Environmental security

Changes in Russian law threaten world famous nature reserves

World Heritage sites and critical nature reserves in Russia will face new and expansive threats following a vote on Friday to reduce environmental protections across the country.
 
The Russian parliament vote weakens protections for natural areas and favors the expansion of private ski resorts over caring for the environment. The legal changes on environmental protection, the first in almost five decades, allow a variety of infrastructure – from hotels to ski trails – to be built on some of the world’s most famous nature reserves.
 
Weakening protection for Russia’s 103 reserves will also impact some of Earth’s most iconic and endangered animals, including the snow leopard and Amur tiger as well as the Western Caucasus World Heritage site that is home to a breeding center for the Persian leopard.
 
“Russia's downgrading of the environment puts recreation and private business interests over the protection of natural areas of international significance,” said Igor Chestin, CEO of WWF-Russia.