Belarus, Russia mull over cross-border biosphere reserve creation

Belarus and Russia are looking into the possibility to create a cross-border biosphere reserve, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Igor Kachanovsky told BelTA.

"I have already met with representatives of the Association of Reserves and National Parks of Russia's North-West to talk over the creation of the cross-border biosphere reserve Osveya-Krasny Bor-Sebezhsky National Park. Its creation will take place under the auspices of the UNESCO. The materials on the Belarusian part of the reserve have already been prepared," he explained.

According to Igor Kachanovsky, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus have prepared a feasibility evaluation on the development of the biosphere reserve Osveya-Krasny Bor. The materials are kept in the Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee which is expected to decide on the creation of a nature reserve. "If the decision is positive, then the nature will be preserved and all business activities will be conducted strictly in line with nature protection requirements and national traditions. The north of Vitebsk Oblast has a well-developed tourism sector. It is a very promising land," the deputy minister said.

In his words, the Russian side lacks a bit in infrastructure development. However, the nature in the Sebezhsky National Park is breathtaking. "This cross-border nature reserve may become a new impetus for development. This territory should be protected, its nature is unique: hills, lakes and bogs with a strong biodiversity. This area is home to lynxes, bears, wolves, deer, predatory birds and many other animals," Igor Kachanovsky said.

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