Ecotourism

Contrary to popular western myths, brown bears do not wander the streets of Moscow, but they are never very far away. The Ecological Travel Center (ETC) offers work-weary city dwellers the chance to escape the city smog and spend a weekend spotting these creatures in their natural habitat for as little as $117.

Although ecotourism is still finding its feet in Russia, the country’s national parks and nature reserves are becoming increasingly popular tourist destina­tions. ETC was founded in 1998 by graduates of Moscow State University who had a passion for nature, adventure and travel. Today the company offers cheap trips to see some of Russia’s rare and unblemished wildlife with the benefit of expert guides.

Weekend Breaks

ETC offers a range of weekend breaks, and one of the most popular is in the Central Forest State Nature Reserve. Situated in original taiga forest over 300 kilometers from Mos­cow, the reserve is virtually un­touched by civilization. The wide range of flora and large predatory animals, including brown bears, wolves and lynx, can be studied in the scientific center. The European mink, which is an endangered species, is specially protected within the reserve.

Activities on the break include an ecological trail, excursions to various areas, as well as information about the nature and history of the reserve.

The Oksky Reserve is located in the Ryazan region, about 310 kilometers from Moscow and has a bison-breeding centre. Two mammals listed in the Red Book of Endangered Species, the Russian desman and giant noctule, also live on the reserve. After excursions and a visit to the breeding center during the day, guests are shown films and slides about the reserve.

The reserve has 25 bird species that are listed in the Red Book, making it a particular attraction for birdwatchers.

Bisons are also bred on the Prioksko-Terrasny Reserve, which is only 100km from Moscow. In 1927 there were only 48 left in zoos and none in the wilderness, but thanks to breeding centers like this one, there are now 3500 in the world today.

ETC offers weekend breaks in four national parks and 3 nature reserves in the green ring of Moscow. Tours to the Central Forest start at $117 and $170 for the Oksky Reserve, although prices become more ex­pensive for smaller groups. Guests usually stay in small hotels or lodges on or near the reserves and have free time, as well as organized trips. It is also possible to do a four-day tour of three of the green ring parks.

Bird Watching

ETC also runs longer trips further out from Moscow, and many of these are specially designed for birdwatchers. The tour to the Volga delta lasts 11 days and starts at $1710, with accommodation in guest houses and a 3-star hotel included. Breeding colonies of the red-footed falcon, a rapidly dwindling spe­cies, can be seen in the forests near the lakes to the west of the delta. The tours are led by professional, English-speaking orni­thologists, with support from local guides. The flight from Moscow to Astrakhan, where the tour starts, is not included.

Another 14-day tour for bird watching is offered in the Altai Mountains, starting at $1500, where it is possible to see many rare species, including the imperial eagle, sacer falcon and whooper swan. Especially for this year there will be a special trip to the Altai Mountains where the lucky visitors can watch the solar eclipse that will happen on August 1.

There are a range of other bird watching tours available, including to Kamchatka and Siberia, and ETC is able to develop a new tour if a customer requests a particular region. They also offer fishing tours to central Siberia and the Far East with guides who specialize in catch and release fishing. Many of the tours, including the one to the Altai Mountains, involve sleeping under the stars in tents, thus bringing tired urban dwellers even closer to nature.

Longer Breaks

Lake Baikal tour is a nature cruise, allowing the guests to sleep on a boat, which transfers them to new destinations overnight. The boat visits four national parks and reserves in two weeks, as well as a Russian Buddist temple on the final day. The cost is $720, not including boat rental and the flight from Moscow to Irkutsk, where the tour starts.

The longest tour lasts 30 days and takes travelers up the Yenisey River and into the Arctic Circle. Along with visits to nature reserves, this trip involves meeting members of the local community and scientists and visits to traditional Russian houses and Yurts. The tour takes in wildlife ranging from reindeer to camels and yaks and costs just under $7,000.

Recommendation

If you would prefer to stay in the comfort of a 5-star hotel, then you have probably already concluded that ecotourism is not for you. However, if you have a particular scientific interest or just want to get away from the chaos of the city, then ETC has a range of different options. This is a great way to see Russian nature, walk in the mountains, swim in rivers and learn more about the country’s endangered species. It is also perfect for science enthusiasts, bird watchers and fishing enthusiasts, as ETC’s team has specialist knowledge and experience. 

Ed Bentley

Moscow News 10/07/2008