At the A.I. Shchepovskikh Conference, participants discussed the role of specially protected natural areas in Russia's regions.

      As part of the 20th All-Russian Scientific and Practical Conference named after A.I. Shchepovskikh, a round table was held dedicated to the role of specially protected natural areas (SPNAs) in conserving biological diversity and the socio-economic development of regions.

      The welcoming address was delivered by the Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Tatarstan, Ilnur Nasretdinov. He noted the importance of finding balanced solutions between industrial development and nature protection in the face of contemporary environmental challenges. “The Republic of Tatarstan, as we know, is one of Russia’s leading industrial centers and consistently implements a policy of environmental responsibility. We strive to ensure that industrial development not only does no harm to the environment but also contributes to the rational use of natural resources. The region’s specially protected natural areas perform a vital function in preserving unique biodiversity. They also serve as important educational platforms where extensive environmental awareness work is carried out,” the deputy minister said.

      More than 50 people took part in the round table — representatives of nature reserves, scientists, and employees of enterprises and relevant agencies. Among the speakers were heads of such specially protected areas as the Volga-Kama State Natural Biosphere Reserve, “Nizhegorodskoye Povolzhye,” “Zapovedny Krym,” and “Nizhnyaya Kama.”

      Former director of the Volga-Kama Reserve Yuri Gorshkov summed up the reserve’s activities, highlighting the achievements of Anatoly Ivanovich Shchepovskikh and unique projects, including the expansion of the Raifa section, the reintroduction of the European beaver, as well as the implementation of modern remote research methods — radio transmitters, bird ringing, and camera traps.

      The director of the Volga-Kama Biosphere Reserve, Yan Arturovich Murzakhanov, presented development plans for the Raifa section and environmental education facilities — the arboretum, the Nature Museum, and the “Zapovedny Teremok” Visitor Center. “Modernization of the Visitor Center will make it possible at the initial stage to acquaint visitors who come to the monastery with the fact and features of the existence of the reserve territory and its mission,” the speaker said.

      He noted that reconstruction of the arboretum’s excursion trail, where plants over 100 years old grow, is currently underway. The ecological trail will connect the Raifa Monastery with the area’s natural attractions, promoting ecotourism. Yan Murzakhanov emphasized: “Nature protection is our common cause.”

      The director of FSBI “Zapovedny Krym,” Artur Rakhimzhanovich Murzakhanov, spoke about the importance of balancing tourism development and biodiversity conservation using the Yalta Nature Reserve as an example. He noted that thanks to the reserve it has been possible to significantly reduce pressure on the city and develop ecological infrastructure, which contributes to the region’s sustainable development.

      Head of the Department of General Ecology at the Institute of Ecology, Biotechnology and Environmental Management of KFU, Vadim Evgenyevich Prokhorov, presented the results of greenhouse gas monitoring at the carbon testing site “Carbon-Povolzhye” in the Saralinsky section of the Volga-Kama Reserve. This site is unique in that it is located in a broadleaf zone, whereas most similar sites are located in taiga regions. Its tasks include not only monitoring but also developing climate projects and international cooperation.

      Mikhail Alexandrovich Gorshkov spoke about the state of aquatic bioresources of the Kuybyshev Reservoir in the waters of the Saralinsky section of the reserve. According to him, conditions for aquatic organisms are favorable and species diversity is high; at the same time, water quality by biological indicators ranges from moderately polluted to polluted.

      Participants of the round table unanimously confirmed the importance of an integrated approach to SPNA management. Specially protected natural areas were recognized as key not only for conserving biodiversity but also as an important factor in the socio-economic development of Russian regions.

      More news about the event:

      At the 20th conference named after A.I. Shchepovskikh, an agreement was signed to strengthen cooperation in environmental protection and support for conservation initiatives in Tatarstan

      On August 27, as part of the 20th conference named after A.I. Shchepovskikh, an agreement was signed between the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the RT and the Regional Branch of the Russian Geographical Society, 16:49 28.08.2025 Tatarstan Branch of the RGS — Kazan

      At the conference named after A.I. Shchepovskikh, the role of specially protected natural areas in the regions of Russia was discussed

      As part of the 20th All-Russian Scientific and Practical Conference named after A.I. Shchepovskikh, a round table was held, 15:14 28.08.2025 Ministry of Ecology — Kazan

      Regional news on the topic:

      On organizing the submission of applications for grants from the Presidential Nature Fund

      To support active citizens, non-profit non-governmental organizations, and institutions managing specially protected natural areas, 16:55 28.08.2025 Gorodetsky Municipal District — Gorodets

      The Directorate of Specially Protected Areas will determine permitted types of tourism in the reserves of the LPR

      The United Directorate of Specially Protected Natural Areas of the LPR will determine permitted types of tourism in the region’s reserves. 14:24 28.08.2025 Luhansk Information Center — Luhansk

      The Chita Bor Natural Park has been included in the SPNA development concept

      The authorities of Zabaykalsky Krai have included the creation of the Chita Bor Natural Park in the concept for developing the system of specially protected natural areas (SPNAs). 10:02 28.08.2025 ZAB.RU — Chita

      This summer the Mordovia Reserve hosted a group of young ecologists from the Center for Environmental Education.

      The children studied flora and fauna, became acquainted with the reserve’s ecosystems and modern environmental issues. 14:37 26.08.2025 Zapovednaya Mordoviya — Saransk