In the international database of protected areas (WDPA), the Russian Federation entered data on “Russian protected areas” within Ukraine.
For example, in this global database, information about the “Charivna Gavan” national natural park (please note that the name of the NPP is actually Ukrainian) looks like this: https://www.protectedplanet.net/555709807
In the same form, all caring people of our planet will see 130 Crimean protected areas if they inquire about them in the main world database of natural areas.
We are surprised not because Russia positions Crimea as its territory, but because it is presented as such on UN resources.
We appealed to the UN Environment Program World Conservation Monitoring Center, which manages the international database of nature conservation areas, with a request to exclude the data submitted by the Russian Federation about nature conservation areas within Ukraine and to prevent such mistakes in the future.
Please note that the Bureau of the UNEP Assembly also includes the Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine, who should monitor issues of UNEP’s work.
