The UNESCO World Heritage Committee put Lake Baikal on the list for the conservation of the unique gene pool of our planet as the most outstanding example of a freshwater ecosystem. Baikal is the oldest (25 million years) and the deepest (1700 meters) lake in the world. Its natural reservoir holds 20% of all unfrozen fresh water in the world.

The lake is characterized by a variety of endemic species of flora and fauna, which are of exceptional importance for modern evolutionary science. In addition, in the protected nature reserve zone of the lake there are many other natural values \u200b\u200bfor humanity, including a picturesque view of the coastal zones. The UNESCO Committee last year revised the boundaries of the protected area of \u200b\u200bthe conservation area, from which five urban industrial areas that threaten environmental pollution of the lake were excluded.

Currently, the State Duma of Russia is considering the adoption of a law to protect natural resources around Lake Baikal. Representatives of the UNESCO organization expressed their concern on many issues related to the integrity of the ecological balance of the lake, including the impossibility of chemical pollution in the entire range of the territories adjacent to Lake Baikal.

Located in the southeast of Siberia, Lake Baikal is a natural habitat for several freshwater endemic species, the most prominent representative of which is the Baikal seal. A wide variety of plants around Lake Baikal is explained by the climatic asymmetry of the lake, spread over a vast territory of 3.15 million hectares. In the western part of the lake, coniferous forests and mountain steppes surround, in the eastern part, pine forests predominate, and the northern shores are covered with deciduous trees.

The formation of geological structures in the lake basin occurred during the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras, however, some tectonic movements are observed now, as evidenced by many heat sources at the bottom of the lake. Baikal is considered a unique lake in the world because of the biological diversity of life forms in its waters and around the lake - 1340 species of animals (745 endemic) and 570 species of plants (150 endemic). In the forests around Baikal there are about 10 species of animals that are on the verge of extinction.

It is not for nothing that scientists call Lake Baikal “Galapagossa of Russia”, because the evolution of aquatic flora and fauna that has taken place over a million centuries is truly unique for this region. Tourists with pleasure come to this remote corner of Russia cut off from civilization to admire the most beautiful landscapes. The hollow of a deep fresh lake looks amazing at any time of the day, surrounded by mountains, northern forests, tundra and steppe meadows.

The Baikal region has about 1,200 historical, architectural and cultural monuments, 100 of which are under state protection. Some of these monuments are sacred relics of local residents. I'd like to believe that the unique wonders of the Baikal ecosystem will be preserved for our descendants. Now the Russian government is taking many measures to solve these global problems with the support of scientists from around the world.

Baikal (Irkutsk region, Buryatia)

The cleanest and, without a doubt, the most beautiful lake Baikal, rightfully took its place in the list .

Baikal is one of the greatest lakes on the planet, a lake of "superlative degree": the deepest (1637 m) and the oldest (about 25 million years), containing the largest number of endemic species (more than 1000 species) and representatives of flora and fauna (more than 2600 species ) living in freshwater bodies of the Earth. The lake has a unique reserve of water (23.6 thousand cubic kilometers) and a quality freshwater reserve (20% of the world).

The lake lies in the Baikal depression - a bottomless stone bowl surrounded on all sides by mountains. Baikal is a lake of tectonic origin in the southern part of Eastern Siberia, the deepest lake of the planet Earth, the largest natural reservoir of fresh water, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lake and coastal areas are characterized by a unique variety of flora and fauna. Many of the animals, birds and fish of Lake Baikal are endemic, which means that they live only in this ecosystem and are not found anywhere else in the world.

Locals and many in Russia traditionally call Lake Baikal the sea. Butto whatever you like to call this magnificent reservoir of fresh water by the sea, it is still a lake that is surrounded on almost all sides by picturesque mountains and hills of extinct volcanoes.

The lake stretched from north-east to south-west for 632 km in the form of a giant crescent. The width of Lake Baikal ranges from 24 to 79.5 km. There is no other lake so deep on earth. The bottom of Lake Baikal is 1167 meters below the level of the World Ocean, and the mirror of its waters is 453 meters higher.

The water in the lake is so clear that individual stones and various objects are visible at a depth of 40 m. Such transparency of water can be observed after ice melts: usually in early spring Baikal water becomes bright blue. In summer and autumn, when the water warms up, microplankton and algae begin to develop in small quantities in it: naturally at this moment it is already quite difficult to distinguish pitfalls at a depth of 40 meters, but transparency is amazing at these times of the year. True, its color changes: it does not turn into muddy greens, on the contrary, it becomes pale turquoise.

Immerse yourself in the gentle and clean waters of Lake Baikal ... - a dream! True, the dream is only for those who know very little about this lake. The thing is that the water here does not warm up even in summer above the mark of +9 degrees Celsius. Only in small and shallow bays can it be expected that the water warms up under the sun to +16. Therefore, you can swim in Baikal and see the underwater world through crystal-clear water except in a wetsuit. In winter, the water mirror is almost completely covered with thick ice, so thick that sleepers were installed on ice in the 19th century and steam engines were transported through Baikal with horses. The ice on the lake is an amazing sight: during severe frosts, cracks pass along it, sometimes 30 (!)

There is a legend that the father of Lake Baikal had 336 rivers-sons and one daughter, the Angara, all of them flowed into his father in order to replenish his water, but his daughter fell in love with the Yenisei River and began to take out the water of his father to his beloved. In response, Father Baikal threw a huge piece of rock into his daughter and cursed her. This rock, called the Shaman-stone, is located at the source of the Angara and is considered its beginning.

Baikal is not even an ecosystem, it is a whole world, a world in which everything exists in harmony with each other. It is impossible not to heed the words of P.N. Kozlova, who writes that when a person communicates with nature, he becomes cleaner, his soul becomes whole and sensitive.

Baikal. How many times this place flickered in my head when I chose a place to travel, but unfortunately, I was never on this wonderful lake. Russia is a huge country and it has a lot of beautiful things. I would call our country a Christmas tree, hung with beautiful toys, and on the top of my head a big and beautiful star. Yes, the star is Lake Baikal. But why does every Russian, at least once, but want to go there? Not only our population, but also residents of foreign countries. What attracts everyone? What is unique about this lake?

Lake features

The origin of this lake is tectonic. Located in the southern part of Eastern Siberia.

The uniqueness of water:

• Ecological formula.
• The acidity of the water.
• Energy melt water.
• Unique composition of water.
• The taste of pure water.

Clear water from all the lakes on the planet. Differs from sea water. Many times less minerals than in other sources. Saturation with oxygen.

Baikal is protected by UNESCO.

A unique view of the flora and fauna, geological objects. All of them are of great importance to the planet.

The oldest lake, about 30 million years old.

One of the deepest lakes. Its depth is 1637 meters.

The transparency of water can reach 40 meters.

The eighth wonder of the world or why it is worth visiting Baikal

Definitely, from my point of view, Baikal is one of the wonders of the world. At least once in a lifetime, but it is worth a visit to this unique lake. Feel the scale of this planet. Soak up the air. Touch this water. Just enjoy your existence. Here are a few reasons why you should visit this unique creation of nature:

1. Variety of terrain. Colorful landscapes.
2. Many interesting myths around this lake.
3. Local settlement. An interesting culture of the peoples inhabiting this place.
4. Baykalsk. Ski resort.
5. Variety of local dishes.
6. Flora and fauna.

There is no better place on the planet. Definitely a miracle of this planet.

The scale is amazing. Surprising by nature. Features discouraged. What could be more beautiful than not mother nature. If our planet had a face, then it would definitely be Baikal.

This contrast is collected in one place. Well, isn't it unique?

The World Natural Heritage Site, along with other Russian sites: “Komi Virgin Forests”, “Kamchatka Volcanoes”, “Golden Mountains of Altai”, “Wrangel Island”, etc.

The list of World Cultural and Natural Heritage sites includes territories with outstanding global values \u200b\u200bof natural resources. In addition, the desire of the country in which this site is located is necessary to protect and preserve it.

Reprofile BPPM so that it ceases to be a source of pollution;

Reduce the discharge of pollutants into the Selenga;

Allocate additional funds to support the activities of nature reserves and national parks;

Provide and strengthen support for research and monitoring on Lake .

Unfortunately, many of these issues have not yet been resolved. However, one cannot fail to note a number of serious environmental protection measures that have been implemented to date.

Source: studies: textbook. allowance / N. S. Berkin, A. A. Makarov, O. T. Rusinek. - Irkutsk: Publishing house Irk. state University, 2009

  - natural World Heritage Site

On December 5, 1996, by decision of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee at its XX session, held in the Mexican city of Merida, the lake was included as a natural site on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The decision adopted by the committee notes: “The lake is a classic case of a World Heritage site that meets all four natural criteria. The lake is located in the central part of the site. The features of the lake, hidden to a greater extent from the eyes by water, are the main value for science and protection. The lake is surrounded by mountain-taiga landscapes and specially protected natural areas, mainly preserved in a natural state and of additional value.

The lake is a limnological miracle and a territory possessing the following excellent qualities:

The geological rift system that gave rise to the lake was formed in the Mesozoic period. The lake is the oldest and deepest lake on Earth. Various tectonic forces still continue to operate, as evidenced by the emergence of thermal flows from the depths of the lake.

The evolution of aquatic organisms over the course of this long period has led to the formation of an exceptionally unique endemic fauna and flora. The lake is the "Galapagos Islands of Russia", is of exceptional value for the study of evolution.

The picturesque landscape around the Baikal basin with mountain ranges, boreal forests, tundra, lakes, islands and steppes provides an exceptionally beautiful environment of the lake. - the largest reservoir of fresh water on Earth (20% of all world reserves), which additionally characterizes it as a unique phenomenon.

The lake is one of the most biodiverse lakes on Earth, it contains 1340 species of animals (745 are endemic) and 570 species of plants (150 are endemic). In the forests surrounding the lake, there are 10 species of plants listed in the Red Book of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the full composition of typical boreal species is presented. ”

Source: Volkov, S. By u / Sergey Volkov. - M.: AST: AST Moscow, 2010 .-- 568 p.

  Read in

  Terms

1. Tourism (anthropogenic impact)
2. Assignment of World Natural Heritage property status
3. Adoption of the Law on Ecological Zoning of the Natural Territory
4. BPT Central Ecological Zone
5. Buffer Ecological Zone
6. Ecological zone of atmospheric influence
7. Creation of a network of specially protected natural territories
8. A set of other environmental measures

  Other resources

1. Natural phenomenon a // Goldfarb S.I.
2.   as a World Heritage Site // Karnyshev A.D.
3. Baikal // Geography and Natural Resources, 1988. No. 2. - P. 31-39.
4. Grishchenko V.I., Ryabtsev B.B. On the 20th anniversary of the Pribaikalsky National Park: results, main problems // Transactions of the Pribaikalsky National Park. Vol. 2. - Irkutsk: Publishing house Irkut. state University, 2007 .-- S.362-387.

  References

• Lake | Fund ”Protection of Natural Heritage” //nhpfund.ru
• Russian National World Heritage Committee
• World Heritage Sites in the Russian Federation
• World Heritage Sites in the Russian Federation (Russian)
• Greenpeace Russia Project “World Heritage”
• Russian natural sites included and prepared for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List
• World Heritage Links Directory in Russia

  Notes

1. Ryashchenko S.V. The World Natural Heritage Site “Lake” in International and National Dimensions // Volna. - 2007, No. 1 (45). - S. 40–43.

This is the world and Russian unique, whose official status was confirmed when the lake-sea in 1996 was included in the list of monuments of the cultural and natural heritage of mankind. It is worth recalling that the Convention on the Protection of Similar Objects was adopted on November 23, 1972 by the UNESCO General Conference held in Paris. The formation of the World Heritage List pursued a noble goal - the identification, study and protection of monuments, complexes, localities - creations of man or nature, which are of exceptional value from historical, artistic, scientific, natural, archaeological or ethnographic points of view.

How do you get on the World Heritage List?

In order for this or that geographical area to be included in the World Heritage List as a natural heritage, it had to meet at least one of the following criteria:

I. To be an extremely valuable example of one of the stages in the history of the Earth, including evidence of primitive forms of life, significant geological processes taking place at present, participation in the evolution of the territory morphology, and also important morphological characteristics;

II. On its territory, significant ecological and biological processes of evolution and development of terrestrial, coastal, marine and freshwater ecosystems, as well as plant and animal communities, should take place;

III. Represent natural phenomena or zones of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic value;

Why Baikal?

It will be interesting for the reader to familiarize themselves with the content of the decision adopted by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee on December 5, 1996. “Lake Baikal is a classic case of a World Heritage site that satisfies all four natural criteria. The lake is located in the central part of the site. The features of the lake, hidden to a greater extent from the eyes by water, are the main value for science and protection. The lake is surrounded by mountain-taiga landscapes and specially protected natural areas, mainly preserved in a natural state and of additional value. Lake Baikal is a limnological miracle and a territory possessing the following excellent qualities:

The geological rift system that gave rise to Lake Baikal was formed in the Mesozoic period. Lake Baikal is the oldest and deepest lake on Earth. Various tectonic forces still continue to operate, as evidenced by the emergence of thermal flows from the depths of the lake.

The evolution of aquatic organisms over the course of this long period has led to the formation of an exceptionally unique endemic fauna and flora. Lake Baikal is the "Galapagos Islands of Russia", is of exceptional value for the study of evolution.

The picturesque landscape around the Baikal basin with mountain ranges, boreal forests, tundra, lakes, islands and steppes provides an exceptionally beautiful environment of Lake Baikal. Baikal is the largest reservoir of fresh water on Earth (20% of all world reserves), which further characterizes it as a unique phenomenon.

Lake Baikal is one of the most biodiverse lakes on Earth, with 1340 species of animals (745 endemic) and 570 species of plants (150 endemic). In the forests surrounding the lake, there are 10 species of plants listed in the Red Book of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, and the full composition of typical boreal species is presented. ”

You can at least briefly supplement those priorities and evidence of the virtues that distinguish the sacred sea in the global natural community.

The first place by antiquity among freshwater bodies of the world: about 25 ~ 30 million years, whereas usually lakes exist 10-15 thousand years.

The first place among the world's lakes according to the official maximum depth mark is 1637 m. (1640 meters according to the data obtained during the descent of bathyscaphes “Mir” 1 and 2 in July 2009), with an “average” depth of 730 meters.

The first place among the surface water bodies of the planet in terms of fresh high-quality water reserves is 23.6 thousand cubic kilometers.

The first place in the presence of endemic species in the flora and fauna: from more than 2000 species and varieties of Baikal animals and plants, from 30 to 60% in different habitats are recognized as endemic, i.e. existing only in this place.

Sixth place in size among freshwater bodies of water: ahead are only the African lakes Victoria, Tanganyika and the three Great North American lakes (not counting the Aral Sea and the Caspian Sea, which are often called seas).

And these priorities are not the only ones, but only large-scale ones; there are many other, more “smaller” ones, which we will talk about in this book.

Since Baikal is not only a natural, but also a cultural heritage, let us dwell on this aspect. According to world criteria, each cultural property submitted for inclusion in the World Heritage List must:

to be a masterpiece of the creative genius of man; or

to show the importance of the process of transferring, over time or the cultural geographical area, universal values \u200b\u200bin the fields of culture, architecture, monumental art, urban planning or landscape design; or

be unique or extremely important evidence of the existence or disappearance of a certain civilization or cultural tradition; or

to represent an outstanding example of an architectural or landscape ensemble, marking one of the periods in the history of the development of mankind; or

to represent an outstanding example of the formation of a landscape or settlement by a person, characteristic of a certain culture, especially if this culture turned out to be defenseless in the face of irreversible historical changes; or

to be directly or indirectly related to events, traditions, ideas, beliefs or creative acts of outstanding world significance ...

If we take into account the originality and uniqueness of the values, cults and rites of the Buryats, Evenks, Tofalars, Soyots, Yakuts, Russian old-timers, primarily the Siberian Cossacks and Old Believers - Semey, we can confidently say that the socio-cultural community does not correspond to these standards .

The inclusion in the structure of objects approved by the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage poses the most serious problems of cooperation between different peoples in the field of nature conservation of the “sacred lake”, like any other “object” of the Convention.

Recall that in the preamble of this international document adopted by the seventeenth session of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Paris, November 6, 1972), the following aspects are emphasized:

noting that cultural and natural heritage is increasingly threatened by destruction caused not only by traditional causes of damage, but also by the evolution of social and economic life, which exacerbates them with even more dangerous harmful and destructive phenomena;

whereas the damage or disappearance of any cultural or natural heritage site constitutes a harmful impoverishment of the property of all the peoples of the world;

whereas the protection of this heritage at the national level is often insufficient due to the high costs it requires and the lack of economic, scientific and technical resources of the country in whose territory the value to be protected is located;

recalling that the Charter of the Organization provides that it will help maintain progress and disseminate knowledge, ensuring the conservation and protection of the universal heritage of humanity, and also recommending relevant international conventions to interested peoples;

considering that existing international conventions, recommendations and resolutions in favor of cultural and natural values \u200b\u200btestify to the importance of the preservation of unique and irreplaceable values \u200b\u200bfor all peoples, regardless of which people they belong to;

bearing in mind that certain values \u200b\u200bof the cultural and natural heritage are of exceptional interest and therefore should be preserved as part of the world heritage of all mankind;

taking into account that due to the scale and gravity of the new dangers that threaten them, the entire international community should participate in the protection of the natural and cultural heritage, providing collective assistance, which, not replacing the activities of the interested state in whose territory the value is located, is effective will complement;

taking into account that for this purpose it is necessary to adopt new provisions in the form of a convention establishing an effective system of collective protection of objects of outstanding universal significance, organized on an ongoing basis in accordance with modern scientific methods ...

Emphasizing the cited aspects of the issue, the convention showed its significance and prospects for decisions on saving and protecting not only the human, but also the natural world. The implementation on the scale of the Baikal region of many of the most serious tasks outlined by the Convention, involves at least the rapprochement, and best of all, the integration of the positions and views of representatives of different peoples on the nature and relationship of economic, spiritual and environmental problems. And in order to bring something together, to connect, it is necessary to understand both general and particular issues of human interaction with the environment, practiced both at the national and international levels. And it is important to do this not only in relation to nature as a whole, but also in relation to its specific objects, in our case, to Lake Baikal. People living on its shores, like no other, need to understand that the world status of the Holy Sea is not so much honor and respect, but the daily responsibility of the owner and the burdensome duty of a caring son.

Application. Monuments of the cultural and historical heritage of mankind in Russia

The UNESCO World Heritage List in the Russian Federation contains 25 items (for 2012), which is 2.6% of the total (962 for 2012). 15 objects are included in the list according to cultural criteria, and 6 of them are recognized as a masterpiece of human genius, and 10 objects are included by natural criteria, and 4 of them are recognized as natural phenomena of exceptional beauty and aesthetic importance (criterion VII). In addition, as of 2012, 26 objects in Russia are among the candidates for inclusion in the World Heritage List. The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, of which Russia is the legal successor, ratified the Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage on October 12, 1988. The first sites located on the territory were listed in 1990 at the 14th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.

Cultural criteria

I. The object is a masterpiece of human creative genius.

II. The object indicates a significant mutual influence of human values \u200b\u200bin a given period of time or in a certain cultural space, in architecture or technology, in monumental art, in the planning of cities or the creation of landscapes.

III. The object is unique or at least exclusive to a cultural tradition or civilization that still exists or has already disappeared.

IV. An object is an outstanding example of a structure, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape that illustrates a significant period in human history.

V. An object is an outstanding example of a human traditional structure, with the traditional use of land or sea, being a model of culture (or cultures) or human interaction with the environment, especially if it becomes vulnerable due to the strong influence of irreversible changes.

VI. The object is directly or materially connected with events or existing traditions, with ideas, beliefs, with art or literary works and is of exceptional global importance. (According to the UNESCO committee, this criterion is preferably used together with any other criterion or criteria).

Natural criteria

VII. The object is a natural phenomenon or space of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance.

Viii. The object is an outstanding example of the main stages of the history of the earth, including a monument of the past, a symbol of the ongoing geological processes in the development of the relief, or a symbol of geomorphic or physiographic features.

IX. The object is an outstanding example of ongoing environmental or biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems and plant and animal communities.

V. The object includes the most important or significant natural habitat for the conservation of biological diversity in it, including endangered species of exceptional world value from the point of view of science and protection.