At the beginning of August a regional meeting on high conservancy value sites took place in Volgograd to discuss ways and possibilities for their development. This event was initiated by the Zelenaya Orbita Ecology Center (“Green Orbit”). The meeting came as a result of the establishment of 7 natural parks and reserves in the region. According to the legal process, about 86 natural monuments will open in the near future.

Participants in the meeting were briefed on the activities and problems of two natural parks- Volga Akhtubinsk Flood Plain and Schscherbakovski. They outlined the most common problems, including ineffective security, disagreements with numerous landowners, an undefined access schedule, etc. The organizers have also underlined the most acute issues within the named problems.

Specifically, in the Volga Akhtubinsk Flood Plain, for example, experts show serious concern for unique ecosites of this area. Last spring power engineering specialists did not let the water fill the flood plain. Motivating their actions was a shortage in Nizhne- Volzhski reservoir. Many resources in the region depend on the flash flood waters, including fish and unique oak grooves to the south. Regular flash floods fill dry river- beds allowing fish to spawn throughout the flooded lands.

According to the specialists, the former river- beds, which still hold water and fish will freeze through in wintertime. A similar situation occurred in Akhtub and according to locals, fishing suffered for at least ten years.

Specialists consider different approaches to solving this issue. The measures taken have been minimal consisting mostly of an effort by the regional authorities to pump water into private gardens (dachas).

Sergei Shavlak, Zelenaya Orbita Council Chief said, “It seems hard to believe that the natural complex as well as lives of myriads of species depend of the interests of the energy industry. We hope that the meeting contributed to a solution of the water problem in the flood plain. This problem touches both the Volgograd region and the Astrakhan reserve.”

Natural park “Shcherbakovski” is known for the diversity of its landscapes It comprises caves, cretaceous slopes, rivers, waterfalls and forests. Aleksei Zimenko, the General Director of the Biodiversity Conservation Center said, “Very few regions have the same variety of natural scenery and it is important to preserve and rationally use this potential. These natural treasures will attract visitors who in turn will bring investment to the region, which will result in job opertunities for the locals.”

However, the increase in tourism can also have a negative effect. It would be a tragedy if such unique sites as Urakov hill, Danilovski ravine, Shcherbakovskaya girder would follow the fate of the caves and green spaces of the Crimea already suffering from tourism and vandalism. It is important to seriously tackle the problem security. Unfortunately, the rights enjoyed by the inspectors of regional natural parks and forestry employees are minimal.

Alexei Ushkov, the Prosecutor General Deputy of Kamyshinski region recommended to actively apply to the Office of the Public Prosecutor for the help. He said, “The employees of the natural parks should promptly inform the office about violations of natural legislation. Any activities contradicting the decree of natural parks should be terminated and eliminated. Last year we spotted 141 violations in this sphere. We filed charges against 3 violators. Besides, the natural parks should closely cooperate with local administrations, which can resort to the help of their mighty administrative commissions.”

The results of the meeting were summed up in the Administration of Volgograd division of the Natural Inspection of Russia (Rosprirodnadzor), where the round- table discussion took place. The participants noted considerable achievements of the Volgograd region in the development of network of the sites of high conservancy value. Conversancy of natural complexes is important for everybody: locals, enterprises, authorities, and federal organizations. Particularly, local communities play an important role in organizing and conducting negotiations ,thus starting important events and campaigns on conservancy and environmental- friendly enlightening.

The success in conservancy of the natural resources can come as a result of cooperation between the administration and all interested sides and taking advantage of the potential and resources (particularly organizational and technological) of local communities. Ecology Center “Zelenaya Orbita” initiated the meeting in question. In its work, is it involved with specialists of the International Social Ecological Union, the Biodiversity Conservation Center, and the Ecology Center “Zapovedniki”. The participation of all listed organizations made it possible to outline future projects and programs in the Volgograd region.

24/08/2006