RUSSIA

Region:	Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East
Country:	Russian Federation
Title:	The Establishment of a Private, Non-Commercial Protected Territory: The Case of Muraviovka Park of Sustainable Land Use in Amur Region, Russia
Authors:	Sergei M. Smirenski
Other Info:	(i) Original language: English; (ii) Partners: International Crane Foundation, National Audubon Society, Wild Bird Society of Japan, The Nature Conservancy, Pop Group Corporation (Japan)

Abstract: This case study elicits the changes brought about in the Russian Far East by the Muraviovka Park, the first private, non-commercial nature protected territory in Russia. The objective of the Park is to create a better environment for wildlife and to improve the quality of life for the people, through changes in land use practices. For this purpose, with international funding, the Amur Program of a non-governmental organization, the Socio-Ecological Union, in 1994 leased over 13,000 acres of land and wetlands for wildlife protection, environmental education and sustainable development. After becoming an independent private, non-commercial organization in 1996, the Park has gone on to purchase more land and build a Demonstration Farm, Education Center and living facilities. The Park's programs have been instrumental in bringing about a change in the attitude of local people towards sustainable agriculture, and have contributed tremendously to the preservation of the region's biodiversity, particularly the bird population. This unique experiment has been replicated in other parts of the Amur region and has potential for further expansion.

Email: amur@glasnet.ru VIEW RUSSIA CASE STUDY