CREATION OF BIOSPHERE RESERVES AND NATIONAL PARKS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF RESEARCH AND ECOLOGICAL TOURISM (ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE EXPERIENCE OF THE SOVIET UNION)

Abstract

The purpose of this work is to determine the reasons for the creation of biosphere reserves and national parks in the Soviet Union. To do this, reports, scientific publications, and media presentations of scientists who participated in the creation of national parks and reserves are analyzed. The result of the study is that it is possible to trace the connection between the creation of national parks and the environmental movement in the Soviet Union. It is found that the acquaintance with the successful work of national parks in the United States and France also played a significant role. In the Soviet Union, the territories used for recreational purposes were to acquire the protection status; however, in the case of using nature reserves to create national parks, there was a departure from the principles of nature reserves. The creation of biosphere reserves was aimed at conducting environmental monitoring and identifying mechanisms for reducing anthropogenic pressure. Scientists have sought to unite biosphere reserves around the world into a single network so that they could monitor environmental changes at a global level. The practical significance of the paper lies in the fact that the experience of creating national parks and reserves in the Soviet Union can be used to improve conservation activities at the present stage. The study will be of interest to geographers, biologists, and ecologists involved in environmental monitoring and the development of recreational activities.