In Kuban, officials attempt to lease nature reserve land as hunting ground, "EcoWatch" reports

The Ministry of Natural Resources for the Krasnodar Territory has set forth for auction the land of the state natural reserve "Lotus" and the protected Akhtar-Grivenskaya system of estuaries as a hunting ground. This was stated by the "Ecological Watch for Northern Caucasus" ("EcoWatch").

According to the "EcoWatch", in late April, two areas of 7406 and 6347 hectares were set forth for auction for lease. The Ministry of Natural Resources specifies both land plots as hunting grounds and sets the prices for 49-year lease of those land plots in the amounts of only 3400 and 2480 roubles, respectively. Similar amounts are indicated as charges for the use of fauna of those areas.

"Both land plots set forth for the auction at ridiculous starting prices constitute one sixth of the entire area of the unique wetlands of international importance 'Akhtar-Grivenskaya system of estuaries', which is protected by the Ramsar Convention," the "EcoWatch" emphasizes.

Besides, part of one of the land plots falls into the territory of the state natural reserve "Lotus" organized in 1994 for the protection of the system of estuaries.

According to the "EcoWatch", in the Primorsko-Akhtar District, the areas of hunting grounds have been formed for specific stakeholders, and luxury hunting resorts are already planned to be built there. The "EcoWatch" intends to appeal to the Prosecutor's Office, the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources, and the presidential administration to draw their attention to the situation.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.