An object world heritage"Lake Baikal"
Lake Baikal refers to world objects natural heritage... In 1996, Baikal, together with the coastal zone, with a total area of about 8.8 million hectares. was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Baikal holds the world championship in several important parameters at once. Lake Baikal is the oldest freshwater body of water on our planet - its age is determined at 25 million years.
Baikal, occupying a huge ancient graben (tectonic fault), belonging to one of the world's largest rift systems, is recognized as the most deep lake the world - its maximum depth exceeds 1600 m.In terms of size, Baikal is also one of the largest lakes in the world: it has a length of 636 km, and its water surface extends over an area of 3.15 million hectares (in Russia it is the largest lake, in the world - on 6th place).
Lake Baikal contains a gigantic volume fresh water- about 20% of all world reserves. The transparency of the Baikal waters is also amazing - individual objects are visible at a depth of up to 40 m.
The lake is distinguished by the richest and most unusual freshwater life: out of several thousand species and varieties of plants and animals inhabiting this lake, 3/4 are recognized as endemic, which is an exceptionally high indicator by world standards. Among the endemics are such key elements of the lake ecosystem as Epishura crustacean, Baikal omul and seal (Baikal seal), as well as viviparous fish - golomyanka, as well as a number of rare forms of aquatic invertebrates (sponges, amphipods, etc.) ...
Baikal is a valuable fishery reservoir: out of 50 fish species, 17 are of great commercial value; This list, which begins with the most famous Baikal omul, also includes sturgeon, whitefish, grayling, etc.
Baikal is famous for its beauty, which attracts tourists to its shores from all over the country and from abroad, it is one of the most popular regions in all of Russia. ecological tourism(observation of animals, study trails), as well as sports (mountain and water trips) and fishing tourism (collection of gifts from the taiga, hunting and fishing). There are many picturesque bays, excellent beaches, quaint cliffs and rocky outcrops adorn the shores.
There are boat trips along the lake, and along the southwestern shore you can ride along the old Circum-Baikal railroad
(1905), with a mass of tunnels and bridges, which is a real monument of engineering art.
On the shores of Lake Baikal (which was discovered by Russian pioneers in the middle of the 17th century), traces of settlements from the Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Ages, ancient burials were found. There are many interesting monuments of history and culture here. Currently, around the entire Baikal is being designed great Baikal trail.
The Lake Baikal region is distinguished by its high biodiversity. Thus, the local flora is represented by more than 800 species of higher plants, including a number of endemic and rare forms. Among about 50 species of mammals that live in the coastal zone in swamps, in the steppes and forest-steppe, in the foothill and mountain forests, as well as in the midst of alpine loaches and tundra, the most typical are wild reindeer, maral, elk, musk deer, wild boar , Brown bear, wolf, fox, sable, ermine, Siberian weasel, squirrel, chipmunk, tarbagan marmot, otter and muskrat. Among the birds (about 250 species in total), the rarest ones listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation are: peregrine falcon, osprey, golden eagle, black crane and white-tailed eagle (the latter two are also in the International Red Book).
State Natural Biosphere Reserve "Barguzinsky"-first state reserve Russia - was established in 1916 in order to preserve the Barguzin sable from complete destruction, restore its range and population on the northeastern coast of Lake Baikal, and also to promote the restoration of the sable population in the country.
The reserve is located on the territory of the Republic of Buryatia and has an area of 374.3 thousand hectares, including 15.0 thousand hectares in the water area of Lake Baikal and 111.2 thousand hectares is a biosphere polygon.
In 1986, the Barguzinsky reserve was included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
The reserve occupies the northeastern coast of Lake Baikal and the western slopes of the Barguzinsky ridge. The maximum heights of the ridge within the reserve are up to 2668.2 m, the minimum - from 455.9 m. In the valleys of the Ezovka, Bolshaya, Talamush and Davshe rivers there are thermal springs with water temperatures in some of them above 70 ° C.
The reserve is located in several altitudinal zones. The coast of Lake Baikal is bordered by larch forests, followed by mountain-taiga forests. The upper border of the forest is formed by birch, fir and spruce forests with a powerful developed tall grasses and shrub thickets. About 32% of the territory of the reserve is occupied by the alpine alpine belt.
The flora contains 876 species of higher vascular plants, 1241 species of algae, 132 species of fungi, 212 species of lichens and 147 species of bryophytes. Their endemic species are marked astragalus trichedron, Turchaninov's meadow, Smirnov's bluegrass, from relict species - lanceolate grapebill, three-flowered bedstraw, common snake. 5 species of flowering plants and 3 species of lichens are included in the Red Book of the Russian Federation, 31 species of flowering plants and 6 species of lichens are included in the Red Data Book of the Republic of Buryatia.
The fauna of the reserve is typically taiga, but with some peculiarities caused by the close proximity of Lake Baikal. Five species of mammals - barguzin sable, reindeer, red deer, brown bear, black-capped marmot are among the most valuable representatives of the fauna.
Given the inaccessibility of the territory, the main route of communication in the reserve is by water, along Lake Baikal, along which in winter it is possible to travel along an ice road by motor transport.
Baikal State Natural Biosphere Reserve organized in 1969 on the southern coast of Lake Baikal, in the area of the Khamar-Daban ridge.
The purpose of creating the reserve is to protect in their natural form the unique landscapes of the Southern Baikal region.
The reserve is located on the territory of the Republic of Buryatia and has an area of 165.7 thousand hectares. The state nature reserve "Kabansky" was transferred to the jurisdiction of the reserve.
In 1986, the Baikal Nature Reserve was awarded the status of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. According to the Ramsar Convention, the territory of the Kabansky reserve is classified as a wetland of international importance as a habitat for waterfowl.
The relief of the territory was formed about 1 million years ago. The seismicity of the axial part of the Khamar-Daban ridge is estimated at 7 points. The length of the northern slope of the ridge facing Baikal reaches 35 km with a height difference of 1,860 m, the southern slope - 12-15 km with a height difference of up to 1,550 m. The ridge is characterized by alpine-type landscapes with sharp mountain peaks and steep slopes.
The flora of the reserve is typical for the mountains of Southern Siberia and includes more than 800 species of higher vascular plants, 308 species of mosses, 651 species of lichens (9 species of lichens are included in the Red Book of the Russian Federation). More than 60% of the reserve is covered by forests. Beginning at an altitude of 1800 m above sea level, the alpine belt begins, represented by low-grass meadows, mountain tundra, and shrub wastelands.
The fauna of the reserve is typical for the mountains of Southern Siberia. The mammalian fauna is represented by 49 species (sable, red deer, elk, Siberian roe deer, musk deer, etc.), ichthyofauna - 17 species (grayling, lenok, taimen).
The Baikalsky Nature Reserve has a number of scientific and ecological tourism routes.
State nature reserve "Kabansky" was founded in 1974, has an area of 18.0 thousand hectares and is located in the delta of the Selenga River.
On the territory of the reserve, mallards, gray duck, red-headed duck, and crested ducks nest in large numbers; colonies of gulls, river terns, gray herons settle. During the migration period, there are favorable conditions for rest and feeding of thousands of ducks, waders, gulls and other birds.
Among the birds that live in the reserve, the following are listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation: white-tailed eagle, Siberian Crane, black stork, suckling bird, golden eagle, gyrfalcon, peregrine falcon, saker falcon, etc.
State nature reserve"Baikal-Lensky" is located in the Irkutsk region and covers an area of 659.9 thousand hectares. The reserve was founded in 1986 in order to preserve mountain-taiga landscapes and a number of natural phenomena.
The reserve is located on the northwestern shore of Lake Baikal, in the area of the Baikal ridge. The fluctuations in heights are quite significant - from 455 m (the level of Lake Baikal) to 2 thousand m and more.
By the nature of the relief, the territory of the reserve belongs to the Sayano-Baikal mountain-folded region; glacial landforms are also present here.
The hydrographic network of the reserve is extremely rich and varied. The Lena River starts here, the length of which within the reserve is about 250 km.
The vegetation is represented by seven types: forest, steppe, shrub, tundra, meadow, marsh and water. The dominant type of vegetation is forest. The forest area is 86.4%, dominated by larch, pine and cedar. There are areas of relict Daurian steppes.
The reserve contains 922 species of vascular plants, 133 species of fungi, 312 species of lichens, 179 species of mosses. Of the vascular plants, 54 species are endemic to the Baikal region and southern Siberia.
Protected species include Rhodiola rosea, Altai onion, dwarf lily, Turchaninov's pike, etc.
Animal world the reserve is distinguished by its diversity: taiga species - brown bear, squirrel, sable, elk, chipmunk, nutcracker, capercaillie, hazel grouse; steppe species - long-tailed ground squirrel, Daurian jackdaw, ogar, etc .; southern taiga species - Siberian roe deer, red deer; wetland species - gray crane, black stork.
National Park "Pribaikalsky" located within the Slyudyansky, Irkutsk and Olkhonsky districts of the Irkutsk region. Founded in 1986, it consists of several plots with a total area of 417.3 thousand hectares.
There are 3 key bird areas in the park international importance: Olkhon Island and Olkhonie Island with an area of 220 thousand hectares; "South Baikal Falcon Migration Corridor" with an area of 7.5 thousand hectares; "The source and upper course of the Angara River" an area of 2.5 thousand hectares.
The relief of the park is extremely rugged with small differences in height. The hydrographic network is very well developed: about 150 different watercourses (rivers, streams, streams, etc.) flow here, 60 of which flow directly into Lake Baikal. The park has about 80 lakes of various origins.
On the territory of the park there are 5 species of lycopods, 37 species of ferns, 13 species of gymnosperms and 1277 species of angiosperms. 16 plant species are listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation (Altai onion, bulbous calypso, Olkhon astragalus, etc.).
Among the representatives of the animal world, 25 species of fish, 4 species of amphibians, 5 species of reptiles, 320 species of birds (including 200 nesting species), 63 species of mammals live here. The southwestern coast of Lake Baikal is the “route” of the massive autumn migration of birds of prey (up to 2 thousand per day).
One of the main activities national park"Pribaikalsky" is the development of natural and historical and cultural tourism. There are a lot of interesting places in the park: majestic cliffs, rocks, picturesque bays and bays, caves; about 1 thousand archaeological sites: ancient settlements, rock paintings, stone "tent" graves, etc.
Zabaikalsky National Park located on the territory of the Barguzinsky district of the Republic of Buryatia. The park was founded in 1986 and has an area of 268.1 thousand hectares, including the water area of Lake Baikal - 37.0 thousand hectares.
Two ridges stretch across the park: Barguzinsky (the highest point is 2376 m above sea level) and Sredinny (the highest point is 1877 m above sea level).
The largest inland lakes of the park are Arangatui and Small Arangatui, as well as Lake Bormashovoe, famous for its mineral waters. The most famous outlets of thermal waters are the springs Zmeiny, Nechaevsky, Kulinoe.
In the structure of the vegetation cover, the vertical zonation characteristic of the Transbaikal mountains is well traced. The forests are dominated by conifers (pine, dwarf cedar, cedar, larch, fir).
The flora of vascular plants numbers more than 700 species, including many endemic, rare and relict ones.
The fauna of mammals has about 50 species, the fauna of birds - about 250 species, the fauna of reptiles - 6 species and amphibians - 3 species. The Ushkany Islands are home to the largest seal population on Lake Baikal. The Siberian sturgeon is a particularly valuable and rare species.
One of the main activities of the park is the development of nature tourism. Large recreational objects are marked here: Chivyrkuisky and Barguzinsky bays, Svyatoy Nos peninsula, Barguzinsky ridge and Chivyrkuisky isthmus. The wetland ecosystems of the Chivyrkuisky Isthmus are one of the largest nesting sites for birds on Lake Baikal. The thermal springs of the Zmeevaya Bay are famous for their healing properties.
Into object World Heritage Site "Lake Baikal" also includes: a small part of the Tunkinsky National Park and the Frolikhinsky State Nature Reserve.
National Park "Tunkinsky" is located on the territory of the Tunkinsky district of the Republic of Buryatia and covers an area of 1183.7 thousand hectares. The park was created in 1991.
Within the park, there are Tunkinskiye Goltsy, the Khamar-Daban ridge and a chain of intermontane basins. Mineral water The Tunkinskaya depression has a wide range of medicinal properties.
The dominant type of vegetation in the park is taiga. More than 40 species of rare plants are widespread here, many of which are relics and endemics.
More than 300 species of vertebrates are represented in the national park. There are more than 230 species of birds, including 200 nesting species. V last years Attempts are being made to restore the population of the two-humped camel, which was widespread here in former times, in the Tunkinskaya valley.
One of the main activities of the Tukinsky National Park is the development of natural, historical, cultural and health tourism.
G state natural reserve "Frolikhinsky" is located on the territory of the Severobaikalsk region of the Republic of Buryatia. It was formed in 1986 with the aim of preserving the number and reproduction of wild animals, their habitats, as well as for the protection of rare and endangered species and the protection of natural monuments, such as Singing Sands Turali, Rock Papakha, Lake Frolikha, Ayaya Bay, Cape Haman -Kit, Frolikhinsky source, etc.
The area of the reserve is 109.2 thousand hectares. Most of the territory is occupied by coniferous taiga forests, the main forest-forming species of which are Siberian pine, Daurian larch, spruce, fir, dwarf cedar. The hunting fauna of the reserve includes the following species: elk, red deer, musk deer, wild reindeer, bear, lynx, wolverine, sable, squirrel, red fox, capercaillie, hazel grouse.
Lake Baikal is one of the most beautiful and picturesque places not only in the Asian part of our country, and on the entire planet. This is the oldest lake (its age is about 25-35 million years), lying in a rift depression, located in the southern part of Eastern Siberia. It is the largest reservoir of fresh water on Earth; 22% of all fresh, clean and transparent water in the whole world and 85% of Russia are concentrated here. The volume of water is 23 thousand km 3 (these are five Great Lakes combined in the United States). In addition to the value of the huge reserves of fresh water, which, due to its low mineralization (100 g / l), can be safely equated with distilled water, it should also be noted that Baikal is the deepest lake in the world and has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1996.
Geographical position
Lake Baikal, which has the shape of an elongated crescent from the southwest to the northeast, is located almost in the very center of the Eurasia continent, in Central Asia, in the southern part of Eastern Siberia. An ancient rift depression of glacial origin, in which the lake basin is located, lies in the Baikal mountain region, surrounded by high peaks of mountain ranges and hills overgrown with dense forests (the border of the Irkutsk region and the Republic of Buryatia in the Russian Federation).
Characteristics of Lake Baikal
The area of the lake is 31.7 thousand km 2, it is the seventh place in the world after the Caspian Sea-lake, lakes Victoria, Taganyika, Huron, Michigan, Superior or the area of the countries of Belgium or the Netherlands. The lake is 636 km long, the widest is in the center (81 km), the narrowest is near the delta of the Serenga River (27 km).
The average depth of the lake is 744.4 m higher than the maximum depths of many lakes in the world; its maximum depth, measured by Soviet scientists Kolotilo and Sulimov in 1983, was 1640 m, which made Baikal the deepest lake in the world.
The lake lies in a glacial rift depression, surrounded on all sides by mountain ranges and hills. The length of the coastline is 2 thousand km, the western coast is rocky and steep, the eastern one is more gentle, the mountains are located tens of kilometers from the coast. The lake's water area has six bays (Barguzinsky, Chivyrkuisky, Proval, Posolsky, Cherkalov, Mukhor), two dozen bays (Deciduous, Sandy, Aya, many closed shallow bays, called sors. The only river flows out of the lake - Angara, more than 336 rivers flow and rivulets, of the large ones you can name the Selenga, Upper Angara, Barguzin, Snezhnaya, Kichera, etc.
Temperature regime of water
The water, due to its low mineralization, is remarkable for its amazing purity, transparency (visible to a depth of 40 meters), oxygen saturation. In spring, the water is especially transparent and has a deep blue-blue color; in summer, as a result of the development of organic matter, the transparency decreases and the waters acquire a blue-green hue. The average annual water surface temperature is about + 4 ° С, in the summer period the water is +16, + 17 ° С, in the litter it reaches + 22, + 23 ° С.
Baikal is almost completely covered with a layer of ice (1-2 meters) from January to May (with the exception of a small area of 15-20 km at the source of the Angara). One of the amazing mysteries of Lake Baikal is the appearance in winter of huge dark rings on the ice, which are visible only from a height. Presumably, they are formed as a result of the release of methane from the depths of the lake, this contributes to the formation of huge proparins with a diameter of hundreds of meters with a very thin layer of ice.
Winds on Baikal
Distinctive features of the Baikal climate are its winds, they blow almost always, their maximum wind speed is 40 m / s. There are more than 30 names of winds blowing there: north-west winds - mountain, north-east winds - barguzin, verkhovik), southeast winds - shelonnik, southwestern winds - kultuk, sarma - wind blowing in the center of Baikal. They blow mainly along the coast, where there are practically no places to hide from such a piercing and strong wind.
Lake Baikal nature
The flora and fauna of the lake is diverse and unique. Oxygenated water makes life here a large number living organisms, more than 2600 species and subspecies of aquatic inhabitants live here, most of them are endemics. More than 58 species of fish live in the water column, such as omul, grayling, whitefish, taimen, Baikal sturgeon, lenok, golomyanka (a unique fish, consisting of 30% fat).
The coast is covered by more than 2000 species of plants, about 2000 species of birds nest here, a unique marine mammal - the Baikal seal lives here, in the mountainous part of the Baikal region - the smallest deer in the world - musk deer.
(Olkhon is the largest island of Lake Baikal)
The northeastern coast of the lake is part of the protected area of the Barguzinsky State Natural biosphere reserve Since 1996 Baikal has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Localities and cities
Large cities located several tens of kilometers from the lake are Irkutsk, Ulan-Ude (130 km east of the lake) and Severobaikalsk (in the northern part of the lake coast). From Irkutsk (70 km from Baikal), the closest to the most ancient Baikal village at the source of the Angara - Listvyanka, it is more than three hundred years old. Well developed here tourist infrastructure and there is the Museum of the Lake, dedicated to the history of Lake Baikal, its flora and fauna. Also in the village there is a nerpinarium, where they show an exciting water show with the participation of Baikal seals and the legendary Shaman-stone, a reserved rock at the source of the Angara, here in ancient times ancient shamanic rituals were held.
Climate and seasons
(Transparent water of Baikal in summer)
Eastern Siberia lies in a temperate, sharply continental climatic zone However, the huge masses of water contained in Lake Baikal have a special effect on the coastal climate and, due to this, unusual microclimate conditions are formed with warm mild winters and cool summers. The water masses of the lake act as a huge natural stabilizer and make the winter warmer and the summer cooler than, for example, in Irkutsk, located a short distance from the lake (70 km). The air temperature in summer can reach + 35 ° С.
(Transparent ice on Baikal in winter)
In winter, the waters of Lake Baikal are bound by incredibly transparent and smooth ice. The temperature above the surface of the lake in the middle of winter is about -21 ° С, and on the coasts it is 5-10 degrees higher, on average -10 ° С - 17 ° С. Due to low evaporation cold water from the surface of the lake, clouds are very rarely formed here, therefore the area of Lake Baikal is distinguished by a high total duration of sunshine, cloudy and cloudy days are rare.
Lake Baikal.
Baikal was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996 according to four natural criteria:
(vii) The Site is a natural phenomenon or space of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance.
(viii) The object is an outstanding example of the main stages in the history of the Earth, including a monument of the past, a symbol of the ongoing geological processes in the development of the relief, or a symbol of geomorphological or physical-geographical features.
(ix) The Site is an outstanding example of ongoing ecological or biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems and plant and animal communities.
(x) Site includes the most important or significant natural habitat for the conservation of biological diversity, including endangered species of exceptional global value from a scientific and conservation point of view.
The lake is in Russian Federation, on the border of the Irkutsk region and the Republic of Buryatia, stretches from north-east to south-west for 620 km in the form of a crescent. The width of Lake Baikal ranges from 24 to 80 km.
Baikal is the deepest and most ancient lake on earth. The maximum depth of the lake is 1642 m. It is located at the point with coordinates 53 ° 14′59 ″ s. sh. 108 ° 05'11 ″ east (installed in 1983 by an expedition of the State Scientific and Research Department of the Ministry of Defense, confirmed in 2002 as a result of the implementation of the Belgian-Spanish-Russian project to create a new bathymetric map Baikal)
Baikal is located in a continental depression: the lowest point of the basin lies 1187 m below sea level
The average depth of the lake is 744.4 m. The water surface of the lake covers an area 31,722 km². Fresh water reserves in Lake Baikal - 23 615.39 km³ (about 19% of the world's fresh lake water reserves)
The geological rift system that gave rise to Lake Baikal was formed in the Mesozoic period. The age of the Baikal basin is estimated at 20-25 million years. The Baikal rift zone belongs to the territories with high seismicity; earthquakes occur here regularly, the strength of which is one or two points.
336 rivers and streams flow into Baikal. The largest of them are Selenga, Upper Angara, Barguzin, Turka, Snezhnaya, Sarma. One river flows out of the lake - the Angara.
(View from an altitude of 734 km, altitude: 952 km.)
The Holy Nose Peninsula is the largest peninsula that separates the Chivyrkuisky and Barguzinsky bays. The largest island in the lake is Olkhon. Ushkany Islands are four islands in the middle part of Baikal: Bolshoi, Krugly, Tonky and Dolgiy. By area, they are about 10 square meters. Islands of the Chivyrkuisky Bay - Shaggy, Naked, White stone, Baklaniy and Kovryazhka and the Maloye More islands - Izhilkhei, Edor, Modoto, Kharantsy, Zamotay, Ogoy, Borakchin, Khubyn, Khunuk, Bolshoi and Maly Toinaki.
In the north of the lake are the islands of Yarki and Millionniy.
The Ushkany Islands are known for the largest rookery of the Baikal seal. The Baikal seal is an endemic of the lake and a landmark of the Trans-Baikal National Park.
Baikal seals.
Seal cub.
Baikal has about 2600 species and subspecies of living organisms.
About 1000 species are endemic.
The most famous fish of Lake Baikal: Baikal omul, grayling, whitefish, Baikal sturgeon, golomyanka.
The lake is inhabited by a number of rare forms of aquatic invertebrates (sponges, amphipods).
Crustacean Baikal Epishura plays a very important role in the ecosystem of the lake. This representative of the planktonic crustacean species, 1.5 mm in size, consumes organic matter, passing water through its body. Being a natural filter, the Baikal Epishura purifies the lake water.
On the Eastern shore of Lake Baikal, there is the Trans-Baikal national park, the Pribaikalsky National Park is located on the western coast.
The flora of the coastal zone of Lake Baikal is represented by more than 800 plant species.
Among about 50 species of mammals that live in the coastal zone in marshes, in the steppes and forest-steppe, in the foothill and mountain forests, high-mountain areas: wild reindeer, maral, elk, musk deer, wild boar, brown bear, wolf, fox, sable, ermine , columns, squirrel, chipmunk, tarbagan marmot, otter, muskrat.
About 250 species of birds live in the Baikal region. Most rare species: peregrine falcon, osprey, golden eagle, black crane, white-tailed eagle.
Baikal is a World Natural Heritage Site. In 2016, it will already be 20 years since Lake Baikal was included in the World Natural Heritage List. This happened on December 5, 1996 by the decision of the 20th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, held in the Mexican city of Merida. Russia has submitted an application for the inclusion of Lake Baikal in the World Natural Heritage List.
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To be included in the World Natural Heritage List, a candidate property must meet at least one of four criteria:
- to be an outstanding example representing the main stages of the development of the Earth, including evidence of ancient life, significant geological processes in the stage of formation of landforms, geomorphological and physiographic elements that are of great importance;
- or be an outstanding example representing ecological and biological evolutionary processes, the development of ecosystems and terrestrial, river, coastal and marine communities of plants and animals;
- or represent a natural phenomenon or area of exceptional aesthetic value;
- or contain habitats most representative and important for conservation biological diversity species, including those habitats where species of outstanding global scientific and conservation importance and threatened with extinction are preserved.
Baikal met all four criteria.
Of the thousands of natural sites on the List, just over a dozen satisfy four criteria.
The decision adopted by the UNESCO Committee noted:
Lake Baikal is a classic case of a World Heritage site that meets all four natural criteria.
Baikal itself is the main object of the nomination. The features of the lake, hidden to a greater extent from the eyes by water, are of the main value for science and protection. The lake is surrounded by mountain-taiga landscapes and specially protected natural areas, mainly preserved in their natural state and of additional value.
Lake Baikal is a limnological wonder and a territory with the following excellent qualities:
- The geological rift system that gave rise to Lake Baikal was formed in the Mesozoic period. Lake Baikal is the oldest and deepest lake on Earth. Various tectonic forces still continue to operate, as evidenced by the outflow of thermal flows from the depths of the lake.
- The evolution of aquatic organisms throughout this long period has led to the formation of a unique endemic flora and fauna.
- Lake Baikal is the "Galapagos Islands of Russia" and is of exceptional value for the study of evolution.
- The picturesque landscape around the Baikal basin with mountain ranges, boreal forests, tundra, lakes, islands and steppes provides an exceptionally picturesque environment of Lake Baikal.
- Baikal is the largest reservoir of fresh water on Earth (20% of all world reserves), which additionally characterizes it as a unique phenomenon.
- Lake Baikal is one of the most biodiverse lakes on Earth, it is home to 1340 animal species (745 are endemic) and 570 plant species (150 are endemic). In the forests surrounding the lake, there are 10 plant species listed in the IUCN Red Data Book, and the full range of typical boreal species is represented. "
When Baikal was included in the World Natural Heritage List, the Russian leadership was given special recommendations:
- to adopt the Federal Law on Lake Baikal;
redesign the Baikal PPM in order to eliminate it as a source of pollution; - to reduce the discharge of pollutants into the Selenga River;
- to increase the resource provision for the activities of nature reserves and national parks adjacent to the lake;
- continue support scientific research and monitoring at Lake Baikal.
