Nature of Stavrpol Krai

Plant a tree, raise children, build a home. The centuries-old universal instinct symbolises the efforts of people to harmonise their economic capabilities and ecological well-being. Herein lies the natural key to success, a guarantee of resilient development, and the ecological and economic future of every person, family, business, campaign, city, region and country.

Our home in the full meaning of the word- Stavropol Krai- is a land of ecological promise. The geographical and historical gift of Stavropol’s land creates the right conditions for the development of an ecological economy and enables the in-teraction of ecological problems and advantages to be weighted well in favour of the latter.

Stavropol Krai’s unique geographical position has defined the juxtaposition, within a single region, of a majestic mosaic of natural backdrops- the sandscapes and and semi-deserts of the Tersk-Kumsk delta, the arid steppes of the Kum-Manych de-pression, the steppe meadows of the Azov-Kuban lowlands, the steppes and forest steppes of the Stavropol highlands, the sloping plains of East Kuban and Mineralnye Vody-Kabardin, and the alpine systems of the Pastbish range and Kislovodsk basin. One consequence of the varied landscapes is Stavropol’s wide variety of wildlife. More than 2200 types of vascular plant and over 500 species of vertebrate live here, not to mention mosses, lichens, seaweeds, fungi and invertebrates. In terms of biodiversity Stavropol occupies first place in the North Caucasus Federal Okrug and second place in Russia, making it one of the most valuable guardians of the biological gene pool.

The network of protected areas comprises 45 reserves and 66 natural monuments- altogether 101,300 hectares of irreplaceable gems of nature. All the above makes the broad development of ecological and hunting tourism possible. Amongst the potential “growth points” here are the protected Manych-Goudilo steppe park, the Kumsk wetlands and the Stavropol, Prikalaus and Beshpagir highlands.

The existing and developing agricultural industry stands on the soil and climactic attributes of the region. Almost half the Krai’s land is “chernozem”- black soil- which compares favourably with the chernozem of other regions due to its heightened productivity and significant humus and mineral content. The farming methods historically used are based on ecologically clean technology and permit the production of an ecologically safe harvest, which is a powerful competitive advantage for Stavropol.

The specially-protected ecological resort region of Kavkazkie Mineralnye Vody is the world-famous pearl of Stavropol. It is framed by the seventeen relict magma mountains of Pyatigorsk, whose outlines resemble sculptures topped by picturesque cliffs. One of the natural jewels in the Krai’s crown is its mineral waters, whose healthful qualities have brought global fame to the resort cities of Kavminvody. Known reserves permit the daily extraction of 16000 cubic metres of healing water without equal in variety in the world. No less famous are the healing muds of Lake Tambukan, located on the border with Kabardino-Balkaria. Its magnificent scenery, mineral resources, pleasant climate and environment and well-developed infrastructure make Kavminvody a leading centre in the development of the country’s health and healing tourism industry.

The actions of the Government and State Parliament of Stavropol Krai and the development of balanced policies and legislation with regard to the use of nature and environmental protection are aimed at improving quality of life for Stavropol’s citizens and forming a positive environmental image for the region. In this complex challenge the state authorities are reliant on the scientific community, civil institutions and socially responsible business, and support manufacturers and users of nture who introduce modern, effective and often high-tech eco-logical control and monitoring systems and ecologically sound production methods. All this is creating the right conditions for the “ecologicalisation” of the region’s economy and creates an opportunity to draw the ecological situation as a whole under the mantle of Stavropol Krai’s competitive advantage.

“It is not premature to die rich, but to live and enjoy the delights of civilisation is humanity’s task,” wrote the outstanding Russian ecologist N. F. Reymers in his famous environmental manifesto. Live a healthy life, and be sure that you have left your descendants at least the same- and ideally a better- chance.

Stavropol is our home, and one in which we are creating cosy surroundings and making a comfortable environment for life and work. It is open to guests-tourists hoping to breathe clean air, enjoy the scenery, immerse themselves in an atmosphere of ecological comfort, and restore their health and strength. And this home is open to investment and businesses which intend to take part in its alignment on the principles of ecological economics. V.A.Shapovalov, A. A. Likhovid

Nature reserves

A new nature reserve is to be created on the border of Stavropol Krai, Rostov Oblast and Kalmykia. The proposal, first voiced by the Minister of Nature and Environmental Protection of Stavropol Krai, was backed by attendees at a conference dedicated to maintaining wild goose numbers.

The future interregional reserve will comprise the Kumo-Manych Depression, which is located at the intersection of the three federal provinces. Ecologists describe this wetland as a unique area of global significance which has been a waypoint on birds' migration routes for thousands of years. Ornothologists underline that the use of the Manych steppe as human agricultural land has not created any major problems for the feathered migrants. Hunting, however, is a serious threat to the well¬being of aquatic birds.lt is specialists' hope that the creation of the nature reserve will address a range of problems associated with the protection of rare species. The ultimate in ecologically-sound energy sources is set to appear in Kavminvody. Construction of the first solar power station will begin in Kislovodsk next year.

A 20-hectare site has already been set aside in the northwest of the city. Three quarters of the area will be allocated to photovoltaic cells, and the rest will be occupied by solar heat-collecting panels. Thge precise arrangements are being finalised and the authorisation documentation is in progress.

The projected capacity of the solar power station is 13 MW. Half will be for electricity, and half for heating. The construction of this unique facility is to cost 3 billion roubles, of which one third will will me met by the government. It is expected that the investment will be recouped in 5-7 years. A modern technology park to handle the sorting, processing and use of waste is to be built on the outskirts of Pyatigorsk. The decision was unanimously backed by experts at the Clean City Technology conference held in the resort at the end of July,.

The issue of waste is particularly pressing for Pyatigorsk. The city administration underlined that the current system of household waste processing does not match up to modern requirements, and of course hygiene is at the top of the agenda in this federal-level resort city.

New hermetic baling technology and the modern equipment destined for the technology park will make the process of storing and utilising waste safer.

The cost of the project is 320 million roubles, all from private invesment. It is planned to accompany the completion of construction with a campaign to rid the city of illegal dumping grounds.