
SPECIALLY PROTECTED NATURAL AREAS
Author: Arthur Bakuriani

CONTENTS OF THE REVIEW
I. Introduction
II. Changes in legislations on SPNAs in Russia
III. Liquidation of SPNAs or their protection regime weakening
IV. Economic activities resumption in the area of planned SPNAs
V. Establishment of new protected areas or strengthening conservation measures in existing protected areas
VI. Changes in regional SPNAs
VII. Forecast of the situation’s development
The analytical review reveals alarming trends in Russia’s specially protected natural areas (SPNAs) from 2022 to 2024. Legislative changes have eroded protections, enabling industrial and tourism projects in safeguarded territories, including UNESCO sites like Lake Baikal.
“PROPOSED AMENDMENTS THREATEN CLEAR-CUTTING IN BAIKAL’S ECOLOGICAL ZONE FOR ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE, ENDANGERING ITS FRAGILE ECOSYSTEM”
Transparency has diminished as environmental impact assessments are bypassed, threatening unchecked logging, infrastructure development, and tourism. Projects like Kamchatka’s “Three Volcanoes” and alterations to the Caucasian Biosphere Reserve disrupt habitats and threaten rare species.
“THE CLOSURE OF EUROPEAN MARKETS TO RUSSIAN TIMBER SUPPLIERS HAS ELIMINATED THE NEED FOR RUSSIAN FORESTRY COMPANIES TO COMPLY WITH STRINGENT ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS PREVIOUSLY REQUIRED FOR EXPORTS”
The forced closure of major international organizations such as Greenpeace and WWF by Russian authorities further weakens conservation efforts, leaving critical ecosystems exposed to exploitation. While some new SPNAs, including the “Pyozsky” Nature Reserve, have been established, their impact is limited, and they fail to offset broader trends of prioritizing economic growth over environmental sustainability.
This review underscores a critical shift in priorities, with economic goals overriding environmental stewardship, posing significant risks to biodiversity and global ecological balance.
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