UNESCO/Toson-Khulstai Biosphere Reserve
Kuznetsky AlatauÂ
General information
Facing the unfolding Siberian expanses to the north and shouldered by the Altay Mountains to the south, the Kuznetsky Alatau Ridge remains virtually unchanged since the last ice-age. In these remote mountains, the biosphere reserve will serve as a hub for social services, environmentally oriented small businesses, eco-tourism and the revival of the local indigenous culture. Designation date: 2021
Detailed information
Key data
Year of nomination
2021
Country
Russian Federation
Total population
138632
Area
Surface
2,698,772.00 ha
Location
Latitiude: 54.5 - Longitude: 88.65
Contact
Ecological Characteristics
It encompasses mountains shared by Siberian fir and Siberian pine, tundra and taiga ecosystems where Siberian forest reindeer, moose and brown bears live. Otters, minks, muskrats and beavers thrive on the shores of its rivers and lakes. The general appearance of the Kuznetsky Alatau relief is determined by the predominance of low-mountain watersheds above which the individual peaks, plexus of mountains and asymmetric mountain ranges of the middle-mountain type. The interaction of complex geological structure and neo-tectonic movements with river activity led to a significant dissection of the terrain.
Socio-Economics Characteristics
The 2,698,772-h? biosphere reserve has a population of 138,632 inhabitants and is home to the Shorian people. Over 100,000 tourists visit its monuments, witness traditional rites and sample the local cuisine each year.