RUSSIA PROTECTED AREAS IN TRANSITION - THE IMPACTS OF PERESTROIKA, ECONOMIC-REFORM AND THE MOVE TOWARDS DEMOCRACY

The Russian Federation contains an enormous diversity of ecosystems an d an impressive network of parks. But real financial resources availab le to the protected areas have declined by more than 90% since 1989, l aw enforcement in protected areas has weakened, and there has been a s harp increase in illegal activities within park boundaries. The power vacuum at sub-national levels caused by the central government's virtu al collapse has been filled by political authorities which lack experi ence and often competence. Combined with the legacy of rigid, centrali zed mismanagement of both the economy and the environment under the So viet system, this has now exposed the Russian environment, and especia lly its biodiversity, to an uncertain and highly dangerous future. Wit hin this grim scenario, some ground for optimism is provided by the ra pid emergence of conservation NGOs, some promising attempts by manager s to seek new roles for their protected areas, and some potentially ef fective programs funded by international donors.