More about the strategy

Rare and endangered species of animals and plants are the most fragile and important part of the biological diversity of our planet. The disappearance of even one species from the ecosystem can lead to the disruption of its integrity and stability, and in some cases to its destruction. Specially protected natural areas (PAs), where the use of natural resources is regulated, are established to preserve rare species and maintain the viability of their populations within their range. But it is not enough to just protect the isolated from each other ecosystems – it is necessary to connect them among themselves via "ecological corridors" with special modes of wildlife management. For this purpose, ecological networks – "Econets" are planned and created. Together with the PAs they include territories of traditional nature management, fisheries conservation areas, high conservation value forests, buffer zones of reserves and national parks, areas closed for exploration and mining, etc. In the face of climate change the boundaries of natural zones and ranges change. Therefore, not only the current but also the assessment of the future significance of territories and ecosystem services provided by natural systems is taken into account when planning econets.

The goal of WWF for 2013-2017 is the creation of conditions that ensure stable populations of "flagship" species in accordance with the natural capacity of their habitats (no more animals than this territory can feed).

Indicator of success: the index of a living planet for Russia does not decrease compared to 2012.

By 2017 WWF plans to achieve the following results:

1. To preserve species, maintain integrity and sustainability of ecosystems ecological networks ("econets") will be created covering: in the Far East – 16 million hectares (30% of the tiger habitat and 55% of the Far Eastern leopard); in Altai-Sayan – 10 million (25% of the snow leopard habitat and 38% of the mountain goat argali); in the Arctic – 90 million hectares (15% of the Arctic ecosystems, including 4% of the marine ecosystems); in the Caucasus - 1.08 million hectares (29% of the mountainous ecosystems); in Central Asian countries – 5 million hectares (30% of the range of tigers, leopards and cheetahs).
2. Protection is provided in the Russian Arctic of:
   • the main breeding sites of polar bears;
   • walrus rookeries.
3. First specimens will be released into the wild:
   • the Central Asian leopard in the North Caucasus;
   • cheetah in Uzbekistan;
   • tiger in Kazakhstan.
4. Increase in the "flagship" species number:
   • Amur tiger - from 490 to 600 individuals;
   • Far Eastern leopard - from 40 to 50;
   • snow leopards in the Altai-Sayan region - from 40 to 50;
   • Altai mountain sheep (argali) - from 1150 to 1400;
   • Bison:
     • in the North Caucasus - from 70 to 120;
     • in Central Russia - from 250 to 400.
5. In addition to creating new and supporting existing PAs, we plan to:
   • Prepare a new updated Russian Red List Book;
   • develop and implement national strategies and action plans for the conservation of priority ("flagship") species;
   • introduce methods of sensitive (rational) nature management in the habitats of "flagship" species and, taking into account climate change, create ecological "bridges" between PAs;
   • provide legal and practical support to combat poaching;
   • develop cooperation with the local public.