According to Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Victoria Abramchenko, the World Heritage Committee, at the 45th session currently taking place in Riyadh under the chairmanship of Saudi Arabia, considered it premature to add the Russian natural object "Volcanoes of Kamchatka" to the List under threat. Consideration of the issue was held in a constructive manner.

The majority of the Committee members, including Ethiopia, India, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Mali, South Africa, Oman, Rwanda, Qatar, and Zambia, noted Russia's efforts to improve the protected status of the Kamchatka Volcanoes site. Since 2022, by the decision of the country's leadership, the Ministry of Natural Resources of Russia has been working on the creation of a specially protected natural territory of federal significance – a national park with the project name "Volcanoes of Kamchatka". By November 1, 2023, the Ministry of Natural Resources will finish work on the preparation of a regulatory legal act on the creation of a national park and submit it to the Government.

Following the creation of the national park in 2024, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment will organize work on the establishment of a protected zone of the national park, within which a special regime for the protection and use of land and water bodies will operate. Thus, the creation of a specially protected natural territory of federal significance in the Kamchatka Territory will ensure the integrity of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage site "Volcanoes of Kamchatka", as well as control over the growing tourist flow and an appropriate level of security.

"Russia has demonstrated to the world community the priority of environmental protection measures and environmental policy aimed at preserving unique natural complexes. We note the balanced, non-politicized approach of experts," Deputy Prime Minister Victoria Abramchenko said.

Regarding the preservation of Lake Baikal, the World Heritage Committee welcomed the allocation of significant federal funding for research, conservation and sustainable development of the site, as well as measures to identify and demolish illegal buildings, prevent further illegal construction and improve the waste management system and the tourism industry, called for continued efforts to protect the site. In addition, positive results were noted in the field of fire fighting.

Experts will visit the facility with a monitoring mission before the end of the year.

Author: Press Service of the Ministry of Natural Resources of Russia

Опубликовано: 14 September 2023