One of Russia’s major business lobbying groups, Opora Rossii, is urging the government to allow hotel construction in protected forests to meet the growing demand for domestic tourism. With 260 tourism infrastructure projects worth 304.8 billion rubles currently on hold due to forest protection laws, Opora estimates that revenues from domestic tourism are rising by 30% annually. This surge in domestic tourism coincides with the challenges of traveling to popular European destinations following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Opora Rossii has requested that Russia’s Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, along with the Economic Development Ministry, amend the forest protection laws to enable hotel construction, assign specific protected forests as recreational zones, and remove territorial restrictions on ski slopes and cable cars. Both ministries are reviewing the group’s request. The Economic Development Ministry has mentioned a draft bill allowing for ski resort construction in protected forests is being considered by the government and the State Duma. However, experts caution that relaxing these regulations may lead to unauthorized construction near deregulated ski resorts, posing risks such as deforestation, soil erosion, landslides, mudslides, and flooding.
Concerns about the potential negative impacts of deforestation in mountainous areas could be alleviated through site-specific strategic environmental assessments that offer clear guidelines for businesses involved in such projects. Illegal construction near deregulated ski resorts could have severe environmental consequences, and proper assessments would be crucial in addressing and mitigating these risks. The need for balancing economic development with environmental conservation is emphasized, making it essential to have regulations and assessments in place to ensure sustainable development in protected forest areas.
The call for changes in forest protection laws to facilitate tourism infrastructure development reflects the growing importance of domestic tourism in Russia and the need to address infrastructure limitations due to current regulations. Additionally, the impact of global events, such as the invasion of Ukraine, on travel patterns has led to increased focus on domestic tourism within Russia. Strengthening the tourism industry through suitable infrastructure projects while ensuring environmental protection requires a delicate balance, with considerations for biodiversity, ecological stability, and sustainable tourism practices.
While addressing the demand for domestic tourism is vital for the economic growth of the country, it is imperative to prioritize environmental conservation and sustainable development practices. Balancing economic benefits with environmental protection is key to ensuring the long-term viability of tourism projects in protected forest areas. Through proper environmental assessments and guidelines, the government and businesses can work together to promote responsible tourism development that takes into account the ecological impact and sustainability of tourism projects across Russia. By finding a harmonious balance between economic growth and environmental preservation, Russia can support its tourism industry while safeguarding its natural heritage for future generations.
