The work conducted in Kronotsky State Biosphere Zapovednik, a federal-level nature reserve, is focused on 3 main objectives: nature protection or enforcement, scientific research, and environmental education and outreach. The main function of the zapovednik is to study and conserve natural processes, natural phenomena, animal and plant populations, and to protect the unique natural ecosystems of Kamchatka.

The objectives of the reserve are reflected in its title and national and international status.

Chief among these objectives is nature conservation on Kamchatka. The entire territory of the zapovednik is very beautiful, but unfortunately, not all of it is open to tourists. Only two areas are designated for visitors – the Valley of the Geysers and Uzon Caldera, which are also Kamchatka’s signature tourist destinations.

Another priority objective is scientific research. Regular scientific field work has been conducted from the moment of the reserve’s establishment in 1934. Over the years scientific staff have collected material on a wide range of topics, and have assembled zoological collections and herbariums. The results of this research are numerous articles, reports, books, manuscripts and film footage. Over 400 scientific works, monographs and books and around 300 popular scientific articles have been published in the course of the zapovednik’s 70-year history.

Annual observations of the state of the environment in the reserve – describing everything from climatic conditions to animal and plant populations – have been published in 37 tomes of the “Chronicles of Nature” – the invaluable work of more than one generation of reserve scientists.

Following the traditions of their predecessors, the current scientific staff of the reserve continue decades-old studies of nature, but now using new and modern equipment and technology. Comparative analyses of past and present data make it possible to determine quantitative and qualitative changes in natural systems, and to predict possible future scenarios.

Environmental education and outreach is a final priority objective of the reserve. A nature museum about the reserve was established in 1983, and in 2001 an environmental education department and visitor’s center were created.

The Kronotsky Zapovednik Nature Museum is a well-known place in the cities of Elizovo and Petropavlovsk-Kamchatksky. Schoolchildren and their parents often come here, as do tourists who hope to learn more about Kamchatka, its landscapes, plants and animals. Tours are led by the reserve’s scientific and education staff.

The Visitor’s Center is first and foremost an information link between the zapovednik and its guests, and is essential for tourists planning trips to Kronostky Zapovednik and South Kamchatsky Zakaznik. The visitor’s center also provides a means for live interaction, as it is a place where films about Kamchatka can be viewed, and seminars, round tables, informal thematic discussions and presentations are also conducted here.