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??