Compilation of regional, national and pan-European approaches to biodiversity conservation in the protected area projecting on the example of the National Park “Nizhegorodskoe Zavolzhye” (Nizhny Novgorod Region, Russia)

Abstract

Abstract The paper considers the compilation of regional, national and international approaches to the biodiversity conservation when selecting the territory and projecting the National Park in general. It is shown that the territories most valuable for the biodiversity conservation in the region meet the criteria of high national and international environmental importance. The National Park “Nizhegorodskoe Zavolzhye”, projected in the Nizhny Novgorod Region, will be important for the protection of 313 rare and endangered wildlife species in the region: 42 species are recognized as endangered in Russia and 84 – in Europe. All 8 types of endangered habitats in the region are represented in the National Park. The protected area will be of the utmost importance to conserve 6 types of such habitats. Sites of the National Park include 21 habitats of special conservation interests for Europe. A large number of endangered and vulnerable wildlife species and habitats in the Park are the basis for the successful solution of problems not only of nature conservation, but also of the development of ecological tourism.