Abstract: The article presents the comprehensive position of the Scientific Body CITES of the Russian Federation (FSBI VNII Ekologiya) on the potential inclusion of fungi in annexes to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The analysis was carried out in the context of Decision 20.247 of the Conference of the Parties (COP20), which initiated the collection of information on the technical, scientific capacity and staffing aspects of the management of fungal taxa. The expediency of considering issues related to fungi within the framework of the CITES Committee on Plants with the involvement of specialized mycological experts is justified, despite the biological isolation of the Fungi kingdom. Key gaps in the technical and scientific potential of the Parties were identified, including difficulties in morphological and molecular identification of samples in trade, dynamic nomenclature, lack of adapted methods for obtaining non-harm findings (NDF), and uncertainty in the application of origin codes. The legal status of fungi in the Russian Federation is analyzed, where they are allocated in a separate section of the Red Book but are protected in a unified legal regime similar to that of plant protection. Measures are proposed to build the capacity of the Scientific and Administrative Bodies of CITES, including the development of molecular genetic diagnostics, the creation of reference databases, the development of specialized manuals, and strengthening interagency coordination. Particular attention is paid to the need for a proportionate, step-by-step approach to the implementation of future mushroom lists, based on current scientific evidence, resource efficiency and compliance with CITES procedural requirements, without the need for structural reform of the Convention.

Keywords: fungi, Fungi, CITES, Scientific Body, species identification, non-harm findings (NDF), trade regulation, biodiversity protection, international trade, Russian Federation

For citation: Alekseeva A. A. Position of the CITES Scientific Body of the Russian Federation – FSBI "VNII Ecology" on the regulation of trade in mushrooms within the framework of the CITES Convention // Environment protection and nature reserve management. 2026. Vol. 7. No. 2. P. 9–19.

Abstract: As part of the Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program, initiated in 2005 by the Arctic Council's Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF) Working Group, data are being collected and analyzed to monitor the status of populations and aggregations of pagophilic species and polar bear subpopulations. This paper examines the adopted legal and regulatory measures and protection regulations for key marine mammal species inhabiting the Russian Arctic: ringed seal, bearded seal, walrus, beluga whale, bowhead whale, and polar bear. Particular attention is paid to the Arctic regions of Russia, where the protection and sustainable use of these animals remain imperfect and require further development and implementation of active management measures that take into account anthropogenic impacts and climate change.

Keywords: Russian Arctic, marine mammals and polar bear, legal and regulatory measures for conservation

For citation: Kartashova E.P., Belikov S.E. Legal and Regulatory Measures for the Conservation of Marine Mammals and Polar Bears at the Federal and Regional Levels in the Arctic Regions of the Russian Federation // Environment protection and nature reserve management. 2026. Vol. 7. No. 2. P. 20–33.

Abstract: The article is devoted to the tourism and recreational potential of the historical reunified regions of Russia, which today can be considered as an element of a complex system along the coast of the Sea of Azov, an inland sea of the Russian Federation. The tourism and recreational significance of the regions is enhanced by the existing specially protected natural areas (SPNA), including those of federal significance.

Keywords: Tourism, recreation, specially protected natural areas, nature reserve, national park

For citation: Kishkan R.V., Levitskaya E.S., Chubar O.N. Tourist and recreational potential of Donbas and Novorossiya // Environment protection and nature reserve management. 2026. Vol. 7. No. 2. P. 34–43.

Abstract: The inclusion of species of the families Stichopodidae and Holothuridae spp. in CITES Annexes II and III are due to a critical decline in their populations as a result of intensive fishing and increased international trade. For States that are not areal for these taxa, key challenges are shifting from population management to border control, species identification of processed products, and enforcement. Based on the analysis of the official position of the Scientific Body of CITES of the Russian Federation, prepared in response to the Notification of the Secretariat No. 2026/044, the article examines the institutional, technical and legal aspects of implementing the requirements of the Convention in the absence of natural populations. Systemic barriers were identified: the lack of standardized identification methods for dried and canned samples, the lack of regional identification guides in Russian, and the need for regular capacity-building of customs and control authorities. A set of measures is proposed, including the creation of open digital databases with morphological keys and DNA markers, a differentiated approach to reporting by CITES Parties depending on the status of the area, and the formation of a Eurasian network for the exchange of information on cross-border movement of samples. The results of the analysis demonstrate that proactive participation of non-range States in CITES mechanisms can significantly reduce the risks of illicit trafficking, strengthen traceability chains, and contribute to the global system for marine biodiversity conservation.

Keywords: CITES, sea cucumbers, Stichopodidae, Holothuridae, out-of-range States, species identification, trade control, marine ecosystem conservation, law enforcement, DNA barcoding

For citation: Alekseeva A.A., Nigmatzyanov R.A. Implementation of CITES requirements for sea cucumbers (Stichopodidae and Holothuridae spp.) outside their natural range: institutional experience of the Russian Federation and prospects for improving control mechanisms // Environment protection and nature reserve management. 2026. Vol. 7. No. 2. P. 44–52.

Abstract: This article analyzes the reports of the executive bodies of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation on the implementation in 2025 of the event «Maintenance and publication of the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation and the Red Data Books of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation» from the «Action Plan for the implementation of the principles of state policy in the field of environmental development of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2030» (approved by the Order of the Government of the Russian Federation dated 18.12.2012 No. 2423-r). It was determined that, for the purpose of maintaining the Red Data Books in 2025, the following work was completed by the constituent entities of the Russian Federation: republication of the Red Data Book; preparation for the republication of the Red Data Book; implementation of research work on monitoring rare and endangered species of plants, fungi, and animals; implementation of measures to preserve and restore rare and endangered species (subspecies, populations) of wild animals and wild plants and fungi inhabiting (growing) on the territory (waters) of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation.

Keywords: Red Book, flora and fauna, rare and endangered animals, plants and mushrooms

For citation: Racheva N.L., Pershukova O.Yu., Sorokina T.V., Chashchukhina A.P. Activities carried out in 2025 by the constituent entities of the Russian Federation in terms of maintaining Red Data Books // Environmental Protection and Nature Reserve Management. 2026. Vol. 7. No. 2. P. 53–62.

Abstract: The article is an overview of educational materials from a series of online courses on the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and their management in the Caribbean. The courses were developed by the Basel and Stockholm Conventions Regional Center for the Caribbean Region within the framework of the GEF 5558 project (2015-2022), funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented with the support of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). The main purpose of the articles and courses is to raise awareness, share knowledge and strengthen capacity to fulfill obligations under the Stockholm Convention.

Keywords: Stockholm Convention, regional center, international cooperation, POPS, educational tool, awareness raising, technology transfer

For citation: Bubnov P.V. Review of the Stockholm Convention training course as a technology transfer tool and awareness-raising mechanism for stakeholders and experts // Environment protection and nature reserve management. 2026. Vol. 7. No. 2. P. 63–70.

Abstract: The article is devoted to the reasons for the low involvement of large-capacity industrial waste in economic circulation and the study of the potential for using accumulated and newly generated production waste as a resource base for the circular economy. A scheme for the inclusion of production waste in closed cycles of materials and research directions are proposed in order to stimulate the involvement of production waste in economic circulation.

Keywords: large-tonnage industrial waste, circular economy, industrial waste storage facilities, waste inclusion in economic circulation

For citation: Belonogova Yu. O., Oshchepkova A. Z., Somova T. N., Khodyasheva E. M. On the inclusion of large-tonnage industrial waste in the circular economy // Environment protection and nature reserve management. 2026. Vol. 7. No. 2. P. 71–80.

Abstract: The article provides a current assessment of the bioeconomy of Tver Oblast as a region with pronounced forest, agricultural, water and environmental protection potential. It examines the territorial and sectoral features of the Upper Volga area that shape opportunities for bioeconomy development, including the forest sector, livestock specialization, flax growing, aquaculture, processing industries and institutional support. Based on an analysis of official federal and regional materials, it is shown that Tver Oblast has significant prerequisites for the development of the bioeconomy; however, constraints remain related to the depth of processing, the concentration of biotechnology projects and the development of circular solutions. Priority directions for further development are identified, focused on deeper wood processing, the biotechnologization of the agro-industrial complex, strengthening the flax and aquaculture segments, and institutional consolidation of the bioeconomy as an intersectoral area of regional policy.

Keywords: bioeconomy, Tver Oblast, regional development, forest sector, agro-industrial complex, flax growing, aquaculture, circular economy

For citation: Lipina S. A., Efimtsev P. A. Bioeconomy of the Tver Region: Current Assessment and Development Directions // Environment protection and nature reserve management. 2026. Vol. 7. No. 2. P. 81–91.

Abstract: Based on a strategic analysis of the socio-economic development of the Irkutsk region, this article examines the unique combination of the region’s natural resource potential, established industrial base, and environmental constraints. Special attention is paid to the fact that the region receives significant revenues from the raw materials sector yet faces a demographic crisis, high levels of cross-sectoral inequality, and acute environmental problems, including the pollution of Lake Baikal and low environmental sustainability. The study shows that the traditional model of resource exploitation has exhausted itself and that the transition to a bioeconomy opens up opportunities for diversifying the regional economy. The paper presents three interrelated projects for a bioeconomic cluster: the production of pharmaceuticals based on Baikal bioactive organisms, the manufacture of biopolymers from waste generated by the timber industry, and the creation of a center for personalized medicine and wellness tourism based on mineral springs. The implementation of the proposed projects could transform the development model of the Irkutsk region toward innovation, improved public health, environmental sustainability, and a higher quality of life, which aligns with the current national goals and strategic priorities of the Russian Federation.

Keywords: strategic planning, sustainable development, bioeconomy, regional economy, cluster development, Lake Baikal, Irkutsk region, innovations

For citation: Lipina S. A., Petrova A. R. Bioeconomy and Sustainable Development of the Irkutsk Region: Unique Natural Resource Potential and Strategic Challenges // Environment protection and nature reserve management. 2026. Vol. 7. No. 2. P. 92–98.

Abstract: The article presents a strategic analysis of the natural and economic potential of the Krasnodar Krai and substantiates the priority directions for the region's transition to a bioeconomy model. The authors explain the concept of bioeconomy as a circular economy based on the use of renewable biological resources and demonstrate its connection with the priorities of the Strategy for Scientific and Technological Development and the Strategy for Environmental Safety of the Russian Federation. Based on data from Krasnodarstat, the State Report on the State of the Environment for 2024, and regional strategic documents, the demographic, socio-economic, natural resource, and environmental characteristics of the Krasnodar Krai are analysed. Key limitations of the current development model are identified: an increase in pollutant emissions from stationary sources, a rise in the discharge of insufficiently treated wastewater, and the annual generation of over 10 million tons of waste, coupled with persistent high anthropogenic pressure from agriculture and tourism. It is substantiated that the transition to a bioeconomy is an integral condition for the sustainable development of the region. Five project directions are proposed: soil bio-management, biological wastewater treatment, bioprocessing of organic waste, green buffer zones, and biopackaging. It is concluded that the implementation of the new national project "Technological Support for the Bioeconomy" (2026) creates institutional opportunities for transforming the Krasnodar Krai into a pilot region of the Russian bioeconomy.

Keywords: bioeconomy, sustainable development, natural and economic potential, biotechnology, anthropogenic pressure, Krasnodar Krai

For citation: Lipina S. A., Torbik M. A. Bioeconomic Initiatives of Krasnodar Krai: Analysis of Natural-Economic Potential and Development Directions // Environment protection and nature reserve management. 2026. Vol. 7. No. 2. P. 99–105.

Abstract: The article analyses the bioeconomy potential of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District (YANAD) – one of Russia's key hydrocarbon-producing regions characterised by a pronounced mono-sectoral economic structure. Based on a comprehensive assessment of the district's natural resources, demographic profile, infrastructure, and institutional environment, the authors propose four flagship bioeconomy projects: a biogas plant at reindeer slaughtering facilities (Arctic Biofarm), expanded deep-processing capacity for fish raw materials (Whitefish Cluster), a certified velvet antler collection and processing centre (Yamal Antler Hub), and a network of modular biogas units for processing the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (Arctic Energy). The combined investment is estimated at RUB 530 million to 1.05 billion, with payback periods ranging from 2 to 8 years. The proposed projects simultaneously diversify the district's economy, reduce environmental pressure, and provide employment for indigenous peoples of the North.

Keywords: regional and sectoral economics, sustainable development, bioeconomy, cluster, green economy, Arctic, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District

For citation: Lipina S. A., Komissarenko A. V. Development of Bioeconomy Projects in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District // Environment protection and nature reserve management. 2026. Vol. 7. No. 2. P. 106–112.

Abstract: In the context of the global transformation of economic models and the escalation of environmental challenges, the bioeconomy is a key tool for ensuring the sustainable development of resource-based territories. This article presents a strategic analysis of the natural and economic potential of the Republic of Karelia, considering current climate risks, demographic trends, infrastructure constraints, and the institutional context. A systemic assessment reveals the exhaustion of the extensive raw materials model and substantiates the feasibility of a transition to circular practices. Three priority areas for the implementation of bioeconomic initiatives are proposed: a cluster for the deep processing of wood biomass and pulp and paper mill waste («BioLes»), an infrastructure cluster for low-carbon ecotourism, and an innovative aquaculture cluster based on recirculating aquaculture systems. It is proven that the implementation of these projects ensures the formation of closed material and energy cycles, diversification of the regional economy, the creation of highly skilled jobs, and a reduction in the anthropogenic load on vulnerable lake-forest ecosystems. The research results can serve as a scientific and methodological basis for the development of programs for environmental modernization and the integration of Karelia into national sustainable development strategies.

Keywords: bioeconomy, Republic of Karelia, circular economy, sustainable development, deep processing of biomass, ecotourism, aquaculture, natural and economic potential

For citation: Lipina S. A., Petlina A. D. Strategic Analysis of the Natural and Economic Potential of the Republic of Karelia in the Context of the Transition to a Bioeconomy // Environment protection and nature reserve management. 2026. Vol. 7. No. 2. P. 113–121.

Abstract: In the context of the strengthening environmental agenda, increasing requirements for sustainable development and the transformation of the industrial sector, enterprises are faced with the need to implement bio-products and environmentally oriented technologies. The article examines the features of the formation of a decision-making model for the implementation of bio-products based on the analysis of the regional specifics of the Nizhny Novgorod region as one of the largest industrial regions of Russia. The study analyzes natural-resource, economic and institutional prerequisites for the development of the bioeconomy, as well as promising areas for the implementation of bio-products in industry, energy and the agro-industrial complex. Key economic, environmental, technological and market factors influencing managerial decision-making are identified. A structural model for decision-making on the implementation of bio-products is proposed, taking into account the need to balance economic efficiency, environmental safety and strategic goals of sustainable development.

Keywords: bioeconomy; bio-products; ecology; ecological transformation; sustainable development; decision-making; regional economy; industry; ESG; Nizhny Novgorod region

For citation: Lipina S.A., Soloveva V.K. Decision-Making Model for the Implementation of Bio-Products at Enterprises under Conditions of Ecological Transformation of the Economy (Case Study of the Nizhny Novgorod Region) // Environment protection and nature reserve management. 2026. Vol. 7. No. 2. P. 122–128.