MINSK, 6 October (BelTA) - Some 13-15% of the Belarusian territory may be included in the Emerald Network, consultant of the Biological Diversity Office of the Biological and Landscape Diversity Department of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of Belarus Vitaly Korenchuk said at a press conference on 6 October, BelTA has learned.
The Bern Convention provides for the conservation of wildlife and natural habitats. “The conservation of forests, wetlands and meadows allows for the preservation of the entire diversity of flora and fauna. To achieve the goals of the Convention, a decision was made to develop the Emerald Network of Areas of Special Conservation Interest. It includes 155 Belarusian sites with the total area of 2.3 million hectares, which is 11.1% of the country's territory. This comprises our specially protected natural areas, sites that are subject to special protection, and also those without any status (if, for example, such a site is home to many bird species),” Vitaly Korenchuk said.
According to preliminary estimates, once formed, the Emerald Network may include some 13-15% of Belarus' territory. “This is a high percentage. For comparison: as of 1 January 2020, we had 1,297 specially protected natural areas, including a reserve, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and natural monuments. They account for 9% of the country's territory,” the representative of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection said.
Vitaly Korenchuk emphasized the importance of joint efforts by different countries for the conservation of rare species of animals and plants. According to him, measures to protect flora and fauna can be effective only if the states act together. It is especially important for migratory species.
The Emerald Network is an ecological network made up of Areas of Special Conservation Interest. Its implementation was launched by the Council of Europe as part of its work under the Bern Convention. Belarus joined the convention in 2013.
