Ecologists Warn of Reserve System Collapse
Ecologists compare the current state of Russia's protected natural areas to the destruction of the reserve system during Stalin's era, citing staff departures and environmental damage. They warn that land is being seized for economic interests, harming ecosystems.
Consensus
- The system of specially protected natural territories in Russia is nearing the state it was in after the mass liquidation of reserves in 1951 under Joseph Stalin.
- Authorities in 1951 claimed that reserve areas were too large and their resources—forests, minerals, agricultural and water lands—were not being used properly.
- Specialists argue that management of protected areas in Russia continues to follow a flawed model.
- Land plots are being expropriated for the benefit of economic actors on protected territories.
- Ecosystems and their components are suffering significant harm.
- Gold mining equipment has been found in the protected zone of the Sikhote-Alin Reserve.
Coverage (2 sources)
- Outflow of specialists and destruction of nature. Ecologists compared what is happening in the Russian reserve system with its destruction in Stalin's time — Радио Свобода
- Drainage of specialists and destruction of nature. Ecologists compared what is happening in the reserve system of Russia with its destruction in Stalin's time — Кедр.медиа