Russian Federation

Kronotskiy Biosphere Reserve is located in one of the remotest parts of the Russian Far East on the Kamchatka Peninsula, which divides the Sea of Okhotsk from the Pacific Ocean. The area represents some of the most pristine parts of the Kamchatka Peninsula and a remarkable set of volcanoes of volcanoes, some of which are still active, hot springs and geysers. The biosphere reserve covers 1,142,000 hectares with an elevation change from 0 to 3,528 meters above sea level. Vegetation changes with elevation from tundra to temperate broad-leaved forest and coastal areas.

The area has been inscribed on the World Heritage List because of its beauty. The biosphere reserve in not inhabited, however there is some extensive use by small numbers of indigenous Itelmeni and Eveni. Before the establishment of the state nature reserve, the whole area was used for hunting of ungulates and fur-bearing animals. These activities were stopped and today, tourism is increasingly important as an economic factor.