In 2022, the attendance of nature reserves in Russia increased by 32%

© Igor Samokhvalov/PG

Less than 20 percent of the area of ​​all specially protected natural areas (PAs) will be allocated for the development of ecotourism. Irina Makanova, Director of the Department of State Policy and Regulation in the Development of Specially Protected Natural Areas of the Ministry of Natural Resources, spoke about this on March 13 at the press center of the MIA Rossiya Segodnya.

In early March, the State Duma adopted in the second reading a bill on the development of ecological tourism in specially protected natural areas. The third reading of this document may take place tomorrow, March 14.

In Russia, there are 336 protected areas of federal significance, covering more than 76 million hectares. Of these, 107 are nature reserves, 67 are national parks, and 63 are reserves. The recreational area referred to in this bill is less than 20 percent of the total area of ​​protected areas.

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“This is the smallest area that can be involved in the development of recreational and tourism activities,” Makanova said at a press conference.

At the same time, in 2022, the attendance of protected areas by tourists increased by more than 30 percent. And in January-February 2023, it amounted to 1.22 million people. This is not the limit, the representative of the department is sure, as Russians are increasingly eager to visit places that can only be seen in our country.

Vasilisa Kireeva