Overview:

Polesye State Radiation-Ecological Reserve, Turov In Belarus is the only radiation-ecological reserve in Belarus and one of the few in Eastern Europe, established in 1993 to conserve wild populations and the ecosystems of the areas contaminated by the Chernobyl nuclear accident. It is located in the Turov district of Gomel Region. The reserve covers an area of 113.41 square km, making it the largest nature reserve in Belarus. It is home to wide variety of plants, animals, and birds. The reserve provides valuable insight into the effects of radiation on the environment and contributes to efforts in restoring affected ecosystems. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Belarus
Prominent Features:

Polesye State Radiation-Ecological Reserve is one of the most prominent nature reserves in Belarus. It covers an area of 2,603 square kilometers in the eastern part of the Gomel region, near the Ukraine border. It is part of the Biełaviežskaja Pushča National Park and is considered to be the most important source of biodiversity in Belarus. The reserve features wetlands, floodplains, forests, meadows, and marshes. It is an important habitat for bird populations, as well as for many mammal species like elk, beaver, deer, wolf, European bison, fox, otter, dormouse, and European hare. Invertebrates are abundantly found here, and the waters of the Reserve host many species of fish. The Reserve is a well-known site among historians and archaeologists as it has evidence of human activity dating back to Paleolithic times, with more than 40 archaeological sites in the region. In addition to its immense biological value, the Reserve also has an important cultural significance. It was the habitat of the Old-Believers (a religious sect in Russian Orthodoxy) from the mid-17th century until World War II. These communities were able to survive in the isolated wetlands of the Reserve, and left strong cultural and religious traditions that were kept alive until recently. The Polesye State Radiation-Ecological Reserve is an important environmental asset for Belarus, and is under the protection of the Republic of Belarus and the Ramsar Convention. It is open to visitors and provides recreational activities like camping and hiking. It is also a popular destination for bird-watchers. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Belarus.

History:

Polesye State Radiation-Ecological Reserve (PSRE) is a protected area located in the Turov area in Belarus, which was established in 1973 to protect the unique natural landscape, biodiversity, and high levels of radioactivity that are found in the region. The area was created in response to the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster, which caused an increase in radiation levels throughout the region. Since its formation, the reserve has worked to protect and restore the natural environment and protect its inhabitants from the radiation levels that are present. PSRE serves as a protected resource, a research site, and a tourist attraction. Much of the reserve is made up of wetlands, which are habitats for over 250 species of animals and 200 species of plants. These include amphibians, reptiles, waterfowl, and fish. The flora and fauna of the region are important to the local ecosystem and serve as an important source of food for migratory birds. The wetlands also serve as important breeding grounds for rare and endangered species such as the wild Prunella collaris, the European mink, and the Eurasian beaver. The habitat also provides support for a variety of resident species such as the otter and the Eurasian eagle owl. In addition to providing protection for its wildlife and restoring its habitats, the reserve also works to educate the public about the importance of conservation and how to protect a fragile environment. It hosts educational programs and tours for both children and adults, which teach about the reserve and its goals. The reserve also works with universities and research institutions to further its conservation efforts. In 1996, the reserve was designated a Ramsar site, a wetland of international importance, due to its importance as a home for waterfowl and other rare species, and as a refuge for endangered species and ecosystems. In 2010, the reserve celebrated its 37th anniversary with a celebration that included a guided tour, a concert, and a fireworks display. The event was attended by more than 3,000 people and served to highlight the importance of the reserve and its conservation efforts. Today, the Polesye State Radiation-Ecological Reserve is a testament to the possibility of restoring and protecting fragile ecosystems and species. It is an example of what can be achieved when people come together to protect a local environment and serves as an important reminder of the need to act to protect the world and its resources. Visit one of the famous monuments of Belarus with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Polesye State Radiation-Ecological Reserve is located in the Turov district of Belarus, in the Eastern Podlasie Lowland. 2. The Reserve was established in 1989 following the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. It is located in an area with environmental radiation levels that are 10 times higher than normal. 3. The Reserve occupies a total area of 41,000 hectares and has a unique flora and fauna, with over 900 species of birds, and 450 species of plants. 4. The Reserve is a refuge for rare animal species, such as Turacos, Bearded vultures, White-tailed eagles and Lesser Kestrels, as well as endangered plant species. 5. The Reserve is an important spawning area for the European pond turtle and is home to wild reindeer, elk, boar and deer. 6. The Reserve is primarily composed of wetlands and swamps, with almost half of the area covered by peat. 7. The Reserve is an important staging post for millions of migratory birds, particularly geese and ducks. 8. The Reserve is managed by the Department of Nature Protection of Belarus and has been designated a protected area since 1996. One of the historical monuments of Belarus, it tells the story of a bygone era