
linked with commercial use of natural resources, is increasing
in and around protected areas (PAs). Considerable damage is being
done to natural ecosystems, as well as to rare and disappearing
species of animals and plants. This project aims to improve protection
in PAs/reserves by providing necessary training to ranger staff.
The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has held two
successful courses, with participants from all over the Russian
Federation, but the lack of funding for conservation in the country
has severely limited training activities within the PAs system.
It is urgent that a complete course be held in the near future
to address critical protection issues in a new political and economic
era in Russia. A oneyear cycle of training includes two
courses, each with 45 participants (one representative of the
ranger service from each of the 90 reserves), and costs CHF130,000,
including implementation and management. The courses address identification
of regional funding sources, and it is hoped that within the next
few years Russia will be able to finance the training courses
out of the federal budget and use new methods of regional financing
for conservation. The project will be coordinated by the Chief
Reserve Department of the Ministry of Environment, in consultation
with WWF.
Project Objectives:
1. To assist in developing a training programme for protected
area staff in Russia, including techniques for wardens, financial
management, and information and public awareness work to create
more longterm selfsustaining management units.
RU0022.1: Training of Protected Areas Staff (Oct. 95 - Sep.
99)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
See Project Objectives.
Activity Biomes:
Boreal Forests; Lake Systems; Temperate Dry Deciduous Forest;
Tundra.
Activity Methods:
Protected Area Management; Training.
Activity Species:
Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis); Peregrine falcon (Falco
peregrinus); Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica).
RU0023 Russian Federation: Halting Illegal Wildlife Trade through
Improving Enforcement of CITES
Project Summary:
The project, developed in cooperation with the Russian authorities
and the CITES Secretariat in Switzerland, aims to build capacity
to combat the increasing problems of wildlife trade in Russia.
This will be done through a combination of training of customs
personnel, publishing of identification manuals, and developing
special holding areas for confiscated animals and plants at eight
customs points.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 50 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 15 |
| EE & Capacity Building 50 |
Oceans and Coasts 15 | |
Protected Areas 0 |
Non-Priority Biomes 20 | |
Species 30 |
Non-Biome Specific 0 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 0 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 20
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
The opening of Russia's borders and the institutional breakdown
in protection of wildlife has resulted in the decimation of some
of Russia's rarest species. Amur tigers are near extinction, and
bears and some other wild felids are now seriously threatened.
Saiga antelopes are being heavily exploited by poachers, and falcons
are being smuggled. Amphibians and reptiles, which transport easily,
are smuggled in large numbers. Until recently, Russia had only
one international airport and a few checkpoints, so the export
of animals was kept under relatively tight control. This situation
has changed entirely, and current customs staff, equipment, and
regulations are inadequate for controlling the export of animals.
Dealing with the illegal trade requires a comprehensive strategy.
However, the lack of information on the volume of illegal wildlife
trade is hindering effective action to stop it. Hence, in 1994
WWF commissioned a study on the illegal wildlife trade in Russia,
which provides an overview of the problems. In order to address
wildlife trade in Russia, WWF, together with IUCN, has decided
to establish a TRAFFIC (Trade Records Analysis of Flora and Fauna
in Commerce) office in Moscow. National and regional TRAFFIC organizations
around the world have proved effective in bringing the issue of
illegal wildlife trade to the attention of governments, public
interest groups, and international organizations. Funding for
TRAFFIC Russia will come directly from WWF.
To curb illegal wildlife trade in Russia, adequate measures by
the authorities are needed. This project aims to improve the operation
of customs organizations on Russia's borders by providing training
of personnel, developing identification mechanisms, and creating
special holding areas for confiscated animals and plants. The
specific measures of the project are to publish guides and develop
a training programme for Russian customs and veterinary services
on regulations for transporting animals and plants; to develop
a marking mechanism for identification of illegal wildlife parts;
and to build holding facilities at eight customs points for live
animals and confiscated goods. The expected results of the project
are mitigation of illegal trade at border points, and reduction
of threats to endangered species in Russia. The project will be
coordinated by the Chief Department for Management of Biological
Resources of the Ministry of Environment, in consultation with
TRAFFIC Russia. Executants include experts from the Ministry of
Environment, the State Customs Committee, the Ministry of Agriculture,
the Institute of Nature Conservation, and Moscow State University.
Project Objectives:
1. To improve the capacity of the Russian Customs Authority to
limit wildlife trade in the country through training of personnel,
development of identification manuals, and by creating special
holding facilities for confiscated animals and plants at eight
customs points.
RU0023.1: Combating Illegal Trade of Wildlife Species in
Russia (Oct. 95 - Sep. 98)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
See Project Objectives.
Activity Biomes:
Boreal Forests; Temperate Dry Deciduous Forest.
Activity Methods:
Wildlife Trade Monitoring.
Activity Species:
Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis); Peregrine falcon (Falco
peregrinus); Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica).
RU0024 Russian Federation: Development of a Trust Fund for
Protected Areas in Russia
Project Summary:
The project combines planning of a Trust Fund for protected areas
in Russia with a revision of the current management system of
reserves in the country.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 70 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 20 |
| EE & Capacity Building 50 |
Oceans and Coasts 10 | |
Protected Areas 50 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 0 |
Non-Biome Specific 0 | |
|
Sustainable Resource Use 0 |
| Treaties & Legislation 0 |
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
At present, the federal budget for supporting the protected areas
(PAs) system covers no more than 30% of the annual operating costs.
Funds for national parks and other priority areas are also meagre.
This funding scenario is unlikely to change in the near future,
as other pressing economic needs limit the funds available for
conservation activities. The recurrent maintenance costs for PAs
alone is so great that, no matter how successful ecotourism efforts
are, they will have little impact on financing the entire system.
These economic preconditions suggest the need for a longterm
financial solution. WWF intends, under this project, to establish
a conservation trust fund that would allow central Ministries
to plan strategically over longer periods because budgets obtained
from the interest on the principal of an endowment are predictable.
Other benefits of a trust fund would be increased prominence of
conservation agencies and programmes within Russia; greater confidence
among federal and regional employees in opportunities for longterm
employment, thus attracting better candidates; and greater flexibility
in determining annual budgets. In parallel to the work on the
trust fund, a need has been identified for reviewing the current
management system of the reserves in terms of wardening, research
and monitoring. Results from such an exercise should be used for
establishing a revised management system of reserves in Russia.
This will be of direct relevance for the future operation of the
conservation trust fund.
The project seeks support for a team of Russian and expatriate
experts to draft appropriate legislation and an organizational
plan for a Russian conservation trust fund; and review the current
management system of the reserves. The Ministry of Environment
and WWF will oversee implementation of the project and select
appropriate specialists.
Project Objectives:
1. To tailor an appropriate legal framework and develop an organizational
plan for a Trust Fund for Russian protected areas.
2. To revise the management system for protected areas in Russia,
for better adaptation to the new economic realities in the country.
RU0024.1: Development of a Trust Fund for Protected Areas
in Russia (Oct. 95 - Jun. 98)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
See Project Background.
Activity Biomes:
Boreal Forests; Temperate Dry Deciduous Forest.
Activity Methods:
Institutional Support and Development.
Activity Species:
Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis); Argali (Ovis ammon
hodgsoni); Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica); Snow leopard
(Panthera uncia).
RU0025 Russian Federation: Development of a Conservation Management
Plan, Bear Populations, Kamchatka
Project Summary:
View Map
This project seeks to increase the probability of maintaining
a long-term, viable brown bear population on Kamchatka Peninsula,
in Far East Russia. This will be achieved by providing urgently
needed financial support for the development and implementation
of an ongoing population monitoring programme, and by supporting
Russian scientists, managers, conservationists and local stakeholders
in developing and implementing a comprehensive conservation management
plan for bear populations on Kamchatka.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 100 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 | |
EE & Capacity Building 0 |
Oceans and Coasts 0 | |
Protected Areas 30 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
|
Species 70Non-Biome Specific 0 |
| Sustainable Resource Use 0 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
The peninsula of Kamchatka in Far East Russia comprises some 450,000,00
sq km. Surrounded by the Okhotsk Sea on its western coast and
the Pacific Ocean on its eastern coast, the peninsula is characterized
by marine climatic conditions, with very high precipitation and
relatively mild temperatures compared to the adjacent continental
shelf. These conditions restrict the permafrost line to the northern
tip of the peninsula. Located in a region with one of the highest
concentrations of active volcanoes in the world, as well as numerous
dormant and extinct cones, Kamchatka's spectacular landscape has
been shaped by volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tidal waves,
as well as by glacial activity during the last ice age. Prominent
landscape features include high volcanic peaks amidst tall ranges,
broad river valleys, rugged coastlines, and islands. Kamchatka
is covered by a mosaic of tundra and taiga habitats, with stone
birch, alder and cedar scrub formations. Impassable thickets of
dwarf Siberian pine and cedar trees alternate with lawns overgrown
with variegated grasses and dense bushes.
In many aspects, marine and terrestrial ecosystems are closely
linked. Enormous colonies of seabirds and marine mammal populations
thrive on the rich marine resources in the Okhotsk Sea and Pacific
Ocean. Sea eagles and brown bears rely on abundant populations
of salmon and other anadromous fish. The peninsula has 29 species
of rare and endemic plants. Large populations of brown bear and
other animals characteristic of taiga/tundra habitats, such as
moose and caribou, occur. The only population of sea otter (Enhydra
lutris) in the eastern Pacific is found off the Pacific coast
of Kamchatka. Other species of particular concern include Kuril
seal (Phoca vitulina kurilensis), Arctic fox (Alopex lagopus semenoui),
Blakiston's fish owl (Ketupa blakistoni), Steller's sea eagle
(Haleaeetus pelagics), and sable (Martes zebillina).
Kamchatka represents one of the last and most pristine natural
areas in the world. Its natural habitats are relatively intact
and undeveloped. It has a low population density in most areas,
350,000 (70%) of the total population living in or around Petropavlovsk.
Pockets of industrial and commercial activities are emerging in
scattered areas; mainly fishing, hunting, sightseeing and trekking
tourism, and mining for gold and other minerals. With the opening
of Russia's borders, foreign hunters and fishermen have discovered
Kamchatka as a new and almost untapped reservoir for new and exceptional
trophies. Besides moose and snow sheep, the main target of most
foreign hunters is the Kamchatka brown bear, a distinct subspecies
with remarkable features in its morphology that separates it from
other bears. One feature that makes it a very attractive target
for trophy hunters is its large size: adult males are reported
to weigh up to 900kg. The influx of trophy hunters to Kamchatka
and the rise in prices for bear bile in south-east Asia have increased
the incentive for both legal and illegal harvesting of Kamchatka's
brown bears. This, combined with the declining resources for enforcement
of game laws, has led to an exploitation of brown bears estimated
to exceed by far the legal annual harvest of 112 bears, set in
1994. It is said that in many cases more than one bear is killed
on one official license. Foreign hunters interested in obtaining
the highest quality trophies are reported to bribe official hunting
guides and helicopter teams in order to shoot a second or third
bear until the right trophy has been found.
Since there has never been a regular monitoring programme or a
management plan for bears and other game species in Kamchatka,
estimates for illegally harvested bears vary, depending on the
source of information. While rumours speak of 6,000 bears killed
between 1991 and 1995, more reliable estimates given by local
bear biologists range between 800 and 1,000 animals per annum.
Taking the last population estimate for brown bears as 9,000 (Chestin
et al., 1992), current harvest rates on Kamchatka are two times
higher than the sustainable annual harvest rates of 6% given for
brown bears inhabiting similar areas in Alaska.
Rapidly declining state funding has left game management staff
with insufficient funds to pay salaries and maintain mobile forces
with the equipment necessary to enforce harvest regulations. As
a result, most game management areas are in a desolate financial
and moral state. Helicopter flying time has risen to about US$1,000
per hour, making it impossible to conduct the monitoring of bear
populations essential for assessing annual harvest rates. While
the government control system has broken down, privately owned
sport-hunting enterprises are growing like mushrooms, leasing
large tracts of land for exclusive hunting and fishing rights.
The chaotic political and economic situation, the corruption and
bribery of many government authorities, and the development of
unregulated private enterprise may quickly lead to a situation
where large tracts of land and natural resources are lost as a
potential source of revenue and other benefits, both to the state
and to local communities.
The 70year old North American system of wildlife management
(a proven conservation success and a model of sustainable ecological
development) has demonstrated how a renewable resource, publicly
owned and managed, can be exploited by the private sector to create
a jobsensitive manufacturing and service industry with an
annual turnover of more than US$70 billion in the United States
and Canada. Studies of sport-hunting in Canada, Tanzania, and
Zimbabwe have shown similar results, demonstrating that sport-hunting
can significantly contribute to the conservation of wild species
and their habitats, whilst providing direct economic benefits
and opportunities for communities living closest to where hunting
activities occur. Thus, from a conservation perspective, all sport-hunting
activities should be developed as comanagement systems involving
citizens, commercial operators, and government.
A comprehensive management plan for brown bears on Kamchatka,
incorporating the sustainable harvesting of bears and including
measures to prevent their overexploitation, could significantly
contribute to conservation on Kamchatka. A regulated harvest of
bears and other potential game species on both private and public
land could also provide a potential alternative to the impending
large-scale exploitation of nonrenewable resources, such
as gold and diamonds, that threaten to ruin large wildlife areas.
Regulated wildlife harvesting can also be crucial to gaining the
understanding and support of local people for environmentally
sound and sustainable development.
Project Objectives:
1. To provide urgently needed financial support for developing
and implementing a population monitoring programme, in order to
determine the general size, distribution and dynamics of target
populations that are harvested.
2. To support the development and implementation of a comprehensive
conservation plan for Kamchatka bear populations, outlining the
minimum conditions that must be met to ensure that viable populations
are protected and used sustainably, and assessing the potential
benefits that sport-hunting may provide to conservation.
3. To promote habitat conservation, in particular for critical
sites such as bear den and feeding areas.
RU0025.1: Emergency Needs for a Population Monitoring Programme
(Jul. 96 - Jun. 98)
Activity Background:
The influx of trophy hunters to Kamchatka and the rise in prices
for bear bile in southeast Asia have increased the incentive
for both legal and illegal harvest of Kamchatka brown bears. Because
of the increased market, and due to declining resources for enforcement
of game laws, illegal exploitation is estimated to exceed by far
the legal annual harvest of brown bears. This activity seeks to
establish an accurate population monitoring programme for brown
bears and other harvested species, that will help to estimate
the impact of poaching and establish sustainable harvesting rates.
Activity Objectives:
Main objective:
1. To ensure the scientific basis for a sustainable annual harvest
of brown bears on Kamchatka.
Specific objectives:
2. To provide financial support and technical assistance for
the continuous development and improvement of a scientifically
sound population monitoring programme
3. To assure financial support for the implementation of an annual
population monitoring programme that determines the general size,
distribution and dynamics of target populations that are harvested.
Activity Biomes:
Boreal Forests.
Activity Methods:
Species Management; Wildlife Trade Monitoring.
Activity Species:
Brown bear (Ursus arctos).
RU0025.2: Development of a Cons. Management Plan for Bear
Populations on Kamchatka (Jul. 96 - Jun. 98)
Activity Background:
Uncontrolled trophy hunting and poaching for bear bile threaten
the longterm viability of brown bear populations on Kamchatka.
State wildlife protection and management bodies on Kamchatka are
no longer able to control harvest regulations and poaching, due
to rapidly declining state funding. Meanwhile, lucrative privately
run trophy hunting operations and prices for bear bile have increased,
providing huge incentives for sport-hunting and poaching. If no
immediate measures are taken, this situation could quickly lead
to the disappearance of a species and a potential source of various
revenues and other benefits for Kamchatka. This activity supports
the development of a conservation management plan for bear populations
on Kamchatka, which will seek to ensure that the species is used
sustainably and that potential revenues and benefits from harvesting
the species flow back to people associated with the resources.
Under such a plan, well-regulated sport-hunting could contribute
significantly to conservation of species and habitats on Kamchatka.
Activity Objectives:
Main objective:
1. To increase the probability of maintaining viable brown bear
populations on Kamchatka.
Specific objectives:
2. To facilitate the acceptance of the developed management plan
at all administrative and private business levels on Kamchatka,
through lobbying activities, presentations and stakeholder meetings.
3. To fully implement the management plan at all relevant levels.
Activity Biomes:
Boreal Forests; Mixed Mountain Systems.
Activity Methods:
Species Management; Wildlife Trade Monitoring.
Activity Species:
Brown bear (Ursus arctos).
RU0025.3: PreFeasibility Study for the Development
of Ecotourism on Kamchatka (Jul. 96 - Dec. 96)
Activity Background:
Kamchatka represents one of the last and most pristine natural
areas in the world. It offers spectacular landscapes characterized
by the highest concentration of active volcanoes in the world,
broad river valleys and rugged coastlines. It has spectacular
wildlife, including one of the highest concentration of brown
bears, herds of caribou, snow sheep, moose, Stellar's sea eagle,
and enormous colonies of seabirds and marine mammal populations.
This so far almost untapped potential for wildlife tourism could
generate a significant source of income for the local population,
and could be a crucial factor in gaining the understanding and
support of local people for environmentally sound and sustainable
development. Ecotourism understood as integrated regional development
would also provide a viable alternative to the impending large-scale
exploitation of Kamchatka's nonrenewable resources, such
as gold and diamonds, that will ruin large wildlife areas.
Activity Objectives:
Main objective:
1. To develop a concept for the development of tourism that is
part of an integrated conservation development scheme.
Specific objectives:
2. To assess ongoing tourism activities and identify their shortcomings
and potential and possible threats to nature conservation.
3. To evaluate existing concepts for the development of ecotourism
designed by local experts and the regional ecology committee.
4. To develop a target-driven concept for the implementation
of model projects, including a detailed financing scheme.
Activity Methods:
Ecotourism Development.
RU0026 Russian Federation: USAID EPT Russian Far East
- Sustainable Natural Resource Management Project
Project Summary:
Under this project, the WWF Russia Programme Office is carrying
out a part of USAID's Russian Far East Sustainable Natural Resources
Management Project, which forms part of the US government's assistance
programme for Russia and the newly independent states of the former
Soviet Union. The WWF Russia Programme Office's role is to implement
Component 3 of the project, namely the Biodiversity Conservation
Management Component.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 100 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 | |
EE & Capacity Building 0 |
Oceans and Coasts 0 | |
Protected Areas 0 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 0 |
Non-Biome Specific 0 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 100 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
The system of protected areas (PAs) in the Russian Far East forms
the basis for biodiversity conservation in the region. However,
the financial crisis in the region has meant that programmes for
protection and monitoring of PAs have practically collapsed. As
a result, the number of violations to PA regimes is rapidly increasing.
Shortages of rangers, and inadequate equipment and means of communication
preclude effective conservation. The lack of funding and equipment
to carry out monitoring programmes has also resulted in gaps in
data on the current state of species and ecosystems.
Under this project, the WWF Russia Programme Office is responsible
for overall management of the Biodiversity Conservation Component
(Component 3) of USAID's Russian Far East Sustainable Natural
Resources Management Project. This forms part of the US government's
assistance programme for Russia and the newly independent states
of the former Soviet Union. WWF's work will come under the direction
of the Environmental Policy and Technology Project Manager or
his appointee. WWF will hire a Far East representative to coordinate
with regional experts, PAs, authorities, and with coordinators
of other components of the USAID project. A fulltime Russian
coordinator will work on biodiversity issues in Khabarovsk and
will coordinate with other project components, such as development
of landuse regional plans and a regional biodiversity strategy.
A coordinator based at the WWF Russia Programme Office in Moscow,
with the parttime assistance of two experts, will assist
with coordination of project activities with both Russian federal
agencies (for work on protected areas, sustainable development,
and biodiversity conservation) and international project leaders.
Project Objectives:
1. To enhance the protection of endangered species and critical
habitat in the Far East region, namely in SikhoteAlin Mountain
Ranges.
2. To strengthen conservation management in the SikhoteAlin
region through three main components: support to existing conservation
activities in protected areas; ongoing assistance to antipoaching
programmes; creation of new protected areas and expansion of existing
reserves.
3. To initiate work with rural communities and local NGOs to
develop linkages between conservation and sustainable development
activities and to increase public awareness of, and involvement
in, conservation activities.
4. To create a conservation trust fund, managed by local NGOs
and conservation authorities, to provide longterm funding
resources for conservation activities in the entire region.
RU0026.1: USAID EPT Russian Far East - Sustainable
Natural Resources (Jul. 96 - Jun. 97)
Activity Background:
View Map
A number of activities under this project have either started
or have been completed, for example: ongoing assistance to antipoaching
programmes; preparatory and evaluation activities towards the
creation of new protected areas (PAs) or the expansion of existing
reserves; and various analyses and reviews of existing materials
and data. In-depth discussions have been held with decision-makers
in governmental institutions and regional administrations in Primorsky
and Khabarovsky kris regions, in order to evaluate and facilitate
the future development of the network of PAs in the Far East.
Attention was also given to initiation of more active nature conservation
promotion, as well as to the provision of public information on
project activities to the general public in Vladivostok and the
surrounding region.
The second phase of "Development of justification for creation
of one protected ethnoecological territory in the basin
of the Khor" has been accomplished by the Wildlife Foundation
of Khabarovsk. This involved the gathering of information on populations
of game animals and birds (including the nature of their utilization),
local communities and their traditional land use. Meetings were
organized at local and regional levels to ensure understanding
of and support for the project. Local people have been involved
in the implementation of the project at all stages. Information
about the project has appeared in the media, mainly in the newspaper
"Primorskie Vedomosti and on state television. The results
of the project were presented at workshops in Vladivostok and
Khabarovsk.
Activity Objectives:
See Project Objectives.
Activity Biomes:
Boreal Forests; Temperate Dry Deciduous Forest.
Activity Methods:
Programme / Project Development.
Activity Species:
Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis); Siberian tiger (Panthera
tigris altaica).
RU0030 Russian Federation: CITES Seminars - Russia Biodiversity
Programme
Project Summary:
View Map
This project aims to improve the capacity of the governments of
the Russian Federation, Ukraine and Belarus, and newly created
countries in central Asia, to enforce the CITES (Convention on
International Traffic of Endangered Species) Convention through
the development and implementation of CITESproduced seminars.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 0 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 | |
EE & Capacity Building 30 |
Oceans and Coasts 0 | |
Protected Areas 0 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 70 |
Non-Biome Specific 100 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 0 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
This project aims to improve the capacity of the governments of
the Russian Federation, Ukraine and Belarus, and newly created
countries in central Asia, to enforce the CITES (Convention on
International Traffic of Endangered Species) Convention through
the development and implementation of CITESproduced seminars
in these countries. In these seminars, key enforcement personnel
will be trained in methods of controlling trade in fauna and flora,
compliance, and management. The project is an important facet
of WWF International's Russia Biodiversity Programme, funded by
the government of Switzerland, Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
(along with projects RU0021, RU0022, RU0023, and RU0024, and RU0007.01).
Project Objectives:
1. To improve implementation of the CITES Convention in the Commonwealth
of Independent States (CIS) through the successful development,
production and implementation of the CITES Seminar for the Management
Authorities of the State Members of the CIS, to be held in May
1996, and two other similar seminars for the former republics
of the Soviet Union in central Asia and Ukraine/Belarus regions
(tentatively scheduled for late 1996 and 1997).
2. To train personnel in charge of controlling the trade in fauna
and flora by acquainting them with CITES procedures, including
the issuance of permits and certificates, and enforcement tactics.
3. To develop relationships and exchange of information and experiences
among the personnel in charge of implementing CITES in the various
republics of the CIS; and similarly for central Asia and Belarus/Ukraine
regions.
RU0030.1: CITES Seminar I (Jan. 96 - Jun. 98)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
See Project Objectives.
Activity Methods:
Education; Species Management.
RU0032 Russian Federation: Okhotsk Sea - Status and Conservation
of Endangered Species
Project Summary:
The opening of the Russian Far East for economic development,
e.g. drilling for oil in the Okhosk Sea by more than 20 of the
world's largest oil companies, poses problems for the region's
marine and coastal fauna, such as large whales and Steller's sea
eagle. This project aims to assess the status of and develop conservation
measures for the most endangered species of fauna of the Okhotsk
Sea region.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 0 | | Consumption & Pollution 50
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 20 |
| EE & Capacity Building 0 |
Oceans and Coasts 80 | |
Protected Areas 20 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 30 |
Non-Biome Specific 0 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 0 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
The opening of the Russian Far East for economic development,
e.g. drilling for oil in the Okhosk Sea by more than 20 of the
world's largest oil companies, poses problems for the region's
marine and coastal fauna, such as large whales and Steller's sea
eagle. The shelf oil fields form a continuous belt from Kamchatka
to the Tatar Gulf, and include almost the whole breeding range
of Steller's sea eagle, as well as the principal feeding grounds
of populations of bowhead whales and gray whales, whose populations
are estimated at 200-250 and 150-200 respectively. Intensive development
of shelf oil and gas fields and planned construction of tidal
power plants in the whales' feeding areas will inevitably destroy
their habitats. Development of oil fields is planned first in
the south-eastern part of the region, from Shantar Islands to
Sakhalin, which supports at least 40% of the world population
of Steller's sea eagle and the main concentration of whales. Twenty
well have already been drilled. The potential consequences of
these activities from an environmental point of view have never
been sufficently analysed. Project proposals have lacked evaluations
of the scale and characteristics of pollution and the possible
consequences to marine ecosystems. For example, sea-ice and seismic
features of the region accelerate the possibility of accidents
in the oil mining process, which could lead to estimated oil spills
of 40,000-100,000 tons.
The absence of basic information on the status of endangered species
and their habitats permits neither quantification of the impact
of economic developments on the environment, not truthworthy prognoses.
Russian companies are undertaking intensive exploration and exploitation
of oil fields in the Lower Amur and northern Sakhalin regions.
These activities are resulting in significant transformations
of natural landscapes, threatening species of shoreline habitats
such as whitetailed eagle, osprey, peregrine falcon, Blakiston's
fishowl, swangeese, Aleutian tern, and marbled murrelet.
The region is inhabited by a number of indigenous tribes, e.g.
the Ulchi, Nanain, Nivhi, and Evenky. Their traditional lifestyles
are heavily dependent on the use of marine animals and those of
the shoreline taiga. Proper analyses of the current status of
rare and endangered species and subsequent conservation measures
for their habitats will help to preserve the basis of local traditional
economies. This project will first reassess the potential dangers
to wildlife by liaising with relevant experts, and secondly will
provide an assessment of the populations of endangered species,
particularly Steller's sea eagle and whales.
Project Objectives:
1. To reassess the environmental impact of oilfields and draw
public attention to them.
2. To assess the impact of shelf oil production activities on
some endangered species.
3. To evaluate the population status (numbers, distribution,
limiting and threatening factors) of Steller's sea eagles and
whales in summer, by means of counts of individuals in control
areas.
4. To evaluate the scale of illegal hunting of Steller's sea
eagles on Kamchatka and develop ways to ameliorate this practice.
5. To create GIS on the basis of satellite imagery for reliable
extrapolation of data on endangered species and further control
of the state of their habitats.
6. To work out suggestions on the optimal system of protected
areas.
7. To elaborate a system of control areas and criteria for the
assessment of impacts on endangered species.
RU0032.1: Stellar's Sea Eagle (Conservation in Okhotsk Sea)
(Mar. 96 - Jun. 97)
Activity Background:
Studies on the population status and ecological requirements of
Steller's sea eagle have been conducted, in the past, at Kamchatka
and Kronotzkiy reserves, and at Lower Amur and Sakhalin since
1986, including control monitoring on Udil Lake (Lower Amur) undertaken
between 1986 and 1995. A one-third decrease in the number of nesting
birds occurred at the coastal areas in Sakhalin affected by oil
development. This indicates that eagles will quickly vacate areas
where there is uncontrolled growth in oil-drilling/production.
The main threat to the eagles wintering on Kamchatka appears to
come from poachers.
In 1986, when the last overall census at wintering sites was conducted,
extrapolation of data produced a population count of 7,0007,500
specimens. However, the inevitable methodological problems with
winter counts, e.g. obtaining coverage and the limitations of
consequent extrapolation, make this evaluation unreliable. Summer
counts during the four-month nesting season will allow determination
of the density of eagles in different habitat types, and reveal
the key factors influencing territory choice. Quantitative descriptions
of habitats will incorporate modern GIS techniques, from which
a valid estimate of the number and distribution of eagles can
be made. This will enable the identification, and subsequent conservation
and protection of, key areas. Information obtained from these
studies will provide the basis for sound advocacy for meeting
conservation requirements in the development of the Okhotsk Sea
region, including shelf oil production.
Activity Objectives:
See Project Objectives.
Activity Biomes:
Open Oceans and Seas.
Activity Methods:
Research and Monitoring; Species Management.
Activity Species:
Steller's fisheagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus).
RU0033 Russian Federation: Creating a Free Population of European
Bison in European Russia
Project Summary:
This project seeks to create a free population of about 200 thoroughbred
European lowland bison (Bison bonasus bonasus) in the centre of
European Russia. Some 40 bison will be released in a forested
area along the left bank of the Oka river over a twoyear
period. This initial population will serve as the basis for resettling
bison to other plain regions of Russia. The project accords with
IUCN's worldwide strategy for the conservation of bison.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 100 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 | |
EE & Capacity Building 0 |
Oceans and Coasts 0 | |
Protected Areas 0 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 100 |
Non-Biome Specific 0 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 0 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
The recent reduction in the number of European bison in Russia
has come about as a result of the economic and sociopolitical
unpheavals in Russia. The main centres of bison population are
located in the Caucasus, in zones of armed conflict where efficient
protection for the animals is unfeasible. In ChechenIngush
region, two populations totalling 60 animals have been destroyed,
and the largest European bison population in Northern Ossetia
has fallen from 270 to 121 over the period 19921995. Captive
breeding centres and zoos in Russia are currently in difficult
financial circumstances, thus significantly reducing the pace
of bison reproduction. With the reintroduction of European bison
in the Caucasus unlikely in the next few years, conservation of
the gene pool and creation of freeliving populations in
the centre of European Russia are the main priorities for bison
conservation in Russia.
Under this project, which will be run by Russian specialists in
bison breeding, 1015 bisons will be purchased from breeding
centres and zoos, while about 30 others will be raised by bison
breeding centres in Oksky and PriokskoTerrasny Reserves.
Preliminary agreements, including financial arrangements, have
been made with the managers of these breeding centres.
Project Objectives:
1. To draw up an inventory, and subsequent database, of genealogical
record books and genetic passports of bisons in breeding centres
and zoos, in order to select the optimal genetic composition of
the herd.
2. To ensure selection of animals for reproduction and future
release of their offspring to the free population.
3. To provide necessary materials and technical support to bison
breeding centres.
4. To conduct a number of organizational and biotechnical activities
in the areas of the proposed release sites (selection and preparation
of release sites, additional forage supplies, etc.).
5. To purchase and release three groups of 1015 animals
in three different sites.
6. To organize regular monitoring and protection of the new populations.
7. To organize an international conference in Russia on the issue
of conservation and restoration of the European bison population
(1997).
RU0033.1: Creating a Free Population of European Bison in
European Russia (Jul. 95 - Jun. 98)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
See Project Objectives.
Activity Biomes:
Boreal Forests.
Activity Methods:
Species Management.
Activity Species:
European bison (Bison bonasus).
RU0034 Russian Federation: Establishing a New Federal Protected
Area - Kaninsky Reserve
Project Summary:
View Map
This project seeks the creation of a federal biological reserve
covering between 200,000-400,000ha on Kanin Peninsula in the Russian
autonomous district of Nenetsky. The proposed reserve will consist
of clusters of protected sites, including: a 100,000ha site between
the lower sections of the Shoina and Mesna rivers; and a coastal
site covering up to 30,000ha on the northern part of Kanin Peninsula
in the area of Kambalnitskiye Koshki. The eventual size of the
protected area will be determined after additional research.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 50 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 50 |
| EE & Capacity Building 0 |
Oceans and Coasts 0 | |
Protected Areas 60 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 30 |
Non-Biome Specific 0 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 10 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
Kanin Peninsula is a unique site of European tundra containing
high biological diversity. At present there are no protected areas
on the peninsula, even though several coastal sites are wetlands
of international significance as migration stop-overs for several
million birds using the East Atlantic "flyway". The
region is significant importance for the survival of many bird
species listed in the IUCN "Red Data Book", including
lesser whitefronted goose. Analysis of satellite data used
in monitoring the Scandinavian population of lesser whitefronted
geese (marked in Norway and Finland) has shown that the area to
the north of the towns of Shoina and Mesna is a key migration
stopping point for birds during a two to three week period in
AugustSeptember. This is currently the only known stop-over
site on the migratory route of this rare goose, which numbers
only a few hundred birds. The area may also be used by other populations
of lesser whitefronted geese. The world's second-largest
colony of barnacle geese, numbering 1,000-2,000 pairs, inhabits
an area between the Shoina and Mesna rivers. In recent years,
local people have taken almost every egg laid by these birds,
thus reducing reproduction to almost zero and threatening the
existence of the entire colony.
This project seeks the creation of a federal biological reserve
covering between 200,000-400,000ha on Kanin Peninsula in the Russian
autonomous district of Nenetsky. The proposed reserve will consist
of clusters of protected sites, including: a 100,000ha site between
the lower sections of the Shoina and Mesna rivers; and a coastal
site covering up to 30,000ha on the northern part of Kanin Peninsula
in the area of Kambalnitskiye Koshki (important for whitefronted,
bean, barnacle, and brent geese, and herring and glaucous gulls).
The eventual size of the protected area will be determined after
additional research. Its administrative headquarters will be established
in Shoina, the largest town on Kanin peninsula with direct air
routes to NaryanMar (the district centre) and Archangelsk.
Project Objectives:
1. To ensure the conservation of a territory of national and
international significance as a wetland habitat of nesting and
migrating birds.
2. To create a new protected area to help fill in gaps in the
Russian system of protected areas.
3. To prepare a planning report to use for official establishment
of the reserve.
4. To obtain permission from landowners and regional and national
authorities for creation of the protected area.
RU0034.1: Establishment of Kaninsky Reserve in Nenetsky
Autonomous District, Russia (Jul. 96 - Jun. 97)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
See Project Objectives.
Activity Biomes:
Boreal Forests; River Systems.
Activity Methods:
Protected Area Establishment.
Activity Species:
Whitefronted goose (Anser albifrons).
RU0049 Russian Federation: Baltic Fund for Nature - Organizational
Strengthening, Capacity Building, Training, Information
Project Summary:
Under this project, WWF-Sweden uses funds received from the Swedish
government to support the development of nongovernmental
organizations working on environmental protection and nature conservation
in the Baltic regions of the Russian Federation.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 0 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 | |
EE & Capacity Building 80 |
Oceans and Coasts 100 | |
Protected Areas 0 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 0 |
Non-Biome Specific 0 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 0 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 20
|
Project Background:
View Map
This project, implemented by WWFSweden as part of an agreement
signed with the Baltic Fund for Nature of the St Petersburg Naturalists'
Society, concerns cooperation on issues and projects related to
nature conservation and sustainable development in those regions
of the Russian Federation that are included in the catchment area
of the Baltic Sea.
Project Objectives:
1. To organize a seminar in 1996 with representatives from St
Petersburg, Karelia, Pskov, Novgorod, Kaliningrad, and possibly
Bearus.
2. To develop, based on the outcome of the seminar, an agreed
workplan for organizational development and strengthening of an
NGO network in the regions mentioned above, including also some
priority information, education and field projects.
3. To establish a permanent secretariat for the Baltic Fund for
Nature (BFN), including the hiring of fulltime staff, offices,
communication facilities, etc., in consultation between BFN and
WWF-Sweden.
4. To establish cooperative structures (branches) of the BFN
in Petrozavodsk, Pskov, Novgorod and Kaliningrad, including the
hiring of parttime personnel and the provision of necessary
equipment for the setting up of offices in these regions.
5. To arrange seminars and other training activities on organizational
development, administration, fundraising, media contacts and other
forms of NGO work.
RU0049.1: Baltic Fund for Nature - Organizational Strengthen.
Cap. Building, Training, Info. (Jul. 95 - Jun. 97)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
See Project Objectives.
Activity Biomes:
Open Oceans and Seas.
Activity Methods:
Education; Institutional Support and Development.
(Concept) RU0035 Russian Federation: Developing an Environmental
Education Programme for the Amur Region (Khingansky)
Project Summary:
This project will support environmental education in the Khingansky
"zapovednik" (reserve), increasing the potential for
working with children and their families in the community, building
environmental awareness, and increasing public support. Funds
will also be provided for a range of practical activities, for
example the design of a nature museum, improving facilities for
hosting children's camps, holding extracurricular ecoclubs
for students, developing a media promotion and advertising strategy
to improve relations and public support, and the exchange of environmental
education specialists to improve methods and international cooperation.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 35 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 65 |
| EE & Capacity Building 80 |
Oceans and Coasts 0 | |
Protected Areas 10 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 0 |
Non-Biome Specific 0 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 10 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
View Map
Created in 1963, Khingansky "zapovednik" (reserve) is
located in the south-east Amur Region, preserving parts of the
Amur River floodplain where it meets the Lower Khingan foothills.
The reserve's fauna is diverse and includes brown bear, wolf,
mink, roe deer, wild boar, and Manchurian hare - an endemic to
the Far East. There are many species of exotic, rare and endemic
birds in the reserve, including redcrowned and whitenaped
cranes, golden eagle, Mandarin duck, brown hawkowl, and
great cormorant. The reserve has an active programme on the breeding
and reintroduction of the rare red-crowned and white-naped cranes,
in an effort to create semiwild populations which can breed
in the reserve and surrounding region. Indeed, the crane is used
as a symbol of the reserve, serving as a biological indicator
of ecosystem health, and attracting the attention and affection
of children and adults in the region.
Khingansky Reserve has successfully and independently launched
an environmental education programme. An event called "Crane
Day" is held annually, to which children in the region are
invited to participate in a contest to create works of art using
the crane as a symbol. In 1995 there were over 100 participants
in the region, and the exhibit travelled to the regional centre
and to the United States. The winners this year attended an ecological
camp hosted by the reserve. Other educational activities conducted
by reserve staff include lectures at local schools, children's
ecological camps, publishing articles in local newspapers, small
seminars for local teachers to exchange ideas, an extracurricular
ecological club for student groups, and controlled nature tourism
for children and adults to promote interaction with nature.
This project will support environmental education activities in
Khingansky Reserve, increasing the potential for working with
children and their families in the community, building environmental
awareness, and increasing public support. Funds will be provided
for: design of a nature museum; publication of educational materials
on the reserve and the flora and fauna of the region; improving
facilities for hosting children's camps and nature tourists (nature
trails, observation towers, signs, field equipment); holding extracurricular
ecoclubs for students in a large town bordering the reserve; developing
a media promotion and advertising strategy to improve relations
and public support; and exchange of education specialists to improve
methods and international cooperation in the area of environmental
education.
Project Objectives:
1. To create a favourable social climate for work with children
and adults in the area of ecological education by organizing programmes
with the mass media, local clubs and community organizations,
and by working with other protected areas in the region.
2. To develop an integrated ecological education programme consisting
of: work with local schools; assistance to local teachers; ecological
summer camps; school trips to the reserve and crane breeding centre;
yearround ecoclub activities for children; and regional,
national, and international competitions.
3. To promote international cooperation in the area of environmental
education and ecotourism by organizing regional, national, and
international teacher and student exchanges to the reserve, trips
for nature lovers, scientists, and other groups.
4. To create capacity in the reserve to conduct the above programmes:
arrange exhibits for the reserve's museum using existing facilities;
equip nature trails with information points and observation towers;
procure necessary field equipment; and improve existing facilities
for hosting guests.
5. To develop a promotional package for the reserve, in particular
using the symbol of the crane: printing brochures and maps; preparing
film and slide presentations; contracting local craftsmen and
artists to make souvenirs; coordination with regional newspapers
and television stations; approaching the local business community;
design and implementation of an advertising strategy for reserve.
6. To increase qualifications of the reserve's education department
in the areas of work with children and ecological interpretation,
by organizing a professional exchange of two reserve specialists
to nature reserves abroad.
RU0035.1: Developing an EE Programme for the Amur Region
(Khingansky Zapovednik) (Jul. 96 - Jun. 98)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
See Project Objectives.
Activity Biomes:
Marshes/Swamps; Temperate Dry Deciduous Forest.
Activity Methods:
Education.
Activity Species:
Crowned crane (Balearica pavonina); Japanese crane (Grus japonensis);
Whitenaped crane (Grus vipio).
(Concept) RU0036 Russian Federation: Management Plan for Development
of the International "Dauria" Nature Reserve
Project Summary:
View Map
Daursky "zapovednik" (reserve) is located on the border
between Russia, Mongolia, and China, where a Mongolian reserve
"Mongol daguur" and the Chinese protected area "Dalai
Lake" were founded in 1992. In March 1994 Russia, China,
and Mongolia signed an agreement on the creation of a joint "Dauria"
international reserve. Biologists from Daursky Reserve have conducted
several expeditions on Mongolian territory, which have resulted
in improved knowledge of the reserve's natural ecosystems. During
a conference in Chita in October 1995, the unified Russian-Mongolian
commission on the international reserve approved the development
of a management plan for the reserve, and requested the financial
assistance of WWF for this undertaking.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 0 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 70 |
| EE & Capacity Building 70 |
Oceans and Coasts 0 | |
Protected Areas 20 |
Non-Priority Biomes 30 | |
Species 0 |
Non-Biome Specific 0 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 10 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
The project's main objective is to create a management plan for
the joint development of Daursky "zapovednik" (reserve)
in Russia and Mongol Daguur nature reserve in Mongolia, which
together will form the international nature reserve known as "Dauria".
Daursky Reserve was designated in 1987 and is located in the south
of Chita region. Its territory includes Tareisky lakes and steppe
sites and, together with the buffer zone, covers some 164,700ha.
The reserve is unique in its species diversity. Some 305 bird
species occur, of which 37 species are listed in the Russian "Red
Data Book" and 16 in the IUCN "Red Data Book".
There are five crane species in the reserve, of which demoiselle,
common, and white-naped cranes breed. Other rare bird species
include black stork, relic gull, swan goose, northern eagle owl,
Saker falcon, and steppe eagle. The reserve's territory is inhabited
by 41 mammal species, four of which are listed in the Russian
"Red Data Book". In 1994, by decree of the government
of the Russian Federation, Tareisky lakes were listed as wetlands
of international importance under the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar).
The reserve suffers from strong poaching pressure as a result
of the population density of the south Chita region: over 100
violations of the protection regime have been filed by the reserve's
rangers since the beginning of 1995. Despite this and significant
economic difficulties, Daursky Reserve offers good opportunities
for the development of ecological tourism and scientific studies.
Mongol daguur Nature Reserve, created in 1992, covers 105,000ha
of the north Dornod region, abutting the Russian border and Daursky
Reserve. The territory comprises steppe and wetland ecosystems
and boasts 260 species of bird, 37 mammal species, two reptile
species, two species of amphibian, seven species of fish, and
more than 300 vascular plants. The reserve is an important habitat
for rare species such as whitenaped crane, hooded crane,
Asiatic dowitcher, swan goose, and great bustard. It also contains
a high density of steppe and golden eagles, Saker falcon, Mongolian
gazelle, and Mongolian marmot.
These two Mongolian and Russian reserves share a common area,
common objectives of research and species protection (for cranes,
birds of prey, and Mongolian gazelle), and similar problems of
human interference and anthropogenic impact (poaching, overgrazing,
etc.). This project supports coordinated actions on protection
and patrolling, research, dissemination of environmental knowledge,
and education and awareness of the reserves and their adjacent
areas.
Project Objectives:
1. To improve the capacity of specialists of Daursky Zapovednik
and Mongol daguur Nature Reserve to identify priority directions
for development of the international "Dauria" reserve,
taking account of current and changing social and economic conditions.
2. To create a management plan to serve as the guiding document
for reserve administrations and to help move the reserve in the
desired direction of long-term conservation in co-existence with
local communities.
3. To identify two types of priority actions within the management
plan: (a) those that can move forward without additional resources;
and (b) those that require additional investment in order to be
carried out.
4. To increase potential for attracting new sources of funding
to ensure implementation of the plan and longterm survival
of the reserve through promotion of ecological education, international
nature tourism, and scientific cooperation, building support from
regional administrations and other means. And to create a fundraising
and promotional strategy.
5. To elaborate and develop a management plan in coordination
with other protected areas; to be designed by the WWF Russia Programme
Office for use in reserves and National Parks in Russia and Mongolia.
RU0036.1: Management Plan for Development of the International
"Dauria" Nature Prot. Area (Jul. 96 - Jun. 97)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
See Project Objectives.
Activity Biomes:
Lake Systems; Temperate Grasslands and Savannas.
Activity Methods:
Protected Area Management.
Activity Species:
Swan goose (Anser cynoides); Whitenaped crane (Grus vipio).
(Concept) RU0037 Russian Federation: Management Plan for Wrangel
Island Reserve
Project Summary:
This 10-month project will assist Wrangel Island Reserve in developing
a management plan for the reserve, in particular taking account
of its special features and empowering and building the capacity
of reserve staff to determine the future of the island. The plan
will help to identify potential sources of funding, to allow the
reserve to function semiautonomously without relying completely
on local and national authority support. Development of the plan
will be coordinated closely with the Russian Federation's Ministry
of Environment and Natural Resources.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 0 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 | |
EE & Capacity Building 30 |
Oceans and Coasts 100 | |
Protected Areas 30 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 20 |
Non-Biome Specific 0 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 20 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
View Map
Wrangel Island "Zapovednik" (reserve), created in 1976,
covers an area of 7,956 sq km in the Chukotka Sea. It is unique
among Arctic nature reserves in that it supports up to 250 breeding
"lairs" of polar bear and protects the breeding grounds
of Pacific walrus. Arctic foxes are also common. Twelve out of
the 160 bird species recorded for the island are listed in the
Russian "Red Data Book". In 1975, 18 musk oxen from
Alaska were released on Wrangel Island and by 1990 their population
had grown to 125. The entire island is a protected area, with
the exception of one relatively large settlement - Ushakovskoye
- populated by indigenous Chukchi and Eskimo peoples.
The current economic situation has resulted in the practical isolation
of local people from the "mainland" centre, over 250km
away. The reserve's administration is constantly in a crisis situation,
repeatedly having to request the assistance of governmental and
international organizations. To achieve concrete, long-term improvements,
and to make the most of the funds which support Wrangel Island
Reserve, the development of a clear management plan is essential.
Such a plan should take into account the special features of the
reserve, and empower and build the capacity of reserve staff to
determine the future of the island. In so remote a place, dependent
on outside assistance, it is critical that an assessment is made
of the potential for the future development of Wrangel Island,
which identifies priority actions and mechanisms for realizing
that potential.
This 10-month project will assist the reserve in developing a
plan of action, addressing conservation threats and taking into
account new opportunities such as ecotourism. The plan will help
to identify potential sources of funding, to allow the reserve
to function semiautonomously without relying completely
on regional and national authority support. Development of the
plan will be coordinated closely with the Russian Federation's
Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.
Project Objectives:
1. To improve the capacity of Wrangel Island Reserve staff to
identify priority actions for development of the reserve, taking
into account current and changing social and economic conditions.
2. To create a management plan to serve as a guiding document
for Wrangel Island Reserve managers, and to help achieve the longterm
conservation of the reserve and its co-existence with indigenous
tribes.
3. To identify two types of priority actions in the management
plan: those that can move forward without additional resources;
and those that require additional funds/investment in order for
them to be carried out.
4. To increase potential for attracting new sources of funding
to ensure implementation of the plan and longterm survival
of the reserve, through promotion of international ecotourism
and scientific cooperation, building support from regional administrations,
and other means.
RU0037.1: Management Plan for Wrangel Island Reserve (Jul.
96 - Jun. 97)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
See Project Objectives.
Activity Biomes:
Open Oceans and Seas; Tundra.
Activity Methods:
Protected Area Management.
Activity Species:
Laptev walrus (Odobenus rosmarus laptevi); Polar bear (Ursus maritimus).
(Concept) RU0038 Russian Federation: Management Planning for
Yamalsky and Gydansky Reserves in the Russian Arctic
Project Summary:
View Map
This one-year project will provide supervisory and facilitative
support to the preparation of a management plan for Yamalsky and
Gydansky Reserves in the Russian Arctic. The plan will concentrate
in particular on management of this large territory, wildlife
monitoring programmes, and involving local indigenous people (Nentsy)
in measures to protect the reserves and make sustainable use of
their natural resources.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 0 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 | |
EE & Capacity Building 0 |
Oceans and Coasts 100 | |
Protected Areas 70 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 0 |
Non-Biome Specific 0 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 30 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
WWF recently completed a project funded by WWF-UK on the creation
of two new nature reserves on the Yamal and Gydan Peninsulas in
the Russian Arctic. It is hoped that the reserves will soon be
granted official protected status, and therefore withdrawal from
economic use, by the Russian government. In total, the two reserves
cover 12,280 sq km, taking in several Arctic islands and areas
of Yavay and Mamonta Peninsulas. A buffer zone has been formed
on Mamonta Peninsula in an area inhabited by Nentsy indigenous
people.
Several issues have arisen follwing the creation of the reserves;
for example, how to manage this large territory; how to set up
wildlife monitoring programmes; and how to involve local indigenous
people (Nentsy) in measures to protect the reserves and make sustainable
use of their natural resources. The current economic climate in
Russia does not allow for a large staff and yearround protection
of the reserves. Thus it is necessary to determine practical activities
that can be undertaken over the course of the next three years,
as well as drawing up a longterm programme over a 10-year
period. The existing "blueprint" for National Park/reserve
management plans designed by the WWF Russia Programme Office needs
to be tailored to the specific requirements of the two reserves.
The process of creating the management plan will involve the specialists
who participated in the original design of the reserves, together
with specialists from the YamaloNenetsky District Committee
for Ecology and the Department of Nature Reserves of the Ministry
of Environment. This project, which is for a one-year period,
will provide a supervisory and facilitative role for this process.
Project Objectives:
1. To determine the optimal size and profile of reserve staff.
2. To determine key directions in new social and economic conditions,
particularly regards priorities in scientific monitoring, work
with local people, sustainable use, and ecotourism.
3. To create a management plan to serve as a guiding document
for the reserves' managers and as a model for other reserves,
and to help move the reserves in the desired direction of conservation
in co-existence with indigenous tribes.
4. To identify priority areas of investment for creation of infrastructure
for the reserves and in order for the management plan to be carried
out.
5. To increase potential for attracting new sources of funding
to ensure implementation of the management plan and the longterm
survival of the reserves, through exploring opportunities in international
ecotourism and scientific cooperation, and building support from
regional administrations.
6. To develop a conceptual plan with community leaders on sustainable
use practices in the reserves.
RU0038.1: Management Planning for Yamalsky and Gysdanky
Reserves in the Russian Arctic (Jul. 96 - Jun. 97)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
See Project Objectives.
Activity Biomes:
Tundra.
Activity Methods:
Institutional Support and Development; Protected Area Management.
Activity Species:
Polar bear (Ursus maritimus).
(Concept) RU0039 Russian Federation: Management Plan for the
Conservation and Rational Use of Wild Reindeer in Taimyr
Project Summary:
View Map
This project will support the creation of a management plan for
the wild reindeer populations of Taimyr Peninsula, and the recreation
of large reindeer populations as a sustainable use resource for
local indigenous people.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 40 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 20 |
| EE & Capacity Building 0 |
Oceans and Coasts 40 | |
Protected Areas 10 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 60 |
Non-Biome Specific 0 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 30 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
During glacial periods, wild reindeer once inhabited Europe and
Asia. Although they were instrumental in helping people to settle
in taiga and tundra areas, today only small "islands"
of reindeer populations remain. Where there are sizeable herds
there is massive, unregulated commercial trade in reindeer; for
example, the largest existing herd at Taimyr is considerably exploited,
particularly by poachers who take the antlers of young reindeer,
which are in considerable demand for use in traditional medicines
abroad. Meanwhile native peoples of the north are not permitted
to engage in reindeer trade, which lies in the hands of active
entrepreneurs from Europe. Urgent measures are necessary to alter
the present situation. The most important tasks are to give back
the right to hunt wild reindeer to indigenous people and to conserve
the remaining herds of reindeer.
This project supports the creation of a management plan for the
wild reindeer populations of Taimyr Peninsula, and the recreation
of large reindeer populations as a sustainable use resource for
minority peoples of the North. This will involve: (a) determining
the current status of wild reindeer in Taimyr; (b) developing
a system of measures to conserve and restore these populations
and their normal migration routes; (c) developing a system of
rational use and protection of wild reindeer, taking into account
natural, economic, social, and ethnic factors; and (d) developing
practical recommendations on regulating the relationship between
wild and domesticated reindeer.
Project Objectives:
1. To improve capacity of specialists of the Norilsk Institute
of Far North Agriculture to identify priority directions for conservation
and national use of the wild reindeer population at Taimyr, considering
current and changing social and economic conditions.
2. To create a management plan for wild reindeer population to
serve as a guiding document for Taimyr Administration in the desired
direction of logterm conservation in coexistence with local
communities.
3. To identify priorities actions of two types within the management
plan: those that can move forward without additional resources;
those that require additional investment in order to be carried
out.
4. To increase potential for attracting new sources of funding
to ensure implementation of the plan and longterm strategy
of the conservation of wild reindeer through promotion of ecological
education, international scientific cooperation, building support
from regional administrations, and other means. Creation of a
fundraising and promotional strategy.
RU0039.1: Management Plan for the Conservation/Rational
Use of the Wild Reindeer in Taimyr (Jul. 97 - Jun. 99)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
See Project Objectives.
Activity Biomes:
Tundra.
Activity Methods:
Protected Area Management.
(Concept) RU0040 Russian Federation: Establishment of a Federal
Nature Reserve - Nanaisky Reserve
Project Summary:
The aim of this project is to develop a proposal for the creation
of a federal nature reserve - Nanaisky Reserve - with strict protection
of its natural resources, in the floodplain of the Amur river,
and to develop a suite of preparatory materials for its designation.
The proposal will first seek approval from the Khabarovsk regional
administration, and then be submitted to the Ministry of Environment
for formal adoption.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 10 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 90 |
| EE & Capacity Building 0 |
Oceans and Coasts 0 | |
Protected Areas 60 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 30 |
Non-Biome Specific 0 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 10 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
View Map
The proposed Federal Nature Reserve - Nanaisky Reserve - extends
over 70,000ha of the floodplain of the left bank of the Amur river,
in the Nanaisky district of Khabarovsk region. The area is a combination
of wetlands, valleys, and undulating lowland forest ecosystems.
The landscape has undergone little significant change by human
activities and is largely preserved in its natural state. The
region's high biological diversity includes a high concentration
of rare and endemic animal and plant species, as well as nationally
and internationally significant wetlands which provide habitats
for nesting and migratory birds. Highland areas (e.g. the Khalkhadyan
mountain range) provide the wintering haunts of moose, wapiti,
and wild boar. Brown bears occur in summer and autumn. Until recently
the area was inhabited by Amur tiger. Currently, the region is
threatened by poaching activities and by forest fires.
The importance of the Amur region's wetlands is often cited at
regional, national, and international scientific conferences and
meetings. The area has over 20 rare animal species and 12 plant
species, most of them listed in the Russian and IUCN "Red
Data Books". Many of the bird species present are listed
under the Convention for the Protection of Migratory Birds and
their Habitats (the Bonn Convention), to which Russia is a signatory.
Once the protected area has been designated, a resource use zone
can be established within it, containing waterfowl and ungulate
species such as roe deer and moose, as well as several other game
species, which will be of considerable benefit to the traditional
activities of the indigenous Nanay and Udege people of the Near
Amur region. The reserve will also serve as an additional buffer
zone between Bolonsky Reserve (in preparation) and an economic
development zone, and as an area for national and international
scientific research. Once designated, management actions can include
the expansion of nesting habitat for rare and endangered bird
species, including Japanese crane and oriental white stork. The
reserve also has the potential to become an international site
for ecotourism, especially for its ornithological interest.
The aim of this project is to develop a proposal for the creation
of a federal nature reserve - Nanaisky Reserve - with strict protection
of its natural resources, and to develop a suite of preparatory
materials for its designation. The proposal will first seek approval
from the Khabarovsk regional administration, and then go for formal
adoption by the Ministry of Environment.
Project Objectives:
1. To conserve a territory of national and international significance
as a wetland habitat of nesting and migrating birds.
2. To protect transboundary migrational routes for rare and endangered
bird species, to ensure the conservation of an economically valuable
resource zone, and to support traditional land-use patterns of
indigenous people in the Amur river basin.
3. To create a new protected area to help fill gaps within the
Russian system of protected areas.
4. To prepare a plan and draft a proposal for the designation
of the reserve, including elaboration of the zoning of the territory
in accordance with planned protection measures and activities,
and the selection of sites for limited human and economic use,
on the basis of ARC/INFO GIS.
5. To prepare a suite of legal documentation for the official
establishment of the reserve, and its adoption by the target organizations.
6. To prepare informational materials for a mass media campaign
in the Khabarovsk region, and in Nanaisky district in particular.
RU0040.1: Establishment of a Federal Nature Reserve - Nanaisky
Reserve (Jul. 96 - Jun. 97)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
See Project Objectives.
Activity Biomes:
Marshes/Swamps; Temperate Dry Deciduous Forest.
Activity Methods:
Protected Area Management.
Activity Species:
Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis); Japanese crane (Grus
japonensis); Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica); White stork
(Ciconia ciconia).
(Concept) RU0041 Russian Federation: Establishment of New Nature
Reserves in Amur Region - Upper Amur Reserve
Project Summary:
View Map
This project seeks the creation of new protected areas in the
Upper Amur River. There are currently only two reserves in the
Amur region, covering 197,000ha (0.5% of the region's territory),
and WWF is supporting the establishment of a third, the 211,000ha
Norsky Reserve. Together, these three reserves will represent
all six ecological landscape zones found in the region. Designation
of a further three reserves or National Parks in the Amur region
will accord with the Decree (No. 572 issued on 23 April 1994)
on protected areas adopted by the government of the Russian Federation.
Prime among these additional sites is the Upper Amur Reserve,
which will represent pine forest ecosystems at the eastern extent
of their range.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 80 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 20 |
| EE & Capacity Building 0 |
Oceans and Coasts 0 | |
Protected Areas 70 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 30 |
Non-Biome Specific 0 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 0 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
Under the present situation of swift land reforms in Russia, it
is important that a maximum possible amount of land is categorized
as protected area. In the Amur region, in the Russian Far East,
there are four new reserves at the planning stage, one of which
(Norsky Reserve) is undergoing final preparation prior to its
designation, with the assistance of WWF. Establishing the four
proposed reserves in the Amur region will mean almost complete
coverage is afforded to representative areas of all the natural
ecosystems of this zone, and provide opportunities for the conservation
of existing high levels of biodiversity. Research already carried
out (between 1985 and 1995) revealed several pine forest sites
in the Amur region which had suffered from selective logging at
the beginning of the century, and which are now undergoing a process
of natural restoration and succession. Untouched forest areas
are still present on the steeper slopes.
At the present time, the work of establishing protected areas
is not possible without WWF support because neither local administrations,
nor federal bodies are able to provide the necessary financial
resources. This project seeks to create a reserve in the trans-Baikal
pine forests on the eastern border of the Amur region. Currently
there are no such reserves in the Far East of Russia - and yet
pine forests are being clear-cut and there are very few intact
forests left. An "Upper Amur Reserve" would serve as
a prime sample of this ecosystem and as a base for monitoring
research, including the restoration of pine forests in region.
The first stage of the project will be an analysis of maps and
cartographic materials of forestry and land-use organizations,
as well as satellite images, for selection of a large area of
pine forest. During the course of a field season, an expedition
to gather basic environmental data will be necessary. The information
acquired will be used as the basis for establishing the Upper
Amur Reserve. Since Skovorodinsky District Council supports the
initiative for the establishment of the reserve in the upper reaches
of the Urush river, this site will be given prime consideration.
Preliminary approval has already been given by the Council and
Urushinsky Forest Economy for the proposed Upper Amur Reserve,
and it also has the support of district and regional committees
on natural resources and environment. Other sites will also be
investigated by the project as possible sites for pine forest
protection.
As economic activity declines, forest economies become less resistant
towards the organization of protected areas. Conversely, increasing
activity in the gold mining industry is hindering the acquisition
of land for noncommercial use. In addition, there are ongoing
difficulties with the Regional Committee on Land Resources and
Land Use, which does not support the reservation of land for the
conservation of natural resources. It is hoped that the successful
establishment of Norsky Reserve will help to overcome some of
these difficulties and help to establish a mechanism of land allocation
that has already been discussed with decision making bodies at
various administrative levels.
Project Objectives:
1. To create a new protected area in the Amur region, and to
further the development of a network of protected areas in the
region with the aim of filling in gaps in the overall system of
protected areas in Russia.
2. To ensure the conservation of trans-Baikal type pine forests
at the eastern extent of their range.
3. To prepare a planning report to assist with the official establishment
of the reserve.
4. To obtain permission from landowners and regional and national
authorities for creation of the protected area.
RU0041.1: Establishment of New Nature Reserves in the Amur
Region - Upper Amur Reserve (Jul. 96 - Jun. 97)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
1. To conserve the unique eastern transBaikal pine forests
of the Amur region.
2. To develop the new protected area such that it will contribute
to the expansion of the protected areas system in Arkhangelsky
region.
3. To combine, within the new reserve, the goals of nature conservation
and protection with the sustainable utilization of natural resources
for the beneficial, socialeconomic development of the territory.
4. To establish the Upper Amur Reserve as a model for ecologically
balanced utilization of natural resources by traditional methods.
Activity Biomes:
Boreal Forests.
Activity Methods:
Protected Area Management.
Activity Species:
Black stork (Ciconia nigra); White stork (Ciconia ciconia); Whitetailed
sea eagle (Haliaetus albicilla).
(Concept) RU0042 Russian Federation: Partnerships with UK Oil
and Gas Companies to further Conservation Goals in Russia
Project Summary:
View Map
This project will initiate cooperation with large UK oil and gas
companies active in Russia (e.g. BP, British Gas, Shell) to develop
and implement environmental conservation programmes in regions
of exploitation (Perm, Komi, Sakhalin, Dagestan). During the first
year WWF will identify prospective companies, solicit funds, and
develop joint conservation programmes for setting up protected
areas, preservation of traditional use practices by indigenous
peoples in regions of exploitation, and creation of an environmental
emergency relief fund. If funding is successfully received, these
programmes will be implemented beginning in year two of the project.
Work will also be done to improve the Russian legislation on oil
and gas exploitation, to ensure maximum possible environmental
conservation in areas of exploration and development.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 0 | | Consumption & Pollution 20
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 | |
EE & Capacity Building 0 |
Oceans and Coasts 0 | |
Protected Areas 50 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 0 |
Non-Biome Specific 100 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 30 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
With the opening of Russia to the West, there has been an exponential
increase in involvement of western companies in Russia. In particular,
large oil and gas companies now have access to areas previously
off limits for exploitation of natural resources. Although many
such companies follow "best practice" guidelines in
their activities worldwide, more needs to be done to ensure sound
exploration and exploitation principles in remote areas of Russia,
by both western firms and their Russian counterparts. Several
UK companies are active, including British Petroleum (Perm region),
British Gas (Komi Republic), Shell (Sakhalin), JKX (Dagestan),
and John Brown Engineering (which sets up infrastructure for companies
all over Russia). Some of these companies have large budgets for
conservation activities which could be used to protect areas in
the regions of oil and gas exploration, to ensure a minimal area
of influence. In addition, many companies are working in regions
with indigenous tribes whose survival is dependent on traditional
use of natural resources. Measures need to be taken to ensure
that areas of land in the region of exploration are set aside
for strict protection, and that traditions of sustainable use
of renewable resources by local people are preserved. Furthermore,
to be ready in cases of accidents or disasters, an environmental
emergency relief fund should be set up with funding from oil and
gas developers.
This is a two-year project to be implemented by the WWF Russia
Programme Office in cooperation with WWF-UK, the Russian government,
British oil and gas companies, and the Commercial Section of the
British Embassy. Funds for year one will be sought internally,
while funds for year two will be solicited from companies during
year one. During the first year WWF will identify prospective
companies, solicit funds, and develop joint conservation programmes
for setting up protected areas, preservation of traditional use
practices by indigenous peoples in regions of exploitation, and
creation of an environmental emergency relief fund. If funding
is successfully received, these programmes will be implemented
beginning in year two of the project. Work will also be done to
improve the Russian legislation on oil and gas exploitation, to
ensure maximum possible environmental conservation in areas of
exploration and development.
Project Objectives:
1. To enter into dialogue with large UK oil and gas companies
active in Russia in order to develop a conservation agenda for
these companies in Russia.
2. To solicit funding from oil and gas companies to set aside
protected areas in regions of exploitation, preserve sustainable
use practices of indigenous peoples, and create an emergency relief
fund in case of environmental disasters related to oil and gas
development.
3. To lobby the Russian government to improve laws for increasing
environmental conservation in regions of oil and gas exploration
and development.
4. To implement projects beginning in year two, with funding
from companies.
RU0042.1: Entering into Partnerships with UK Oil and Gas
Companies (Jul. 96 - Jun. 98)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
See Project Objectives.
Activity Biomes:
Boreal Forests; Tundra.
Activity Methods:
Lobbying.
(Concept) RU0043 Russian Federation: Saving Argali Sheep and
Snow Leopard Populations in Russia
Project Summary:
This project seeks to address biodiversity conservation issues
in the vast mountainous area of AltaiSayan, situated along
the southern Russian border from Kazakhstan in the west and Baikal
Lake in the east. Argali sheep and snow leopard will be the "flagship"
species for this work. The project has two components, one intended
to provide technical assistance to two existing reserves, and
the second aimed at the assessment of the current ranges of Argali
sheep and snow leopard. The latter will be combined with a general
assessment of regional biodiversity, development prospects, threats,
and the feasibility of further conservation actions. Such an assessment
will allow the design of a comprehensive scheme of biodiversity
conservation in the region, including proposals on extending the
protected area system and species-oriented activities (e.g. reintroduction,
management plans, etc.).
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 50 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 | |
EE & Capacity Building 0 |
Oceans and Coasts 0 | |
Protected Areas 30 |
Non-Priority Biomes 50 | |
Species 60 |
Non-Biome Specific 0 | |
|
Sustainable Resource Use 10 |
| Treaties & Legislation 0 |
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
AltaiSayan is one of the less developed and poorly populated
regions of Russia. Its ecosystems are known to be amongst the
richest in terms of biodiversity in Russia, its high biodiversity
value originating from its geographic position between the steppes
of western Siberia, the deserts of China and Mongolia, and the
taiga forests of central and eastern Siberia. This mountainous
region is split between four administrative units: the new republics
of Altai and Tuva, and the regions of Krasnoyarsk and Altai. The
break-up of the Soviet Union led to a dramatic increase in political
independence of the various republics from the federal Russian
authorities. This process has, as a rule, resulted in negative
consequences for the conservation or the natural environment.
For example, in SayanoShushenskiy Reserve three inspectors
disappeared in 1994 in Tuva territory and the authorities did
everything to prevent investigation. If immediate measures are
not taken, the unique biodiversity of the AltaiSayan region
may be lost or irrevocably destroyed by development projects which
the regions are desperately looking for in search of income.
This project proposes to assist the reserves as centres for biodiversity
conservation, and also to demonstrate international concern about
the regional biota, by addressing the problems facing flagship
species, in particular Argali sheep and snow leopard. It will
probably also be possible to demonstrate the advantages of sound
wildlife management, both to the authorities and to the people
living in the area.
Project Objectives:
1. To provide immediate assistance to two nature reserves, Altaiskiy
and SayanoShushenskiy, in order to improve patrolling, antipoaching
activities, and communications.
2. To obtain a realistic view on the status of Argali sheep and
snow leopard in the Russian Federation.
3. To assess the biodiversity value of, and threats to, the AltaiSayan
region.
4. To prepare proposals for the expansion of the system of protected
areas.
5. To initiate a process of reconsideration of the importance
of biodiversity conservation among local authorities and residents.
RU0043.1: Saving Argali Sheep and Snow Leopard Populations
in AltaiSayany Region (Jul. 96 - Jun. 97)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
See Project Objectives.
Activity Biomes:
Boreal Forests; Mixed Mountain Systems.
Activity Methods:
Protected Area Management; Wildlife Trade Monitoring.
Activity Species:
Argali (Ovis ammon hodgsoni); Snow leopard (Panthera uncia).
(Concept) RU0044 Russian Federation: Establishment of Onezhskoe
Pomorie National Park
Project Summary:
This project seeks the creation of Onezhskoe Pomorie National
Park in the northern part of European Russia (Arkhangelsky Region).
The proposed park covers some 560,000ha on the northern part of
Onezhsky peninsula and will include within its boundaries the
indigenous Pomory people, thus preserving their customs, traditions,
and knowledge of sustainable land use. At present there are only
three protected areas, extending over a total of 490 sq km (0.83%),
in the Arkhangelsky region. Creation of the new National Park
(NP) will promote the development of the NP network in Russia,
which now totals 29 parks.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 75 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 10 |
| EE & Capacity Building 0 |
Oceans and Coasts 15 | |
Protected Areas 90 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 0 |
Non-Biome Specific 0 | |
|
Sustainable Resource Use 10 |
| Treaties & Legislation 0 |
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
Approximately 76% of proposed National Parks in Russia comprise
forested land, most of which is climax northern taiga preserved
in an almost unaffected state owing to its isolation from industrial
centres. These landscapes form an entire complex of natural components
and elements typical of the whole Onega Lake and White Sea region,
namely spruce forests of moraine plains, pine forests of sand/marine
terraces, and upland bogs. The region's isolation means that the
northern part of the peninsula retains a complete natural network
of rivers and lakes, many of which are the spawning grounds for
salmonid fish. The territory is characterized by an exceptional
faunistic diversity, with large populations of animals, birds
and fish. For example, there are 35 species of taiga mammals and
five of marine mammals, some 190 bird species, 25 species of freshwater
fish, and over 30 species of marine fish. Exceptionally high numbers
of brown bear and wood grouse occur. Of particular interest are
species listed in the Russian "Red Data Book", e.g.
white-tailed sea eagle, spotted eagle, and fish hawk.
Approximately 19% of the total area of the planned Onezhskoe Pomorie
National Park is a coastal zone of the White Sea. Many marine
mammals inhabit the near coast waters of Onezhsky Peninsula. Sometimes
this region is visited by dolphins and whales. Only 5% of the
territory is occupied by cultural landscapes and economic land-use
areas; these are the agricultural lands of the indigenous Pomory
people. There is an urgent need for measures to protect the natural
heritage of Onezhsky Peninsula, dictated by the commencement of
industrial forestry and the general deterioration of the ecological
state of the White Sea. Proposals for the creation of Onezhskoe
Pomorie National Park, initiated by the local administration,
were completed in 1995, and the park is currently included in
the approved 1996-2000 Programme of Establishment of Protected
Areas in the Arkhangelsky region.
Project Objectives:
1. To establish a unique autonomous protected area at the extreme
northern part of the Onezhsky Peninsula, which will include representative
boreal taiga landscapes typical of the region, and coastal complexes
of the White Sea, as well as the social and cultural environment
of the aboriginal Pomory people.
2. To establish a new National Park as a part of the broadening
protected areas network in Russia, and in Arkhangelsk region in
particular.
3. To create Onezhskoe Pomorie National Park as a model from
the point of view of optimal nature conservation and traditional
land use aimed at sustainable resource use.
4. To create a model for sustainable development, based on the
ecologically balanced utilization of natural resources.
5. To provide protection for rare and endangered species listed
in the Russian "Red Data Book".
6. To prepare a planning report for official approval of the
proposed National Park.
7. To obtain permission from landowners and regional and federal
authorities for creation of the protected area.
RU0044.1: Establishment of Onezhskoe Pomorie National Park
(Jul. 96 - Jun. 97)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
See Project Objectives.
Activity Biomes:
Boreal Forests.
Activity Methods:
Protected Area Management.
Activity Species:
Brown bear (Ursus arctos).
(Concept) RU0045 Russian Federation: WWF Small Initiatives
Support Fund
Project Summary:
The WWF Russia Programme Office proposes to set up a small annual
reserve of unmarked funds to provide support for initiatives that
help build conservation capacity in Russia. Opportunities often
arise to promote WWF and its aims by providing modest assistance
to organizations, initiatives, or key individuals. These can include,
for example, attendance at a precedentsetting conservation
conference, helping to publish an important book or other publication,
or assisting professionals in their scientific fieldwork. The
project will start with a modest fund of US$20,000, set up a mechanism
within the Programme Office for selecting appropriate recipients,
and fund a series of modest projects that have a significant impact
throughout the year.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 0 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 | |
EE & Capacity Building 90 |
Oceans and Coasts 0 | |
Protected Areas 0 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 0 |
Non-Biome Specific 100 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 10 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
The WWF planning process for funding conservation initiatives
usually takes a lot of time, effort, and thought. The tendency
is, therefore, to fund relatively large environmental initiatives
which have a big impact. However, small initiatives by conservation
organizations and individuals can be just as important for promoting
conservation objectives in Russia, as well as enviromental awareness
and the WWF vision for Russia. Throughout the WWF fiscal year,
unforseen opportunities often arise to fund small projects (e.g.
for publishing conservation journals or ensuring that a key expert
can attend an important conservation seminar) that serve to promote
WWF as the leading conservation organization in Russia, and contribute
to building capacity within other organizations and individuals.
The WWF Russia Programme sees the need to create a small initiatives
support fund which will allow flexibility in funding unplanned
but important activities.
Project Objectives:
1. To create a flexible and continuous funding source within
the WWF Russia Programme to support small outside initiatives.
2. To promote WWF aims which fall within the WWF Strategy for
Russia through support of or participation in modest but significant
conservation initiatives.
3. To build capacity within conservation organizations by providing
small incentivebuilding grants for initiatives (e.g. seminars,
publications, fieldwork) that will promote both conservation and
WWF.
4. To ensure that WWF can react to priorities that come up during
the year and take part in activities which shape the future of
conservation in Russia.
5. To provide flexibility within the project cycle to allow for
the participation of WWF and/or key specialists in important oneoff
activities.
RU0045.1: Establishment of a WWF Small Grants Fund in Russia
(Jul. 96 - Jun. 97)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
See Project Objectives.
Activity Biomes:
Boreal Forests; Lake Systems; Mixed Mountain Systems; Temperate
Dry Deciduous Forest; Tundra.
Activity Methods:
Institutional Support and Development; Programme / Project Development.
Activity Species:
Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis); Brown bear (Ursus arctos);
Japanese crane (Grus japonensis); Polar bear (Ursus maritimus);
Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica); Snow leopard (Panthera
uncia); Whitenaped crane (Grus vipio).
(Concept) RU0046 Russian Federation: Develop Package and Informational/Promotional
Materials on WWF Activities
Project Summary:
Since 1993 the WWF Russia Programme Office, with the strong support
of the WWF Network, has been actively developing and implementing
over 25 projects in Russia. For several reasons (e.g. lack of
funding, time, and resources), informational and promotional material
on the Russia Programme Office activity has not yet been produced.
Such materials are required to create a positive image for WWF
in the country. The current lack of information presents an obstacle
to wider public participation in and awareness of WWF in Russia,
which this project will help to overcome.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 0 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 | |
EE & Capacity Building 90 |
Oceans and Coasts 0 | |
Protected Areas 0 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 0 |
Non-Biome Specific 100 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 10 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
WWF's presence in Russia is relatively new as the Programme Office
was officially established in July 1994. At present there are
more than 25 ongoing projects, and there will be several more
in the coming year. Most of the efforts of Russia Programme Office
staff have been concentrated on project initiation, implementation,
management, and reporting. Consequently, there has been no opportunity
to prepare and produce any promotional or informational material
on WWF and its activities in Russia. The visit to Russia by the
WWF International President, HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh,
served as a trigger for this process, but there is urgent need
to follow up this small beginning. The active involvement of the
office in promoting WWF activity in the country will help to establish
contacts, become more known on the Russian conservation scene
and with the broader general public, and will provide specific
information on WWF field projects for different target groups.
Project Objectives:
1. To prepare an information pack on the WWF Russia Programme
Office and distribute it among different interest groups.
2. To prepare promotion material on the WWF Russia Programme
Office.
RU0046.1: Develop Package and Informational/Promotional
Materials on WWF Activities (Jul. 96 - Jun. 97)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
See Project Objectives.
Activity Biomes:
Boreal Forests; Lake Systems; Mixed Mountain Systems; Temperate
Dry Deciduous Forest; Tundra.
Activity Methods:
Communications; Education; Programme / Project Development.
Activity Species:
Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis); Brown bear (Ursus arctos);
Japanese crane (Grus japonensis); Polar bear (Ursus maritimus);
Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica); Snow leopard (Panthera
uncia); Whitenaped crane (Grus vipio).
(Concept) RU0047 Russian Federation: Kostomuksha Reserve -
creating a climate for success
Project Summary:
Through a programme of educational outreach, this project seeks
to demonstrate that the conservation of nature and sustainable
use of natural resources has fundamental relevance to the daily
lives of people. Key target groups include local communities,
visitors/tourists, and young people. The project will provide
support to three activities aimed at increasing public awareness
of the importance of nature conservation: strengthening environmental
education and the public outreach programme for residents of all
ages; providing support and assistance to local teachers; and
establishing an education centre in Kostomukshsky Reserve.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 100 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 | |
EE & Capacity Building 100 |
Oceans and Coasts 0 | |
Protected Areas 0 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 0 |
Non-Biome Specific 0 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 0 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | |
Project Background:
View Map
Kostomukshsky "Zapovednik" (reserve) is located in north-west
Russia in the republic of Karelia, adjacent to the Finnish border.
In 1989 it gained status as an international reserve when it was
twinned with a Finnish counterpart. The reserve plays an important
conservation role by protecting a large, intact wetlandtaiga
ecosystem, providing habitats for bears, wild forest reindeer,
and the "Red Data Book" listed white-tailed eagle. A
quarter of the reserve's territory is occupied by Stone Lake,
which provides drinking water to the 45,000 residents of Kostomuksha
city. The city was build 20 ago to house employees in what is
now one of Russia's largest mining complexes. The industrial centre
has become the largest source of sulphur pollutants in Karelia,
threatening air and water quality and the integrity of reserved
ecosystems. Another growing threat is the pressure to exploit
forests and export timber across the border to neighbouring Finland,
which is rapidly depleting its own timber resources.
The educational and outreach programme proposed under this project
at a crucial, transitional time for Kostomuksha. Many settlers
in the city, who came as temporary workers, are now unable to
pay the high prices asked to move back to their "real home".
The Kostomuksha population has much to lose if preventive actions
are not soon taken to control factory pollutants, forestry activities,
and other excessive uses of the surrounding resources. The problems
of the inter-relationship between humans and environment seems
to be of great concern to the local people; an assumption that
is supported by a sociological survey. Most respondents see Kostomukshsky
Reserve as an institution which should and could help in finding
solutions. The trans-border status of Kostomuksha Reserve could
help in solving this challenging problem, offering opportunities
for cooperation, particularly in joint monitoring programmes,
and staff training and exchange. There are also increased opportunities
for environmental interpretation and education, as well as for
making border crossing points for tourism. This was one of the
encouraging incentives for the creation, in December 1993, of
the Department for Environmental Education and the beginning of
the development of an outreach and education programme. The proposed
programme has three components: creation of a classroom for environmental
education; construction of an interpretive nature study trail;
and ecological tourism.
Project Objectives:
1. To increase awareness and concern for nature conservation
and the importance of protected areas by establishing a public
education programme involving different target groups.
2. To provide local communities with an understanding of the
social and economic benefits of protected areas and conservation
by using nature reserve areas as outdoor classrooms (for lectures
to local schools, nature study trails, limited ecotourism in the
form of the guided hikes and nonmotorized boating, providing
adequate information material, and using a range of interpretative
techniques).
3. To provide local teachers with information and education materials,
and to improve skills and access to equipment; to build environmental
education into the school curriculum, including issues of sustainable
development in the formal education system, and providing quality
information and facilities for visitors.
RU0047.1: Creating a Classroom for Environmental Education
(Jul. 96 - Jun. 99)
Activity Background:
An environmental education classroom will be at the core of the
Kostomuksha Reserve's efforts to provide information and technical
support for the development of education and outreach programmes.
To enable the reserve's education staff to carry out a range of
diverse activities, the classroom will be fitted with audio-visual
equipment, an already existing, but refurbished, botanical and
taxidermy collection, natural history displays, and accompanying
material.
Activity Objectives:
1. To create a classroom for environmental education.
2. To supply and interpret the environmental information targeted
at local people of differing age groups, schools, and the mass
media.
3. To provide assistance to local teachers in terms of information,
presentation materials, and methodology (for schools and kindergartens,
and the development of environmental campaigns).
Activity Biomes:
Boreal Forests.
Activity Methods:
Education.
RU0047.2: Construction of Interpretive Nature Study Trail
and Wilderness Routes (Jul. 96 - Jun. 99)
Activity Background:
Construction of an interpretive nature study trail and wilderness
routes accessible to the general public are an essential part
of developing an interest in and sense of caring for nature. The
trail will be targeted in particular at guided excursions. Several
wilderness tours that took place in 1994-95 have already proved
successful.
Activity Objectives:
1. To carry out education, creative, and informative excursions
for children at school and kindergarten levels, and visitors.
2. To develop an environmental ethic, awareness, and understanding
of low impact behaviour among the local community, visitors, and
foreign tourists.
3. To provide opportunities for local people and visitors to
learn about Karelian nature.
Activity Biomes:
Boreal Forests.
Activity Methods:
Education.
(Concept) RU0048 Russian Federation: Creation of a Management
System to Preserve and Restore Kamchatka Steelhead Trout
Project Summary:
This project seeks to build a management system for the restoration
and conservation of the Kamchatka steelhead trout. With due consideration
of natural, economic, social, and ethnic factors, the project
will conduct an inventory and evaluate the present state of the
Kamchatka steelhead trout populations resident in Koryaksky district,
and develop habitat and environmental protection strategies and
fisheries management systems to preserve and restore the species.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 10 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 80 |
| EE & Capacity Building 0 |
Oceans and Coasts 10 | |
Protected Areas 10 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 60 |
Non-Biome Specific 0 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 30 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
The Kamchatka steelhead trout is the last of its kind where an
entire population structure still exists in its natural range
and habitat, and where stocks remain free of genetic interactions
with aquacultural activities. In some parts of Kamchatka, especially
in Koryaksky district , there are combinations of pure strains
of steelhead trout in pristine habitats that provide an exceptional
opportunity to conserve unique genotypes and to more fully understand
the species throughout its range in Kamchatka and North America.
Unfortunately, however, the Kamchatka population has declined
sharply in recent years as a result of poaching and commercial
fishery. Since the species was listed in the Russian "Red
Data Book" in 1983, the situation has become more critical
as Kamchatka has seen the growth of local businesses and increased
illegal harvesting of steelhead trout. Today it is facing even
greater human pressure, which is threatening the local population
with extinction. Their survival has not been helped either by
the building of salmon hatcheries in the south and central parts
of peninsula. There is an urgent need for an immediate inventory
of the steelhead trout population, creation of a strictly protected
area in Koryaksky district, and development of a management plan
for the species. This project aims at the preservation and sustainable
development of the last wild population of steelhead trout and
the restoration of the traditional fishery activities of the native
peoples.
Project Objectives:
1. To organize the widening of Utholock protected area by including
the basins of steelhead trout rivers - the Utholock, Kvachina,
and Snatolvayam - with the goal of conserving Kamchatka steelhead
trout genotypes, their habitat, and lands of traditional nature
use.
2. To create a management system for the Kamchatka steelhead
trout, to serve as a model for the Koryaksky District Administration
and the local department of the Russian Ministry of Environment.
3. To promote sustainable practices and conservation of traditional
practices by Koryaksky native people through protection of habitat
and the involvement of local leaders and specialists in the creation
of a protected area.
4. To increase potential for attracting new sources of funding
to ensure implementation of the management plan and the longterm
strategy for the conservation of Kamchatka steelhead trout through
education, international scientific cooperation, and building
support from regional administrations and local residents.
RU0048.1: Management System to Preserve and Restore Kamchatka
Steelhead Trout (Jul. 96 - Jun. 98)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
See Project Objectives.
Activity Biomes:
River Systems.
Activity Methods:
Species Management.
(Concept) RU0050 Russian Federation: Curonian Spit National
Park, Kaliningrad
Project Summary:
This project aims to support the local administration and NGOs
in protecting and sustainably managing Kurshkaja Kosa National
Park and the Russian part of Nemunas delta. Public information
and participation will be the first steps, to be followed by visitor
guidance and management plans. Water pollution in the lagoon will
have to be reduced by establishing a discharge register, followed
by the establishment of pilot facilities to clean local waste-water
through cheap, lowtechnology biotreatment. Development of
a transboundary biosphere reserve in the region, to introduce
international standards for nature conservation and sustainable
development, is the project's medium-term goal.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 0 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 | |
EE & Capacity Building 20 |
Oceans and Coasts 100 | |
Protected Areas 40 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 0 |
Non-Biome Specific 0 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 40 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
The system of spits and lagoons around Kaliningrad and the delta
of Nemunas is one of the most valuable ecosystems of the southern
Baltic and therefore of international importance. However, uncontrolled
human impacts are becoming a severe threat and both Russian and
Lithuanian National Parks are under pressure from various human
uses, especially agriculture, forestry, construction, and tourism.
The lagoon itself is polluted by untreated local waste-water,
nutrients, and harmful substances from the river Nemunas. While
the responsible administration and scientific institutions lack
the personnel, infrastructure, equipment, and training necessary
to counter the adverse impacts, concerned and interested NGOs
lack the necessary expertise and international contacts.
Since 1992 WWF-Germany's Baltic Sea Project has worked with Lithuanian
NGOs, with additional contacts being established in 199394
with the National Park administrations in both Lithuania and Russia.
Currently WWFGermany is involved in the Kalinigrad region
in a transboundary coastal lagoons project, for which a task team
was established in 1995 to develop integrated coastal zone management
plans.
This new project aims to support the local administration and
NGOs in protecting and sustainably managing the Russian National
Park, Kurshkaja Kosa, and the Russian part of the Nemunas delta.
Public information and participation will be the first steps,
to be followed by visitor guidance and management plans. Water
pollution in the lagoon will have to be reduced by establishing
a discharge register, followed by the establishment of pilot facilities
to clean local waste-water through cheap, lowtechnology
biotreatment. Development of a transboundary biosphere reserve
in the region, to introduce international standards for nature
conservation and sustainable development, is the project's medium-term
goal.
Project Objectives:
1. To establish a discharge register to evaluate important point
sources, as well as to aid in raising public awareness and lobbying.
2. To build two or three pilot biological waste-water treatment
facilities and provide exemplary construction plans for communities
discharging into the lagoon.
3. To introduce international standards for sustainably managing
Kurshkaja Kosa National Park (Curonian Spit).
4. To strengthen public participation and information, introduce
facilities for guiding visitors, and develop guidelines and solutions
for sustainable forestry, coastal defence and infrastructure in
the park.
4. To create the basis for future cooperation between Kurshkaja
Kosa National Park, WWF, and a National Park around the German
Baltic coast, as well as the Lithuanian Curonian Spit National
Park.
5. To evaluate the natural state of Nemunas delta, develop a
programme of protection and integrated coastal zone management,
and implement measures for improving environmental conservation.
6. To identify and support local groups working for nature conservation
with the aim of strengthening NGO capacity and public awareness.
RU0050.1: Sustainable Ecotourism for Curonian Spit National
Park (Jul. 96 - Aug. 98)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
See Project Objectives.
Activity Biomes:
Open Oceans and Seas.
Activity Methods:
Ecotourism Development.
|