Russian Federation

This is a cluster biosphere reserve covering a total of 126,700 hectares next to the border with Mongolia, 700 km south-east of Lake Baikal. Situated in the Mongolian-Manchurian Steppe biogeographic region, the area covers vast steppes and pine forests on elevations ranging from 598 to 769 meters above sea level. Sodic lakes (e.g. Barun-Toney Lake) and wetlands lying in ancient tectonic depressions are of particular interest for the bird life: 308 species of birds have been identified, many of which are endangered. The climate is extremely continental with winter temperatures falling to -40°C and the summers with +40°C.

Due to this harsh conditions population is very low in the biosphere reserve: only about 3,000 Mongol nomads (1994) live here and continue to follow their traditional lifestyle. The preservation of the steppe ecosystem is a precondition for the life of the people.

Research and monitoring has been carried out for example on climate, freshwater ecosystems, precipitation chemistry, vegetation and water quality. Consultations are underway to extend this biosphere reserve to the neighboring countries China and Mongolia and thus create a transboundary biosphere reserve among the three countries.