The Post-Soviet era has seen a shift as natural resources have come to be viewed for their exploitation value on the world marketplace. This system was made so vulnerable because of lack of funds to sustain the zapovedniks, vastly reduced income for the population, poaching, clear-cutting of forests, economic pressure on governance, lack of law [...]
Russia’s zapovednik system is a network of natural reserves, comparable in size overall to the US. National park system but even more strictly protected. Parts of the Altai Mountains of Siberia, home to the endangered snow leopard and other big cats, fall within several such reserves. This mountain region’s natural resources have been preserved over [...]
Our Mission
The Altai Conservancy is a U.S. nongovernmental organization committed to protecting the natural and cultural heritage of the Altai Mountains, and to supporting programs, projects and initiatives that sustain, enhance, or expand Russia’s networks of nature reserves, known as “zapovedniks.”
In Russia we work in collaboration with The Altai Foundation, a Russian nongovernmental organization. Founded [...]
The Post-Soviet era has seen a shift as natural resources have come to be viewed for their exploitation value on the world marketplace. This system was made so vulnerable because of lack of funds to sustain the zapovedniks, vastly reduced income for the population, poaching, clear-cutting of forests, economic pressure on governance, lack of law enforcement and corruption.
Popularity: 59% [?]
Russia’s zapovednik system is a network of natural reserves, comparable in size overall to the US. National park system but even more strictly protected. Parts of the Altai Mountains of Siberia, home to the endangered snow leopard and other big cats, fall within several such reserves. This mountain region’s natural resources have been preserved over the centuries as a sacred mission, and protected by Czarist Zapovedniks, native peoples, small villages, remoteness, mountainous terrain, harsh climate, and perceived lack of resources valued on the global market.
Popularity: 59% [?]
The Altai Conservancy supports programs, projects and initiatives that sustain, enhance, or expand Russia’s nationwide network of nature reserves, known as “zapovedniks.” We give special importance to protecting the natural and cultural heritage of the Altai Mountains.
Map of Protected Lands in the Russian Federation
The Altai Mountains
The Altai Conservancy and the Altai Foundation have a special interest in the region of Siberia known as the Altai – located at the very centre of Central Asia and at the juncture of Russia, China, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan. “The Golden Mountains of Altai” is a World Heritage Site designated by UNESCO as a place of such outstanding value to humanity that it belongs to all the peoples of the world. In particular, UNESCO noted that the Altai region represents an important centre of biodiversity of mountain plant and animal species. One of the rarest of these, the mystical snow leopard, has declined to the point where fewer than 120 still exist in Russia.
Russia’s National Network of Zapovedniks
Products of the strictest scientific nature reserve system on earth, Russia’s one hundred zapovedniks are off-limits to all forms of economic and recreational use. They range in size from several thousand to several million acres and represent 80 percent of Russia’s biodiversity. Since the demise of the Soviet Union, however, state funding for nature reserves has been slashed by 90 percent, triggering an explosion of poaching, logging, and other invasive activities. Despite a government pledge to establish nine new zapovedniks by 2010, there have been no new reserves created since 2000, raising fears in Russia that the entire system may soon be retooled to incorporate the “multiple use” management models employed in America’s national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges.
Popularity: 50% [?]
The zapovedniks in Russia hold 80% of Russia’s biodiversity, including more than 100 endangered and vulnerable species. Critically endangered mammals, birds, fish and plants are protected in the zapovedniks, although they remain at risk outside their borders.
Using funds raised by the Altai Conservancy, the Altai Foundation undertakes several programs aimed at preserving rare and endangered species. In cooperation with Altaisky Zapovednik and the Koch Agach Regional Government, the Altai Foundation fields anti-poaching patrols in the Altaisky Zapovednik and the Sailugemsky Zakaznik.
Anti-poaching patrols are the first line of defense on the ground. These patrols discourage illegal use of the land as they collect scientific data, dismantle snares and traps, seize weapons and arrest poachers.
Popularity: 99% [?]
| Get Involved |
| We Americans have the necessary wealth and management skills to help save our global resources. Our Russian counterparts have an unequaled respect for the land, and a magnificent system of protected areas like none other on earth. Working together, we have the opportunity to make a substantial contribution to the health of our planet.
How can you get involved? |
DonateWe survive on the donations of individuals just like you who understand the importance of a healthy environment and the interdependence of ecologies across borders. Ways to Donate Donate by credit card. You can make a secure credit card donation on-line today. A secure environment uses encrypting technology to protect your privacy Donate by mail. You can print out a form to make your donation by check or money order through the mail Or, contact us directly by phone at (802) 457-4660 |
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All donations to the Altai Conservancy are tax-deductible in the U.S. We are proud of the way we manage our funds. The Altai Conservancy’s latest financial information can be accessed through our listing in GuideStar, the national public information website for charities. |
VolunteerPlease contact our office if you would like to volunteer your time and skills to the Altai Conservancy Sign-up for our NewsletterYou can sign up for our periodic newsletter and other mailings by contacting us at info@altaiconservancy.org |
Popularity: 100% [?]
Strengthening Zapovednik Management
The Altai Conservancy supports programs and initiatives that strengthen the management of zapovedniks in spite of reduced state funding
Environmental Education
Our environmental education programs touch children, youth and adults; helping them to better understand the importance of zapovedniks to their future.
Scientific Research
The Altai Conservancy, working with the Altai Foundation and zapovednik scientists, supports scientific studies and research such as comprehensive species surveys, natural resource mapping and monitoring the effects of external pollution. sources.
Sustainable Economies for Local People
The Altai Conservancy supports efforts of the Altai Foundation to work with local people to help preserve their cultural values and traditions while developing sustainable economic activities that are compatible with preserving natural resources.
Protection for Vulnerable Ecosystems
Altai Conservancy also supports efforts to create new protected habitats and ecosystems where there are gaps in the network.
Popularity: 89% [?]
Our Mission
The Altai Conservancy is a U.S. nongovernmental organization committed to protecting the natural and cultural heritage of the Altai Mountains, and to supporting programs, projects and initiatives that sustain, enhance, or expand Russia’s networks of nature reserves, known as “zapovedniks.”
In Russia we work in collaboration with The Altai Foundation, a Russian nongovernmental organization. Founded by Slava Trigubovich – one of Russia’s most dedicated leaders in biodiversity protection – and Rostislav Shilo – the internationally renowned Director of the Novosibirsk Zoo – the Altai Foundation uses privately-raised funds to expand support for Russia’s precious system of nature reserves.
Popularity: 98% [?]
