The document will form the basis for cooperation to develop the network of protected areas, conservation and sustainable use of forests and protection of rare species.
WWF Russia hopes that the agreement will, in the very near future, promote the establishment of a new protected area; a landscape reserve in the intact forest between the Northern Dvina and Pinega Rives. WWF Russia has been working to protect this area for several years.
The watershed of the Dvina and Pinega Rivers (Photo: Denis Dobrynin)
The watershed of the Dvina and Pinega Rivers represents the last intact taiga forest landscapes in Europe covering an area of 1 million hectares. The territory of is one of the BPAN pilot project sites. WWF has already passed the materials justifying the need for protection for the environmental review to the regional Ministry of Natural Resources and the Timber Industry.
Special attention to forest conservation
The ceremony of signing the agreement on cooperation in the field of environmental protection was held on 22 October. The document was signed by Governor Igor Orlov and Director of WWF Russia Igor Chestin.
Signing the agreement. Governor Igor Orlov and Director of WWF Russia Igor Chestin (Photo: Press service of the Government of the Arkhangelsk Region)
The agreement covers a very wide range of areas of cooperation. Particular attention is paid to the forest theme. Thus, the interaction is planned in the protection of high conservation value forests, sustainable development of intensive forest management as well as development of strategy for timber industry in the region.
The mutual plans include also development and support of protected areas of regional importance, development of environmental education and research and protection of the red-listed species, primarily, polar bear, atlantic walrus and wild forest reindeer.