The Kamchatka Biodiversity Conservation project, which awarded 73 small grants in 2010, has resulted in the creation of anti-poaching brigades, Russia's first salmon reserve, and other biodiversity-friendly income generating initiatives.
16 December 2010: The Kamchatka Biodiversity Conservation project, established through the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and UN Development Programme (UNDP), awarded 73 small grants in 2010 with the goal of reducing poaching in the Kamchatka peninsula in eastern Russia.
Eleven percent of Kamchatka’s habitat is a protected area. It is inhabited by 15,000 brown bears and 1,800 northern sea lions, among other endangered animals, and contains sensitive arctic and alpine forest and water ecosystems. The funds awarded by the Kamchatka Biodiversity Conservation project were used to create anti-poaching brigades and other biodiversity-friendly income generating initiatives. To date, the project has resulted in: 150 raids, leading to 44 investigations; Russia’s first salmon reserve; biodiversity-sensitive hatcheries; and visitor centers in two parks. A majority of the funds (70%) have been awarded to women and 26% to indigenous people.
The project was established in 2002 and is supported by the Canadian International Development Agency and the Moore Foundation, in addition to GEF and UNDP. [UNDP Press Release]