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Status and Trends of Biodiversity

Overview

This eastern European country possesses thousands of species of algae and fungi, which represent 80% of the country’s flora. Belarus is home to 310 species of birds, 13 species of amphibians and 7 species of reptiles. 76 mammals are present in Belarus, notably the European bison. As a result of the State Programme on conservation and re-introduction of bison, the population had risen to more than 600 individuals by 2005. In addition, the country’s waters contain 46 indigenous species of fish. The Red Book of endangered species includes 173 vascular plant species, 29 species of fungi, 24 species of lichen, and 21 species of algae. Natural changes and unsustainable sectoral activities are mentioned as some of the threats to the country’s biodiversity.

Number and Extent of Protected Areas

The Specially Protected Areas (SPA) system comprise 1 nature reserve, 4 national parks, 96 national preserves, 410 local preserves, and 909 natural monuments. The SPA system occupies 8,4% of the country’s territory.

Percentage of Forest Cover

Forests occupy 38.6% of the country’s territory.

National Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan

Major features of National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan

As stated in the NBSAP, the most important measures for the implementation of the basic provisions of the National Strategy are: the formulation of State policies and improvement of legislation in the field of conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity; the improvement of State management and control over conservation and use of biodiversity; the creation of ecological and economical backgrounds for the regulation of conservation and use of biodiversity; the development of fundamental and applied science in the field of conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity; the development of the System of Specially Protected Territories and measures for the protection of rare and endangered species; the ecological improvement of scientific and technical activities and optimum use of natural resources in various social and economic sectors; ecological education, training and promotion; and sources and ways of attraction of capital investments and technical resources.
 

• National Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan (English)
• National Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan (English)
• National Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan on national website (Russian)
• National Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan (English)

Implementation of the Convention

Measures Taken to Achieve the 2010 Target

Several measures have been taken in order to achieve the 2010 biodiversity target. The priority national target is the conservation and sustainable use of one of Europe’s most important inland water region, Belarus Polesje, located in the southern part of the country. As noted above, SPA coverage is intended to reach around 9% of the country’s territory. Also, all the species included into the Red Book are under strict protection, and conservation or restoration measures are considered and applied. By 2015, the system of the State Inventory of the country’s flora should be fully completed. Many sectors such as hunting, fishing and forestry are regulated. For example, as a result of the government’s regulations, there is a steady increase of the forest cover. The rehabilitation of degraded lands, marshes in particular, is one of the utmost priorities for the country. Local strategies for sustainable development, management of invasive alien species, adaptation to climate change, conservation of genetic diversity, increased land use effectiveness and protection of the soil surface, improved air quality, and rational use of water resources constitute some of the other aspects discussed in the Third National Report.

Initiatives in Protected Areas

In December 2005, a Specially Protected Areas system was established in which concrete biodiversity targets exist for each SPA. Among other actions related to protected areas, the country intends to increase the SPA system in order to cover around 9% of the territory by 2015. Furthermore, the State of Belarus plans to use the potential of the SPAs to contribute to the European ecological network. Measures are being taken to coordinate the SPA system of Belarus with the systems of contiguous countries. Trans-border ecological corridors are currently being developed. Also, several actions are undertaken in the Pripyat Marshes (Pripyatskoye Polesje).