Prime Minister of Russia Mikhail Mishustin has signed a directive revising the status of the Khakassky Nature Reserve: from now on it will be called a biosphere reserve.

“The decision is motivated by the fact that UNESCO previously included the reserve in the international network of biosphere reserves. The new status will help further promote the development of the protected area and preserve its biodiversity,” the Government press service stressed.

The Khakassky Nature Reserve is located in the Republic of Khakassia and makes up part of the Altai-Sayan mountain region. It is one of the few areas in the world where human activity has not led to irreversible changes in natural ecosystems. Such areas contain approximately 90 percent of Earth’s biodiversity and must be preserved as a natural gold standard.

The reserve, covering over 267,500 ha, is home to many endangered plants, such as Siberian fawn lily, Rhodiola rosea, Aconitum paskoi and savin juniper. Since December 2019, it has cooperated with the Sayano-Shushensky Biosphere Reserve on issues such as creating conditions and helping develop traditional and rational ways for locals to manage natural resources without destroying the environment or depleting biological resources; organising and holding joint scientific research and educational events on the environment; and helping train scientists and experts in the field of environmental protection.