On the establishment of Lenskiye Stolby National Park (Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)

Lenskiye Stolby (Lena Pillars) National Park with a total area of 1,217,941 ha will be created in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). The creation of the national park is aimed at the conservation of the natural landmarks – Lena and Buotama Pillars – in the valleys of the rivers Lena and Buotama that have a large environmental, research and recreational importance in Russia and worldwide.

Reference

The proposal was submitted by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in accordance with Federal Law No. 33-FZ of 14 March 1995, On Specially Protected Natural Areas.

The creation of Lenskiye Stolby (Lena Pillars) National Park in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) was approved as per the Concept for the Development of Specially Protected Natural Areas of Federal Significance to 2020 and the Plan for Marking the Year of the Environment in Russia in 2017.

The signed directive establishes Lenskiye Stolby National Park with a total area of 1,217,941 ha in the Aldan, Olyokminsk and Khangalassky districts in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). The national park will be managed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

A large part of the future national park is used by the Evenki indigenous communities for their traditional activities such as reindeer herding, hunting and fishing. All of them are environmentally friendly and provide for the preservation of the biodiversity.

The national park is created to preserve the Lena and Buotama (right-bank tributary of the Lena River) Pillars, geological formations that appeared in the Cambrian period due to karst processes in the permafrost. These natural landmarks and unique geological formations of Russian and international significance are very important for environmental protection, research and recreation.

In 2012, the Lena Pillars were included on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.

The national park is home to 464 species of vascular plants, 38 mammal species, 105 bird species, two amphibian species, two reptile species, some 750 insect species and 21 fish species. Some of the plants and animals are listed on the Russian and Yakut red data books.

The remains of mammoths, bisons, the wooly rhinoceros, Lena horse and reindeer aged over 24,000-65,000 years were found within the park’s territory.

The decision will provide the legal foundation for taking special measures to protect the natural landmarks and facilities within the national park.