A new environmental initiative, the “Forest Guardians” project, has been launched in Russia by the “Nature and People” foundation in collaboration with “Lemana PRO.” This project is dedicated to the protection of Russia`s pristine forests and the rare plant and animal species that inhabit them.
Over the course of a year, experts will conduct extensive surveys of undisturbed forest territories in regions such as Arkhangelsk Oblast, Karachay-Cherkessia, Adygea, and Stavropol Krai, all known for their unique ancient woodlands.
These investigations are designed to identify the most valuable ecological sites and detect the presence of endangered animal and plant species. The data collected will be used to create updated maps of these pristine forests with precise boundaries. Furthermore, justifications for assigning protected status to these crucial forest areas will be developed.
The findings and recommendations will be submitted to government agencies and logging companies to facilitate conservation measures.
As part of the project, experts will also monitor wild reindeer populations in Arkhangelsk Oblast and the Republic of Karelia until the end of November, as these areas are vital for identifying particularly valuable conservation zones.
Pristine, or minimally disturbed, forests are defined as those that have seen little human economic activity throughout their history. They are characterized by the absence of industrial logging, roads, power lines, pipelines, and other significant signs of human intervention.
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth