Functional zoning of Shantar Islands National park

Abstract

We have defined the goals and objectives of Shantar Islands National park that was established in 2013 in the western part of the Sea of Okhotsk in the Tuguro-Chumikanskii municipal district of Khabarovsk krai. An outline is given of the natural complexes and floral and faunal diversity of terrestrial and coastalmarine ecosystems of Shantar Islands. Their importance is determined for the solution of environmental issues, and the introduction of a differentiated regime for the protection and utilization in the structure of National Park. The primary purpose of the nature reserve zone and the specially protected zone is to ensure the conditions for the preservation of the unique natural complexes along the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk. Within these territories, economic activity and recreational utilization are prohibited. The zones of educational and recreational tourism provide the conditions for spiritual, scientific and educational recreation and imply different modes of visitation. Natural sites are highlighted, which are of interest as touristic resources. The development of touristic activity in the islands of National Park involves creating on the territories of the recreational zone a number of economic facilities and service centers for visitors. Special emphasis is placed on the protection zone for historical sites that includes the chapel in commemoration of the discoverers of Shantar Islands, and the territory of the former plant for whale oil processing.