Problems of protecting the world natural heritage sites in Russia and abroad (example of lake Baikal and the “Plitvice lakes” national park)

A comparison of protection strategies for UNESCO World Heritage Sites reveals that consolidating management under a single legal entity, as seen with Plitvice Lakes National Park, enhances conservation effectiveness. The study highlights the inadequacy of domestic legislation in safeguarding authentic landscapes, proposing the adoption of international conventions—such as the Convention on the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage—to mitigate threats like unauthorized construction. It also advocates for Russia's adherence to the European Landscape Convention to strengthen landscape protection frameworks. For Lake Baikal, the research suggests establishing a sui generis regime for its Central Ecological Zone, centralizing administration and aligning with IUCN and World Heritage Committee recommendations. This approach could address accumulated environmental damage and regulate tourism while fostering sustainable economic development.

Kolobov, R. Yu., Ganeva, E. O., Makarenko, E. K.,. (2022). Problems of protecting the world natural heritage sites in Russia and abroad (example of lake Baikal and the “Plitvice lakes” national park). Siberian Law Herald, 2022.2, 127–135. https://doi.org/10.26516/2071-8136.2022.2.127