There are extraordinary wild places on Earth called nature reserves. The nature in these areas has been preserved almost in its pristine state, just as it existed hundreds and thousands of years ago. One of these unique places is the Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve.

The main objectives of the Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve are:

  • ensuring the protection and use of the protected area;
  • preserving valuable natural complexes and sites within the reserve;
  • conducting scientific research;
  • conducting comprehensive monitoring of the reserve's ecosystems;
  • environmental education and public awareness, and ecotourism.

This nature conservation institution, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2025, is the oldest protected area of ​​the highest rank in Belarus. There is only one such state nature reserve in our country. It is a true benchmark for natural beauty on the European continent. What is the value of these unique Belarusian natural sites, so carefully protected by generations of people for decades?

First and foremost, it is a vast, unbroken expanse of pristine forest. Their current appearance has evolved over many decades with minimal economic impact. The reserve is dominated by coniferous forests (pine and spruce), birch, black alder, and oak groves. Most of the reserve's forests are occupied by pine forests on sandy hills and ridges, whose canopy covers the ground with a carpet of moss. This is the favorite habitat of the most beautiful bird in our forests—the wood grouse. Black alder and birch forests on peat bogs are the most unique natural complexes in Central Europe.

The marshes of the Berezinsky Nature Reserve, occupying more than half of its territory, are also unique. Nearly two dozen rarely visited marsh areas are extremely diverse: raised, transitional, and lowland. They are connected by a complex network of small forest streams and rivers, forming a single wetland complex.

Of no less value, especially for migratory birds, is the floodplain complex of the Berezina River, which gives the reserve its name. It flows through the reserve for nearly 100 kilometers. More than 80 rivers and streams flowing from the protected forests and marshes feed the Berezina, which is full-flowing almost year-round. The riverbed is winding, with countless bends and quiet pools.

That's why the Berezinsky Nature Reserve has received so many international awards and statuses. It is included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves, the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance, the European Network of Biogenetic Reserves, and the Emerald Network. It is a holder of the European Diploma for Protected Areas, and also holds the designations of an Important Botanical and Bird Area.

The diversity of the Berezinsky Nature Reserve's natural landscapes underlies the exceptional richness of its flora and fauna. More than 800 species of higher (vascular) plants grow in the protected forests, marshes, and meadows, 66 of which are listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Belarus. 216 species of mosses (11 in the Red Book), 565 species of fungi (11 in the Red Book), 317 species of algae (4 in the Red Book), and 261 species of lichens (15 in the Red Book) have been recorded in the reserve. These include such rare plants as the Chamomile-leaved grape fern, Sudeten bladderwort, Sundew intermedia, Loesel's elm, single-leaved pulverulent grass, Siberian iris, lady's slipper orchid, slender cotton grass, bladderwort, and many others. Here are just a few figures characterizing the biodiversity of the fauna: 58 species of animals, 245 species of birds, 11 species of amphibians, 6 species of reptiles, 34 species of fish, and almost 6,000 species of invertebrates. 10 species of mammals, about 60 species of birds, 1 species of reptiles, 2 species of amphibians, 1 species of fish, and 41 species of invertebrates living in the reserve are included in the Red Book of the Republic of Belarus. Protected insects include butterflies: the blue many-eyed butterfly and the large checkered butterfly. Isolated finds of sterlet and pond turtle have been recorded in the reserve. Corncrake, great snipe, spotted eagle, bittern, and eagle owl nest here; badgers, garden dormouse, and pond bats also reside here.

The Berezinsky Nature Reserve is one of the few places in Europe where the so-called "Big Five" large mammals—elk, bison, bear, wolf, and lynx—live together in the wild. These animals lead a secretive lifestyle and are quite difficult to spot in the wild.

More detailed information you can get at the official website of the Reserve WWW.BEREZINSKY.BY