Lake Baikal Foundation and the FSBI «Zapovednoe Podlemorye» continue cooperation on improving the recycling system and implementing responsible tourism in the Zabaikalsky national park situated in the Republic of Buryatia.
Within the «Trash Free National Parks» project the employees of the natural area jointly with the Foundation keep bringing up hospitality management to minimize environmental impact, above all – in waste management.
Visitors should consider beforehand the renewed rules of ecotourism in the area to plan their visit wisely; to pack only essential things, especially potential garbage; and to fully enjoy their stay in the unique national park on the Baikal coast.
In 2020 the Zabaikalsky national park will appreciate if the visitors follow the rules on waste treatment:
- 5 recycling points will operate in the area. You can learn their location at the entrance to the national park from a ranger, a volunteer or an information board. The recycling bins are yellow, green and brown and are designed to collect plastic bottles, cans, glass bottles and other waste respectively.
- During the stay everyone should put garbage into separate bags according to the rules learned at the entrance or from the information materials of the national park. It is essential to take out all organics from recyclables: it should be clean to be recycled. Please, dispose of your waste following the instructions on the bins.
- It is important to remember about the types of waste which are strictly prohibited to be left in the national park. Firstly, it is hazardous waste: gas bottles, batteries, paints and lacquers, chemicals, medicine, repellent sprays and all packaging which belongs to these items. Secondly, food waste should be packed and disposed beyond the borders of the national park. It can attract wildlife even if it is buried or half-burnt. Finally, it is prohibited to litter the national park’s terrain with tiny garbage: wet wipes, hygienic waste, organic leftovers, wrappers, cigarette butts. Glass pieces left on the ground are highly dangerous: when it is sunny, they work as a magnifying glass and can cause forest fires.
- If you dispose of waste at the recycling points you get «green» coupons which can be exchanged to free services of the national park during your next visit: from an excursion to a free night at the campsite. You can receive the coupons from the volunteers or rangers at the exit, provided that you followed all the rules described above.
Minimization of potential waste when you are planning your visit, correct use of the recycling bins, following the general regulations of the national park make you not just a visitor but a responsible ecotourist – an ambassador of careful attitude towards nature around us.
Keep being responsible tourist even when you returned home and unpacked your backpack: doing that you can reinforce the skill of environmentally friendly lifestyle and next time you visit the natural area recycling is an easy and enjoyable activity!