Treasures of Belarusian Nature: Areas of International Significance for Conservation of Biological Diversity

Belarus covers an area of 207,600 square kilometers. Its northern part is characterized by vast coniferous forests and numerous lakes, bogs and rivers. The southern part, known as Polesie, has a landscape made up of fens and transition mires, as well as broad-leafed forests traversed by plain rivers with water logged flood plains. The present publication is the outcome of the efforts of several governmental and non-governmental organizations in Belarus to identify and describe areas having international value for the conservation of globally important biodiversity. The book contains descriptions of the unique corners of Belarusian nature, and provides insight into the problems that each area faces. We hope that the book will further facilitate contacts between Belarusian and European nature conservation and scientific organizations, enabling a new wave of expert and financial support to come forward to protect internationally important areas. Today, Belarus has a real chance to preserve its unique heritage in parallel with economic development and the improvement of people's welfare.