New Russian Arctic Park to Protect Key Polar Bear Habitat

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin announced that Russia will create a new park in the Arctic, a central area for the Barents and Kara Sea polar bear populations. The ‘Russian Arctic’ park is located on the northern part of Novaya Zemlya, a long island that arcs out into the Arctic Ocean between the Barents and Kara Seas. It also includes some adjacent marine areas.

The World Wildlife Fund has long been lobbying for the park, which is also a key area for walrus, wild reindeer and bird populations. The park creation excludes all industrial activities. The WWF focuses on protecting critical habitats for endangered species by working to stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment, and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature.

For more information visit www.wwf.org