The protected areas system in Russia is unique and globally valuable demonstrating high potential for preservation, research and monitoring of the ecosystems, rare and threatend species and providing high value ecological education. There are different types of natural reserves depending on the protection regime.

State Specially Protected Natural Areas (SPNA) are the cornerstone of the protected areas system in Russia. The first State Reserve “Barguzinski” was established 11.01.1917 (29.12.1916). Currently there are 101 State Strict Nature Reserves (zapovedniks, total size 33,7 mln.hectares), 40 National Parks (by 01.01.2008) and 69 federal preserves (12,5 mln. hectares), 54 regional natural parks (15,3 mln. hectares), about 3000 regional preserves (72,8 mln. hectares), about 9000 natural monuments (4,1 mln. hectares), and about 2300 regional and municipal SPNAs of other categories (52 mln. hectares) (as of 01.01.2007). The total size on SPNA is about 10,5 % of the total territory of The Russian Federation.

Russian SPNA are included in 9 World Heritage Sites, 38 Biosphere Reserves, 35 Ramsar sites. 4 reserves awarded by the Council of Europe Diploma.

The order №725-r of 23.05.2001 of the Government of Russia envisions the establishment of new 9 State Strict Nature Reserves and 12 National Parks by 2010, 1 Reserve and 4 National Park have been already established among them.

This section will include information about implementation of the CBD thematic program on protected areas in Russia