The press service of the Land of the Leopard National Park said that residents of Popov Island will now be able to visit the northern section of the Far Eastern Marine Reserve and the western shore of Pogranichnaya Bay, which is part of it, for free. Until now, this could only be done for recreational purposes and for a fee.
In accordance with the order of the National Park that came into force, individuals registered in the village of Popova are included in the list of "beneficiaries". They are exempt from paying fees for visiting the northern section of the Far Eastern Marine Reserve.
Popov Island is located in the south of Primorye, in the Peter the Great Bay of the Sea of Japan. Its southern section, including the Likander Peninsula and the western part of Pogranichnaya Bay, has been part of the Far Eastern Marine Reserve for 45 years.
Pogranichnaya Bay has long been known to the inhabitants of the island as a picturesque and clean place for outdoor recreation. Local residents have been environmentally aware for many years and regularly clean up the bay, as well as actively participate in volunteer initiatives.
The report notes that visiting the northern section of the reserve by citizens outside the preferential categories remains paid for further control over the anthropogenic load as part of the conservation regime.
Participants discussed the boundary between nature and ecotourism, whether mass visits to unique areas can remain safe, the responsibilities of investors, and how to prepare tourists for visiting specially protected natural areas.
The head of state expressed confidence that the Forum will be held at a high level, and that its results will contribute to the development of tourism in Russia and the expansion of humanitarian and business ties.