Tourism as a nature-based solution in Russian Protected Areas
Elena Nikolaeva, 13/11/2014IUCN WCPA Vice Chair, North Eurasia
IUCN WCPA TAPAS Group
Presentation Outline
Background - Russian system of
Protected areas
Implications for tourism
Case study: Polistovsky reserve,
the North-West of Russia
• uniqueness of the area
• organization of tourism in general
• excursions
• cooperation with local community
Background – Russian system of Protected Areas
103 Zapovedniks
47 National parks 68 Federal sanctuaries
Background – Russian system of Protected Areas
Federal level protected areas:Zapovedniks = strict nature reserves. Category I IUCN. • main purpose – biodiversity protection• any type of economic activity is prohibited• special permit is needed to enter the area
National parks – category II IUCN• main purpose – biodiversity protection and recreation• hunting, fishing, logging, mining are prohibited
Sanctuaries – category IV IUCN • often were created to protect certain species• regime of many sanctuaries is similar to zapovedniks
Managed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Ecology
Regional and local level protected areas:Nature parks, nature monuments, regional reserves Managed by regional and local authorities.
In total 11% of the country area are protected
Background – Russian system of Protected Areas
For many years protected areas developed in isolation from the society; the main focus was on biodiversity protection, scientific research and law enforcement
Good for biodiversity, but exclusion of the society from decision-making process brought about such problems as:
• lack of environmental awareness• negative attitude towards PA activities• indifference of general public and other stakeholders
Zapovednik - category 1 IUCN PA Management categories –
“wilderness area; set aside to protect biodiversity, where human visitation, use and impacts are strictly controlled and limited to ensure protection of the conservation values”.
Protected Areas Conservation of biodiversity Local communities
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Ecotourism – responsible travel to nature areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people (TIES, 2012)
Alternative sustainable livelihoods
Possible benefits to local communities: • Accommodation and meals• Working as guides• Working in visitor centers and guest house• Providing their own tourist products
Contribution to environmental education
But ecotourism in wilderness areas can be tricky as it puts into question some important values associated with this type of Protected Areas, and potentially can change their specificiality and uniqueness.
How to develop?
Implications for tourism
Case study – Polistovsky Reserve (Zapovednik)
Polistovsky Reserve
How does it look like? 15 cm above the surface
How does it look like? 2 m above the surface
Case study – Polistovsky Reserve
Opportunities for educational tourism!
- intact wilderness;
- high biodiversity, rare species of birds;
- the largest raised bog system of Europe;
- unique functions of ecosystems that are important on a global scale;
- Interesting local cultural heritage
Case study - Polistovsky Reserve
VisitorCenter
Educational Excursions
Transport
Organization of tourism: combination of natural and cultural values
Accommodation
Establish dialogue with local communities
Show opportunities that exist because of PA
Encourage locals to come up with their own tourist
products
Case study - Polistovsky zapovednik
Excursions: • Bog trail – 4 km. All about bog’s ecosystems.• Forest trail – 5 km. Story about natural recovery of European primary forest.• Boat excursion – 20 km. Role of wetlands, birdwatching.• Winter routes – snowshoeing on the bog• Beaver watching
Main emphasis - education
Min impact on the environment
Case study - Polistovsky zapovednik
Cooperation with local communities:
• Historical excursion in the village• Excursion in the Soviet classroom• Rail trolley excursion• Cooking master classes for tourists• Traditional Russian meals in the
stove; story telling• Souvenirs (herbal teas, cranberries)
Case study – Lessons Learnt
Educational tourism
Minimum impact on the environment
Benefits for local
community
Tourism as a nature based solution:
Engaging local community
Thank you for attention!
QUESTIONS??
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