Five regional pilot projects were implemented in high conservation value areas of Northwest Russia in the BPAN 1st phase. All of them are under threat of human activities.
Also several projects that aimed to enhance communication on nature conservation questions with larger audience were carried out in the BPAN 1st phase.
The implementation of the pilot projects supports the overall objective of the BPAN project – the establishment and development of a representative and effectively managed network of protected areas in internationally important sites throughout the Barents Region.
Pilot project activities include field studies and environmental monitoring, conducting public consultations and ecological impact assessments, as well as providing information and raising awareness.
BPAN pilot project areas are highlighted in red. The map is produced in the BPAN project.
BPAN pilot sites on high conservation value areas
Arkhangelsk Region (oblast)
Planned Dvina-Pinega landscape reserve (zakaznik), Europe’s largest area of old-growth spruce forest situated between the rivers Northern Dvina and Pinega
Read more about the Arkhangelsk Region pilot project here
Planned Dvina-Pinega landscape reserve (zakaznik). Photo: Artem Stolpovsky
Murmansk Region (oblast)
Planned Jonn-Njygojaiv nature reserve (zakaznik), old-growth pine forest between Laplandsky strict nature reserve (zapovednik) and Laplandskiy Les nature reserve (zakaznik) in Russia, and Urho Kekkonen national park in Finland
Read more about the Murmansk Region pilot project here
The Jonn-Njygojaiv forest landscape also includes wetlands. Photo: Olga Petrova
Republic of Komi
Proposed Tsilemsky nature reserve (zakaznik), the most important habitat of wild reindeer in the Tsilma River basin
Read more about the Republic of Komi pilot project here
Proposed Tsilemsky nature reserve (zakaznik). Photo: Tatiana Pystina
Republic of Karelia
Valuable natural and cultural landscapes of the planned protected areas in Zaonezhye Peninsula
Read more about the Republic of Karelia pilot project here
Planned protected area in Zaonezhye Peninsula. Photo: Jyri Mikkola
Nenets Autotomous Okrug
Monitoring biological diversity in the Nizhnepechorsky nature reserve (zakaznik)
Read more about the Nenets Autonomous Okrug pilot project here
The pilot project activities include field studies and environmental monitoring, conducting public consultations and ecological impact assessments, as well as providing information and raising awareness. Photo: Pjotr Glazov.
Communicating pilot projects
Various communication activities have been implemented.
Photography exhibition
The BPAN project presents a photography exhibition, exploring the globally unique nature of the Barents Region. The purpose of this exhibition is to bring the magnificent yet remote natural areas of the region closer to people.
This exhibition consists of a series of photographs by Finnish, Swedish and Russian nature photographers. We are touring the exhibition in Finland, Sweden, Norway and Russia.
Read more about the photography exhibition and upcoming dates and venues here
Information leaflets about Russian planned protected areas
To promote the establishment of the planned protected areas with high conservation value in the Arkhangelsk and Murmansk Regions and Nenets Autonomous District, information leaflets have been published. A map of established and planned protected areas in Murmansk Region presents the protected natural heritage for all interested parties. The factsheets provide with general information on the areas, their biodiversity, opportunities and the status of the establishment process for general public.
Read more about the brochures and the map here
Press trips
BPAN has organized three press trips to Oulanka and Paanajärvi National Parks, Pinega Strict Nature Reserve and to Rybachny and Sredny Peninsulas for the representatives of media and administration of the Barents countries. The aim of the trips was to learn about benefits of the established parks and to discuss the urgent need to develop the network of protected areas in the Barents Region.
Read the news posts about the press trips to Pinega Strict Nature Reserve and Paanajärvi and Oulanka National Parks.
Reporter in Paanajarvi NP: Photo: Dmitry Deshevykh
On the trail of the northern winds – a film about protected areas in the Komi Republic
For large audiences, documentary films provide easy access to explore distant protected areas. Extensive intact territories and untouched landscapes make the Republic of Komi particularly valuable for nature of the European north. The film presents protected areas of Komi Republic as a part of the Barents Protected Area Network.
See the film and read more here
Filming nature of Komi . Photo: Travel Around the Komi Republic
Read more news related to the pilot project sites:
Studying unique forest habitats of Komi
Expedition on wild reindeer habitat in Komi is completed
More tools are needed to conserve nature of the Nizhnepechorsky protected area
New moratorium agreement supports the protection of intact forests in the Arkhangelsk Region
New knowledge will help protect the high conservation value forest of Dvina-Pinega