January 11 is the Day of Nature Reserves and National Parks of Russia: history, traditions, congratulations

In Russia, the Day of Nature Reserves and National Parks is celebrated on January 11. The holiday is dedicated to nature conservation, biodiversity conservation and the work of employees of specially protected natural areas (protected areas) of the country. In 2026, the celebration falls on a Sunday. What is the story behind this day and what traditions exist, read in the Izvestia article.

Day of Nature Reserves and National Parks — the history of the holiday

The Day of Nature Reserves and National Parks of Russia was established in 1997 in recognition of the importance of nature conservation. The date of the holiday was not chosen by chance — it was on January 11, 1917, on the territory of the North Baikal region of Buryatia that Russia's first protected natural area, the Barguzin Sable Reserve, was created.

The reserve was founded to preserve the population of the Barguzin sable and other animals on Lake Baikal and became the basis for the further development of the protected area system in Russia. In 1986, it was included in the UNESCO international Network of Biosphere Reserves, and in 1996 it became part of the UNESCO World Natural Population Site Lake Baikal.

The first national parks in Russia began to be established in the 1980s. So, in 1983, Sochi National Park was founded, followed by Losiny Ostrov and Valdai Park.

Protected natural areas of modern Russia

On the territory of Russia, protected areas include state nature reserves and national parks. Nature reserves are areas of land or water within which the entire natural complex has been withdrawn from economic use and is protected by the state. Any activity that threatens the preservation of the environment is prohibited in them.

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The "predatory" activities of its leadership have endangered Red Book plant species, prosecutors and scientists say.

National parks are territories or water areas where landscapes and unique natural features are preserved. The difference from nature reserves is the possibility of admitting tourists, as well as economic activities, but on a limited scale.

Today, the total area of protected areas in Russia reaches 13.52% (255.6 million hectares) of the entire territory of the country, including 3.03% (21.2 million hectares) of the total area of the territorial waters and the exclusive economic zone of the country. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, there are about 13,000 protected areas of federal, regional and local significance in the Russian Federation, including 102 nature reserves, 39 national parks and 68 federal reserves.

Ecological tourism is one of the most important areas of development of protected areas. Every year, the number of tourists visiting nature reserves and national parks in Russia is growing. The country's nature attracts both local and foreign travelers interested in ecologically clean and unspoilt corners of the planet.

Traditions of celebrating the Day of Nature Reserves and National Parks of Russia on January 11

On this day, various educational events and environmental campaigns are held in state reserves, national parks and cultural centers, as well as guided tours, lectures and exhibitions aimed at raising public awareness of the importance of nature conservation and biodiversity. In particular, volunteers and employees of nature protection facilities organize clean-up and cleaning of protected areas.

The celebration is becoming a significant event for everyone involved in the protection of Russia's natural heritage. In honor of the holiday, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Ecology of Russia awards distinguished employees of protected areas for their contribution to nature conservation.

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The government will approve the lists of territories, taking into account the position of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Congratulations on the Day of Nature Reserves and National Parks

In honor of the holiday, it is customary to congratulate employees of nature conservation areas, environmentalists, eco-activists, guides, scientists, volunteers, as well as employees of companies whose activities are carried out in the field of ecology. Izvestia has prepared several examples of how to congratulate those involved in the celebration.

"Happy Reserves and National Parks Day! Health, success and prosperity to our green treasures!"

"Dear colleagues! Congratulations on your professional holiday! Your dedication to preserving the unique corners of nature is priceless. We wish you new discoveries, successful project implementation, good health and well-being."

"Happy Reserves and National Parks Day! May your every day be filled with the freshness of nature, and may your work bring you satisfaction. Thank you for your hard but important work."

"Dear employees of protected areas! Congratulations on the Day of Nature Reserves! Our mission is to preserve the country's wealth. We wish you strength, inspiration, clean territories and the achievement of all your goals!"

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the history and traditions of World Pet Day.