Problems of nature protection in Moscow

Abstract

Abstract Moscow is one of the largest and most northern megalopolises in the world. In Moscow, multi-storey and dense buildings prevail, but forest and other natural communities with characteristic flora and fauna have been preserved. It was possible to preserve the natural heritage in such a huge city thanks to environmental efforts undertaken during the 20th century. The greatest practical result was obtained with the territorial nature conservation. The main achievements include the allocation of a green belt around Moscow, the assignment of special protection status to large natural territories and the allocation of the Moscow Natural Complex not subject to development, as well as the publication of the Moscow Red Book. Despite the positive results obtained, in recent years there has been a tendency in the city to reduce the area of natural communities and, accordingly, biodiversity. The main reason for this is a sharp decrease in interest in the protection of nature among the population and the city authorities, the replacement of the true protection of nature with its urban beautification and “improvement”. The experience of Moscow confirms the view that it is impossible to preserve wildlife in the city only by the efforts of enthusiasts. In the modern metropolis, it is necessary to involve the broadest sections of the population in this process and integrate environmental ideas into all spheres of urban life.