Russia National Parks are an essential part of the country’s vast conservation efforts, with over 60 national parks spread across its immense territory, covering a wide range of ecosystems from tundra to temperate forests, mountains, and coastline. Russia National Parks play a vital role in protecting the country’s extraordinary biodiversity and natural landscapes, from the Arctic north to the southern steppe, while also serving as important sites for scientific research, eco-tourism, and environmental education.
One of the most famous parks is Lake Baikal National Park, located in Siberia and surrounding the world’s deepest freshwater lake, Lake Baikal. The park covers about 1,657 square miles (4,292 square kilometers) and protects a unique ecosystem that includes thousands of species, many of which are found nowhere else, such as the Baikal seal. Another iconic park is Sochi National Park, established in 1983 in the Western Caucasus. Spanning 741 square miles (1,919 square kilometers), the park features diverse landscapes, from mountains to subtropical forests, and is home to the Caucasian leopard.
In the far east, Bikin National Park protects one of the world’s largest untouched temperate rainforests. Covering 4,000 square miles (10,490 square kilometers), it is part of the Amur tiger’s habitat and plays a crucial role in preserving this endangered species. Kenozersky National Park in northwestern Russia, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, showcases traditional rural landscapes, dense forests, and cultural heritage with historic villages and wooden churches.
However, Russia National Parks face significant challenges. Climate change is one of the biggest threats, particularly in Siberian and Arctic regions, where rising temperatures disrupt ecosystems. Illegal logging, poaching, and infrastructure development also pose risks to wildlife and habitats. Additionally, balancing tourism and conservation remains a key issue, as some parks are popular destinations that require careful management to prevent environmental degradation.
Russia’s national parks protect a wide array of wildlife, including iconic species like brown bears, lynxes, and Siberian tigers, along with critical habitats such as taiga forests, tundra, and wetlands. These parks are vital for conserving the country’s unique natural heritage.
