Kamchatka’s
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Reserve HistoryKronotsky is one of the oldest zapovedniks in Russia and the oldest on Kamchatka. Today we know how carefully the Kamchadals guarded the “steaming lands” of the reserve from outsiders – for fear of the spirits’ revenge – and how they guarded the unique “fir forest” near Semyachiksky Estuary. The Russian conquest of the Kamchatka Peninsula not only changed the daily life and culture of local peoples, but also impacted nature. Unrestricted fur trade in the eastern part of the peninsula, particularly trapping and trade of sable, nearly led to the complete extermination of this small, valuable animal. Special protection measures were necessary, and in 1882 an imperial decree proclaimed the Kronoki a protected area. In 1929 the Kamchatka Regional Executive Committee voted in favor of organizing Kronotsky Sable Zapovednik, and in 1934 a Russian federal decree made the zapovednik a part of the state network of federal-level nature reserves. For the first time Kronotsky received state funding for nature protection and enforcement activities, and for scientific research. Thus began Kronotsky Zapovednik began its modern existence, with all its ups and downs, from complete liquidation to elevation of its status on the national and international levels. The history of Kronotsky Zapovednik can be divided into 3 main periods: The First Period (1934 – 1951) lasted for 17 years. During this time most work was focused on studying the territory of the reserve itself, and the Valley of the Geysers and 5 new volcanoes were discovered. In 1951 Kronotsky Zapovednik was liquidated. Second Period (1959-1961). When Kronotsky Zapovednik was restored in 1959, it nearly doubled in area (nearly reaching its current size). The Sakhalin fir grove, Semyachiksky Estuary and the Central Semyachik volcanic formation were all added to the former reserve territory. After a short two-year existence, however, Kronotsky was closed again. Third Period (1967 to present). Thanks to the efforts of former staff, scientists and activists, Kronostky Zapovednik was fully restored by federal government decree on January 17, 1967, 6 years after its second closure. The third stage in the history of the zapovednik begins from this moment, and we hope it will continue uninterrupted. Since 1967 the status of the zapovednik has been elevated a number of times: - On October 15, 1982, a three mile-wide marine zone was added to the reserve, including adjacent coastal waters of the Pacific along the Kamchatka’s east coast. Thus northern sea otter, antur and sea lion habitat received protection in the reserve, along with numerous nesting sites of colonial marine birds.
Kronotsky Zapovednik is also responsible for management of the South Kamchatsky State Nature Zakaznik, or wildlife refuge. International organizations currently active on Kamchatka also support Kronotsky Zapovednik. A joint project of the United Nations Development Programme and the Global Environment Facility (UNDP/GEF), along with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), both provide funding for some of the reserve’s most important activities. Through joint efforts the most ambitious plans are being realized. We all share one goal, after all – the preservation of Kamchatka’s natural heritage.
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| 2007–2012 |
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