Government approves strategy for conservation of rare animal species

Government approves strategy for conservation of rare animal species

25 February 2014

The document is posted on the official Government website.

 

Earlier, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Sergei Donskoi noted that the Strategy for the conservation of rare and endangered animal, plant and mushroom species in the Russian Federation up to 2030 would make it possible to considerably expedite anti-poaching efforts. In order to achieve this goal, the authorities will more actively protect various animal and plant species that are of particular interest to illegal business, including the Amur tiger, the Amur leopard, the snow leopard, the saiga, large birds of the Falconidae family, and early blooming plants, such as wild galanthus, cyclamen (sowbread) and orchids.

 

The strategy includes the implementation of special biotechnical projects and the expansion of animal and fish breeding centres, as well as botanical gardens and arboretums for the preservation of rare and endangered animal, plant and mushroom species. Moreover, the strategy aims to improve mechanisms for the protection of captured animals. For instance, the document proposes including confiscated animals into reintroduction and relocation programmes.

 

The document stipulates the state registration and monitoring of rare and endangered animal and plant species, as well as expanded international cooperation in this area. The strategy focuses on environmental protection and educational activities in addition to efforts to raise public awareness regarding nature complexes and facilities.

 

The main strategy tasks will be accomplished simultaneously and in line with an interlinked concept in three stages up to 2030.

 

Regulatory documents and various principles for keeping red data books and the information-analytical database will be upgraded during the first stage (2015-2017).

 

A range of practical measures making it possible to prevent the transfer of animal, plant and mushroom species into the rare and endangered category will be implemented during the second stage (2018-2020).

 

The results of implementing the previous two stages will be assessed during the third stage (2021-2030), and additional measures aiming to preserve rare and endangered animal, plant and mushroom species will also be implemented.